At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build a revolutionary marketplace backend, integrating AI for unique item transactions.
- Company: Join a pioneering fashion tech company transforming the secondhand market.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £140k, dynamic work environment, and growth opportunities.
- Other info: On-site role in London, perfect for product-focused builders ready to innovate.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a hyper-growth startup tackling fashion waste with innovative tech.
- Qualifications: 3-6 years backend engineering experience, strong in system design and API architecture.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The fashion industry is broken. Billions of garments end up in landfill, not because they're unwanted, but because the supply chain for secondhand goods is offline and inefficient. We're building the AI‑powered infrastructure to fix this, making secondhand the first choice globally. Our platform has already saved millions of items from landfill, and we're backed by leading VCs with significant funding to tackle a market projected to reach hundreds of billions.
This isn't another standard e-commerce role. You'll join a small, senior product engineering squad, owning the entire marketplace journey from discovery to checkout. Every item is unique, inventory is unpredictable, and quality is graded by our proprietary AI. You'll design how the transaction layer works for a market that hasn't existed before, integrating AI directly into the product experience. This role is for a product‑obsessed builder who wants to define, not just execute, in a hyper‑growth environment. It's not for those seeking narrow, siloed ownership or a slow‑paced, spec‑driven environment.
The work
- Design and build the core marketplace backend, from item discovery and search to checkout, payments, and post‑purchase. Your features will directly drive GMV.
- Integrate our proprietary AI classification engine directly into the product, ensuring seamless grading, pricing, and categorisation for unique items.
- Architect systems to scale from 500K+ items per month to millions, making pragmatic trade‑offs between speed and long‑term scalability.
- Shape technical direction and engineering standards for a rapidly growing team, challenging assumptions and proposing innovative solutions.
- Work embedded with product and design, translating complex real‑world logistics into reliable, scalable software.
What You Bring
- 3‑6 years of professional backend engineering experience, shipping production systems that handle real traffic and money.
- Strong fundamentals in system design, data modelling, and API architecture.
- Proficiency in Node.js/TypeScript, or a comparable stack with willingness to transition.
- A background in consumer tech (marketplace, fintech, or consumer product), building for end‑users at scale.
- A product engineering mindset: you connect technical decisions to commercial outcomes and thrive in ambiguous, fast‑paced startup environments. You've built AI capabilities or are eager to integrate AI deeply into product.
This is an on‑site role in London, 5 days a week.
Senior Backend Engineer (up to £140k) in London employer: Dex
Join a pioneering company at the forefront of transforming the fashion industry, where your contributions as a Senior Backend Engineer will directly impact sustainability and innovation. With a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and creativity, you'll have the opportunity to grow alongside a talented team in a fast-paced environment, all while enjoying competitive compensation and the chance to shape the future of secondhand goods. Located in London, this role offers a unique chance to be part of a mission-driven organisation backed by leading VCs, making meaningful strides towards a more sustainable world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Backend Engineer (up to £140k) in London
✨Get Down to the Fashion Events
Dive headfirst into local fashion shows, trade fairs, and networking events. These are golden opportunities to meet industry pros and showcase your passion for the industry in person. Plus, it gives you the chance to chat about potential roles at places like Dex!
✨Join Fashion-Focused Communities
Become a part of online fashion communities on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest. Participate in discussions and share your insights on trends or your personal style journey. It’s a great way to get noticed by brands looking to fill positions, including Dex.
✨Craft a Rock-Solid Portfolio
Since you're aiming for a full-time gig, your portfolio should reflect not just your best work but also your personality. Whether it’s lookbooks, design sketches, or styling projects, make sure it screams 'you' and includes a bit about why you’d be a perfect fit for Dex.
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re fresh out of university, don’t underestimate your career services. They often have partnerships with fashion companies for internships and entry-level roles. Use this to your advantage and connect with them to find any openings at Dex!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Backend Engineer (up to £140k) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Style:In the fashion-apparel industry, your personal style and understanding of current trends are crucial. Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your unique fashion sense – use visuals if you can and highlight any fashion-related experiences or projects that show off your flair!
Highlight Relevant Experience:When you're applying for a full-time role, be sure to focus on any past roles or internships in fashion that’ve honed your skills. Whether that's working in retail, fashion design, or marketing, quantify your achievements and show how they relate to the role at Dex.
Include a Strong Portfolio:An impressive portfolio is key in fashion! Make sure to include a link to your online portfolio in your CV, showcasing your best work, be it designs, campaigns, or styling projects. This is your chance to let your creativity shine and demonstrate your abilities to Dex!
Craft a Standout Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to weave in your passion for fashion and the specific reasons you want to work at Dex. Share your vision of how you'd contribute to their brand and why you're excited about their work. Tailoring this will make you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dex
✨Showcase Your Style Portfolio
For a role in the fashion-apparel industry, having a well-curated portfolio is essential. Ensure you include your best work that reflects your style and creativity, whether it's sketches, lookbooks, or completed designs. Be ready to discuss your design process and the inspirations behind your pieces!
✨Know the Latest Trends and Brands
Being well-versed in current fashion trends and influential brands can give you a leg up in the interview. Get familiar with what’s trending in the market and know your competitors. This shows your passion for the industry and helps you connect your work experience to current fashion trajectories.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaboration Skills
In a full-time fashion role, collaboration is key, whether you’re working with designers, marketers, or suppliers. Be prepared to share experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team or navigated challenges with colleagues. This will highlight your ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Dress the Part
This might sound obvious, but in fashion, how you present yourself is part of your brand. Wear something that represents your personal style while still aligning with the company’s aesthetic. It’s a great way to show you understand the industry's essence and can embody the brand’s image!
