Summary
✨ AI‑Generated
Join a collaborative engineering team as a senior Python backend engineer building APIs and production services for an AI-powered platform. You will integrate AI models, process large and complex datasets, design for reliable scaling, and solve challenging problems that may require experimentation and solutions beyond off-the-shelf components.
Highlights
Senior backend opportunity focused on production AI systems, large and complex datasets, scalable APIs and services, and close collaboration with technical leadership in an environment that values experimentation and practical problem solving.
Description
# SENIOR BACKEND ENGINEER — PYTHON
## About the Role
Scalera is an **ETH Zurich spin-off** building AI-powered procurement software for the European construction industry.
Its platform automates supplier selection, tender management, and bid evaluation, processing more than **CHF 8 billion in tender volume** for over **110 customers** across Switzerland, Austria, and Germany.
As a **Senior Backend Engineer**, you will join a collaborative engineering team responsible for the services and APIs powering Scalera's AI-driven platform.
Working closely with the CTO and VP Engineering, you will build production systems that integrate AI models, process large and complex datasets, and support reliable scaling across Europe.
This role is suited to an engineer who enjoys solving complex problems that cannot always be addressed with off-the-shelf solutions and is comfortable experimenting, iterating, and finding practical solutions in ambiguous environments.
## Key Responsibilities
* Own engineering problems end-to-end, from understanding user needs through solution delivery.
* Build and maintain **Python backend services** that bring AI capabilities into production.
* Develop AI-powered functionality such as document parsing, supplier matching, and bid scoring.
* Design and implement APIs and integrations connecting AI systems with frontend applications and external platforms.
* Develop data pipelines to ingest, normalize, and process large volumes of structured and unstructured construction data.
* Collaborate with engineering teammates on code reviews, testing, and CI/CD practices.
* Contribute ideas for applying emerging AI techniques to real-world procurement challenges.
* Work closely with the CTO and VP Engineering on backend and AI infrastructure.
## Required Qualifications
* **4+ years of backend engineering experience**, with Python as the primary programming language.
* Strong API design skills and experience with **RESTful systems**.
* Hands-on production experience with **FastAPI or Django**.
* Solid understanding of databases, data modeling, and query optimization.
* Experience with **CI/CD**.
* Strong focus on code quality and maintainability.
* Ability to work effectively in ambiguous environments by scoping, prioritizing, and delivering solutions.
* Interest in **AI/ML systems** and their behavior in production.
* Clear communication and strong team collaboration skills.
## Preferred Qualifications
* Experience with **GCP**, including Cloud Run, BigQuery, Pub/Sub, or similar services.
* Background in data-heavy or AI-integrated product architectures.
* Familiarity with AI developer tools such as Cursor, Claude, or Copilot.
* Experience in **B2B SaaS, construction technology, or procurement**.
* German language skills.
## Skills & Competencies
* Python backend development
* FastAPI / Django
* REST API design
* API integrations
* Database design and data modeling
* Query optimization
* Data pipelines
* Structured and unstructured data processing
* AI/ML production systems
* CI/CD
* Software testing
* Code reviews
* Code quality and maintainability
* Problem-solving in ambiguous environments
* User-focused engineering
* Technical experimentation and iteration
* Team collaboration and communication
## Education & Experience
**Education:**
No specific educational qualification is stated in the provided job description.
**Experience:**
* 4+ years of backend engineering experience.
* Primary professional experience with Python.
* Production experience with FastAPI or Django.
* Experience with APIs, databases, data modeling, query optimization, and CI/CD.
## Work Arrangement & Schedule
* **Headquarters:** Zurich, Switzerland
* **Work Arrangement:** Hybrid
* **Office Attendance:** Four days per week in the Zurich office
* **Remote Work:** Fridays are remote
* **Employment Type:** Not specified in the provided job description
## Compensation & Benefits
* Competitive salary.
* Equity participation.
* Small, fast-moving team with limited bureaucracy.
* Direct collaboration with decision-makers and senior engineering leadership.
## Compliance / Additional Information
* Scalera's platform serves customers across Switzerland, Austria, and Germany.
* The role involves working with AI-powered procurement technology and complex construction industry data.
