At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build platform systems in Python, creating robust APIs and data pipelines.
- Company: Join Edra, a cutting-edge AI startup backed by top VCs, in a collaborative environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team where your ideas and contributions truly matter.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI by building foundational systems that make a real-world impact.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in software engineering with strong Python or TypeScript skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About Edra
Edra is solving one of the hardest problems in enterprise AI: AI models are generic but company processes are specific. We build AI agents that learn how processes actually run, and then run their operations. We are a Series A startup, backed by Sequoia and other leading VC firms, and we are growing our team in New York and London. We are a deeply technical team of engineers, AI researchers, and strategists with a high bar for talent and a shared belief that exceptional people are the foundation of everything great we will build.
The role
We are looking for Backend Engineers who care deeply about the craft of building software: strong typing, thoughtful API design, robust data modeling, and systems that are a pleasure for other engineers to work with. You won’t be building AI models, you’ll be building everything around them: the platform, workflows, interfaces, integrations, and observability that make our AI useful in the real world. As an early engineer at Edra, you will shape not just the product but the engineering culture, tooling choices, and technical foundations the company is built on. We work deliberately and deeply. There’s no separation between "building it" and "shipping it"--you’ll go from whiteboard to production and own the outcome. We’d rather build something thoughtfully than ship something fragile, and we treat velocity and quality as complementary, not competing.
What you’ll do
- Design and build platform systems in Python (Fast API), from API contracts to database schema and infrastructure.
- Build and maintain connectors, integrations, and data pipelines that connect our platform to external systems.
- Build internal libraries, tooling, and interfaces that make the rest of the engineering team more productive.
- Own your work fully: gather context, manage dependencies, and drive tasks to completion without a product manager handing you tickets.
- Wear multiple hats across the stack–you might design a schema in the morning, build the API layer in the afternoon, and debug a deployment issue before end of day.
- Participate in weekly product meetings, understand how customers and forward deployed engineers use what you build, and shape what gets built next.
- Collaborate daily with a small, high-caliber team of engineers and AI specialists.
- Have direct influence on technical direction: choose tools, set patterns, and establish conventions the team will build on for years.
What we’re looking for
- 3+ years of experience in software engineering (but a computer science degree is not necessarily required).
- A love of writing Python and/or TypeScript to a genuinely high standard–well-modeled, well-typed, and well-documented. Strong typing feels like a superpower, not a chore.
- Experience building libraries, SDKs, or internal tooling that made other developers’ lives easier (and you’ve enjoyed it).
- You light up when designing a clean database schema and take real pride in getting data models right.
- You’re at your best when you own a problem end to end – comfortable with ambiguity and energized by turning a vague problem into a well-scoped solution.
- You’re drawn to building foundational systems from scratch – greenfield work where your decisions compound over time excites you.
Don’t meet all of the above? We’d still love to hear from you. We’re looking for exceptional people with unique skills and interests, and we know that great people have different backgrounds and skillsets. If your primary interest is building agentic systems, working with LLMs, or doing applied ML, check out our AI Engineering role–it might be a better fit.
A few details
Edra is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Edra does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.
Software Engineer - Back End (London) employer: Edra
Edra is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and innovative work culture, perfect for those passionate about AI and its real-world applications. Located in the vibrant tech landscape of the UK, we offer our employees ample opportunities for professional growth, collaboration with talented teams, and the chance to make a tangible impact on business processes. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking startup where your contributions are valued and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Engineer - Back End (London)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Edra on LinkedIn or other platforms. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your application noticed.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you've got a GitHub or portfolio, make sure to highlight projects that showcase your Python and TypeScript prowess. This is your chance to shine beyond the CV!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on system design and API concepts, and be ready to discuss how you approach building robust systems. We want to see your thought process in action!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application lands directly in front of the hiring team. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining us at Edra.
We think you need these skills to ace Software Engineer - Back End (London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Coding:When you write your application, let your love for coding shine through! Talk about your experience with Python or TypeScript and how you enjoy crafting well-typed, well-documented code. We want to see that you care about the craft just as much as we do!
Highlight Your Problem-Solving Skills:Make sure to mention any experiences where you've taken a vague problem and turned it into a clear solution. We value engineers who can own their work from start to finish, so share examples of how you've tackled challenges head-on.
Emphasise Team Collaboration:We’re all about collaboration here at Edra, so don’t forget to include your experiences working in teams. Whether it’s participating in product meetings or helping other developers with internal tooling, show us how you’ve contributed to a team environment.
Apply Through Our Website:Finally, make sure to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Edra
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re well-versed in Python and TypeScript, especially around strong typing and API design. Brush up on FastAPI and be ready to discuss how you've used these technologies in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've taken vague problems and turned them into well-scoped solutions. Be ready to discuss your thought process and the steps you took to own a project from start to finish.
✨Understand the Company’s Mission
Familiarise yourself with Edra's focus on AI and enterprise processes. Think about how your skills can contribute to building systems that enhance AI functionality and make life easier for other developers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare questions that show your interest in the engineering culture and technical direction at Edra. Inquire about their approach to building foundational systems and how they balance velocity with quality.