Backend Engineer, Sr. -WFH

# Senior Backend Engineer (Python)

## About the Company

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 and has processed more than CHF 8 billion in tender volume for over 110 customers across Switzerland, Austria, and Germany.

Scalera is a small, fast-moving team focused on applying AI techniques to complex, real-world procurement challenges.

## About the Role

Scalera is looking for a Senior Backend Engineer to build the services and APIs powering its AI-driven procurement platform. You will work closely with the CTO and VP Engineering on integrating AI models into production workflows, processing large and complex datasets, and building reliable infrastructure as the platform expands across Europe.

The role offers significant ownership, from understanding user needs and defining solutions to shipping production systems. You will work in an environment where problems often require experimentation rather than off-the-shelf solutions.

## Key Responsibilities

* Own backend problems end-to-end, including understanding user needs, defining solutions, and delivering production systems.

* 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 architecture and production challenges.

## Required Qualifications

* 4+ years of backend engineering experience.

* Python as a primary programming language.

* Strong API design skills and experience with RESTful systems.

* Production experience with FastAPI or Django.

* Solid understanding of databases and data modeling.

* Experience with query optimization.

* Experience with CI/CD.

* Strong focus on code quality and maintainability.

* Ability to work effectively in ambiguous environments.

* Ability to scope, prioritize, and deliver solutions without requiring perfect clarity.

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

* Clear communication and strong teamwork 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.

* B2B SaaS experience.

* Construction technology experience.

* Procurement domain knowledge.

* German language skills.

## Skills & Competencies

* Python

* Backend engineering

* RESTful APIs

* API design

* FastAPI

* Django

* Database design and data modeling

* Query optimization

* Data pipelines

* Structured and unstructured data processing

* CI/CD

* AI/ML integration

* Cloud platforms

* Code quality and maintainability

* Problem-solving in ambiguous environments

* Technical communication

* Cross-functional collaboration

## Education & Experience

**Education:** Not specified in the original job description.

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

## Work Arrangement & Schedule

* **Work Arrangement:** Hybrid

* **Location:** Zurich, Switzerland

* **Office:** Zürich headquarters

* **Schedule:** Four days in the office and Fridays remote

* **Work Environment:** Small, collaborative team with direct access to decision-makers

## Compensation & Benefits

* **Salary:** Competitive salary; exact compensation not specified.

* **Equity:** Equity included.

* Small team with minimal bureaucracy

* Direct collaboration with company decision-makers