Backend Engineer II - WFH Role

# Senior Backend Engineer (Python)

## About the Role

Scalera is an ETH Zurich spin-off developing **AI-powered procurement software** for the European construction industry. The platform automates supplier selection, tender management, and bid evaluation, processing more than CHF 8 billion in tender volume for 110+ customers across Switzerland, Austria, and Germany.

As a **Senior Backend Engineer**, you will join a collaborative engineering team responsible for the backend services and APIs powering Scalera’s AI-driven platform. Working closely with the CTO and VP Engineering, you will integrate AI models into production workflows, process complex datasets, build reliable systems, and help scale the platform across Europe.

## Key Responsibilities

* Own engineering problems end-to-end, from understanding user needs to delivering production solutions.

* Build and maintain **Python backend services** that bring AI capabilities into production, including document parsing, supplier matching, and bid scoring.

* Design and implement **RESTful 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 on code reviews, testing, CI/CD, and software quality practices.

* Explore and contribute ideas for applying new **AI techniques** to real-world procurement challenges.

* Work effectively in an environment where solutions may require experimentation, iteration, and discovery.

## Required Qualifications

* **4+ years of backend engineering experience**.

* **Python** as a 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, maintainability, and reliable software development.

* Ability to work effectively in ambiguous environments, including scoping, prioritizing, and delivering solutions without perfect clarity.

* Interest in **AI/ML systems** and understanding how they operate in production.

* Clear communication and strong collaboration skills.

## Preferred Qualifications

* Experience with **Google Cloud Platform (GCP)**, including Cloud Run, BigQuery, Pub/Sub, or similar services.

* Experience with **data-heavy or AI-integrated product architectures**.

* Familiarity with AI developer tools such as **Cursor, Claude, or GitHub Copilot**.

* Experience in **B2B SaaS, construction technology, or procurement**.

* **German language skills**.

## Skills & Competencies

* Python

* Backend Engineering

* FastAPI / Django

* REST APIs

* API Design

* Database Design & Data Modeling

* Query Optimization

* Data Pipelines

* Structured & Unstructured Data Processing

* CI/CD

* Code Quality & Maintainability

* AI/ML Integration

* AI-Enabled Applications

* Cloud Infrastructure

* GCP

* B2B SaaS

* Agile Collaboration

* Problem Solving in Ambiguous Environments

## Education & Experience

* **Experience:** 4+ years of backend engineering experience with Python as the primary language.

* No specific educational qualification is stated in the source job description.

## Work Arrangement & Location

* **Location:** Zürich, Switzerland.

* **Work Arrangement:** Primarily office-based.

* **Schedule:** Four days in-office with **Fridays remote**.

* The role is part of a small, fast-moving engineering team with direct collaboration with company leadership.

## Compensation & Benefits

* Competitive salary.

* Equity.

* Small team environment with minimal bureaucracy and direct access to decision-makers.