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)
✨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 Edra 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 Edra.
✨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 Edra.
✨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 Edra 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 Software Engineer - Back End (London)
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 Edra.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Edra 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 Edra
✨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 Edra 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.