At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build innovative backend systems using Python and Fast API.
- Company: Join Edra, a cutting-edge AI startup backed by top VCs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team that values creativity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI by building impactful systems from scratch.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in software engineering with a passion for Python and TypeScript.
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. Ask them about their experiences and share your passion for backend engineering. This can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on Python and TypeScript. Work on projects that showcase your skills in building APIs and data models. Show us how you tackle real-world problems, as this is what Edra values!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just focus on the job description; think about how you can contribute to Edra’s mission. Be ready to discuss how your past experiences align with their goals of building robust systems and improving processes.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Edra team. Let’s get you in the door!
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've enjoyed building tools that make life easier for other developers. We want to see that you're not just a coder, but someone who genuinely cares about the craft.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don't just list your previous jobs; dive into the details! Share specific projects where you designed clean database schemas or built robust APIs. We’re looking for those moments that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to own a project from start to finish.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure your application speaks directly to what we're looking for in a Backend Engineer. Highlight your experience with building foundational systems and your excitement for greenfield work. The more tailored your application is, the better we can see how you fit into our team!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Edra
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re well-versed in Python and FastAPI, as these are crucial for the role. Brush up on your knowledge of API design and database schema creation, and be ready to discuss your past experiences with these technologies.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to talk about specific challenges you've faced in previous projects. Highlight how you took ownership of problems from start to finish, especially in ambiguous situations, and how you turned them into well-scoped solutions.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Clean Code
Be ready to discuss your approach to writing well-typed, well-documented code. Share examples of libraries or tools you've built that improved the workflow for other developers, and express your enthusiasm for creating robust systems.
✨Engage with the Team's Vision
Familiarise yourself with Edra’s mission and the importance of building foundational systems. During the interview, show genuine interest in how you can contribute to shaping the engineering culture and technical direction of the company.