Founding Software Engineer (Backend, Cloud & AI Infrastructure)

NexTex AI is a Berlin-based deep-tech startup building an AI-powered intelligence layer for textile manufacturing. Our platform combines industrial cameras, retrofit sensors, PLC/SCADA signals, edge computing and artificial intelligence to detect textile defects, optimize production processes and generate sustainability KPIs for CSRD and EU Green Deal compliance. We are currently preparing our EXIST Startup Grant application and a ProFIT Berlin R&D funding application. Our goal is to build and validate an MVP with pilot textile manufacturers during the first year and scale into one of Europe’s leading industrial AI platforms for textile production. We are looking for a Founding Software Engineer who wants to join the founding team and help build the technical backbone of the company from day one. As a Founding Software Engineer, you will be responsible for designing and building the backend systems, cloud infrastructure and AI deployment architecture behind NexTex AI. You will work closely with the founders, machine learning engineers and future computer vision engineers to create a scalable edge-to-cloud platform for industrial AI applications. Your responsibilities include: • Designing and developing scalable backend services and APIs • Building cloud-native infrastructure and deployment pipelines • Developing industrial data pipelines for machine, sensor and camera data • Supporting edge-to-cloud communication and industrial integrations • Supporting AI model deployment, monitoring and inference workflows • Building dashboards, analytics systems and internal tools • Structuring textile production data, defect classifications and sustainability KPIs • Working directly with pilot factories and industrial partners • Contributing to product architecture and technical strategy Strong software engineering background • Strong Python programming skills • Experience with FastAPI, Django, Flask, Node.js or similar frameworks • Experience with PostgreSQL or similar database systems • Experience with Docker and containerized environments • Experience with AWS, Azure or Google Cloud • Understanding of REST APIs and scalable software architectures • Fluent English • Ability to work independently in an early-stage startup environment Preferred Qualifications • Located in Berlin or willing to relocate to Berlin • Fluent German • Experience with Computer Vision systems • Experience with Machine Learning infrastructure • Familiarity with PyTorch, TensorFlow or ONNX • Experience with MLOps and model deployment pipelines • Experience with Edge AI deployments • Experience with NVIDIA Jetson, CUDA or TensorRT • Experience with Industrial IoT, PLC/SCADA systems or manufacturing environments • Experience using AI development tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, Cursor or GitHub Copilot • Startup or founding-team experience • Interest in textile manufacturing, sustainability and Industry 4.0 Perks & Benefits • Founding team position • 10% equity participation • Approx. €2,500/month through the German Federal EXIST Startup Grant during the first year • Significant compensation increase planned following successful MVP validation and funding milestones • Opportunity to build a deep-tech startup from day one • Access to real industrial production environments and pilot textile factories • Direct collaboration with experienced founders, advisors and industry partners • Startup coaching, legal support and mentoring through EXIST and ProFIT Berlin • Opportunity to shape both the product and company from an early stage • 10% equity participation as a founding team member • Approx. €2,500/month through the German Federal EXIST Startup Grant during the first year • Significant compensation increase planned following successful MVP validation and funding milestones • Opportunity to build a deep-tech startup from day one • Direct impact on product, technology and company strategy • Access to real industrial production environments and pilot textile factories • Work on AI, Computer Vision, Edge AI, Industrial IoT and Sustainability Intelligence • Direct collaboration with experienced founders, academic advisors and industry partners • Startup coaching, legal support and mentoring through EXIST and ProFIT Berlin • Opportunity to shape both the product and company from an early stage • Flexible working environment • Potential CTO-level growth opportunities as the company scales We are looking for ambitious engineers who want to build something meaningful from the ground up. If you are excited about AI, industrial systems, sustainability and entrepreneurship, we would love to hear from you. To apply, please submit: • Your CV • LinkedIn profile • A short introduction explaining why you are interested in joining NexTex AI Selected candidates will be invited to: 1\. Introductory discussion with the founders 2\. Technical discussion and architecture review 3\. Final founder meeting We are currently preparing our EXIST Startup Grant and ProFIT Berlin applications and aim to build and validate our MVP with pilot textile manufacturers during the first year. If successful, you will join NexTex AI as a founding team member with 10% equity and play a key role in building the future of industrial AI for textile manufacturing. We look forward to hearing from you.