At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead backend engineering for AI software, tackling unique challenges in real-time data processing.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing tech company backed by top VCs and led by industry experts.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on ethical engineering and mentorship.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact by defining technical direction in cutting-edge AI applications.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in backend architecture and deep knowledge of edge computing and distributed systems.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
This role is with one of Dex's trusted partner companies.
We work closely with their teams to truly understand their culture, goals, and what they're looking for, so we can match you with the right opportunity and give you context about the role before you commit to a process.
The role
This company builds AI software that turns unstructured sensor data into real-time intelligence for critical applications, running on semi-autonomous platforms.
Backed by significant funding from leading VCs, they're growing rapidly and led by senior engineers from top-tier AI labs and tech companies.
This is the senior end of backend engineering.
You won't be executing inside an existing design; you'll be setting technical direction across genuinely unusual constraints: intermittent connectivity, resource-constrained embedded compute, air-gapped fleets, low-trust networks.
This is a rare seat to define the playbook for systems in active service, not just deliver within one team.
- The work
- Define how a fleet of semi-autonomous platforms maintains coherence when parts are unreachable for hours.
- Architect software versioning and deployment over low-bandwidth radio links.
- Establish trust boundaries and graceful degradation strategies for networks you cannot conventionally secure.
- Drive technical direction through RFCs, owning architectural decisions for systems operating under extreme real-world constraints, often with high-stakes consequences.
- Solve problems across a Rust and Python stack where the person relying on the system is in a high-stress situation.
What You Bring
- You've owned architecture and technical direction across multiple teams or business lines, not just delivered within one.
- Deep authority in edge computing, latency, distributed systems at scale, or serious platform engineering, with production systems to prove it.
- Experience building backend systems in Rust, Java, Go, or C++, making hard reliability trade-offs in production.
- You raise the engineering bar: you mentor, review, write RFCs that change minds, and prioritize unblocking others over shipping your own code.
- You treat ethical considerations as inseparable from engineering, comfortable working in a domain with active, ongoing debate.
As part of the recruitment process at Dex, we process your personal data in accordance with our Privacy Notice for Job Applicants.
This notice explains how and why your data is collected and used, and how you can contact us if you have any concerns.
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Staff/Principal Software Engineer - Backend employer: Dex
Join a pioneering early-stage venture-backed company at the forefront of building foundation models for extreme physics, where you will have the unique opportunity to shape the engineering culture from day one. With a strong focus on innovation and collaboration, this role offers competitive compensation, a dynamic work environment, and the chance to contribute to critical advancements in global infrastructure and energy. You'll be part of a small, research-heavy team that values your expertise and encourages personal growth, making it an excellent place for those looking to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Staff/Principal Software Engineer - Backend
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Dex or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Dex.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Dex.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Dex that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Staff/Principal Software Engineer - Backend
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Dex.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Dex and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dex
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Dex uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
