Senior Software Engineer

Lead Backend & AI Engineer

99% remote · Up to £75,000 DOE

Tech: Node.js | Python | RAG Architecture | Vector Databases | Azure

Are you a commercially minded engineer passionate about building robust backend systems and working on cutting-edge AI architectures?

Do you want to join an ambitious startup that’s ahead of the curve in AI-driven enterprise software? Are you excited by the chance to grow alongside the platform with a clear path toward a future technical leadership or CTO role?

The Opportunity

You’ll be the first official backend and AI engineering hire, working directly alongside the founder to shape the product’s technical direction. This is a unique chance to:

• Lead backend development using Node.js (ideal) or Python, supporting the AI/data layer
• Architect scalable, performant systems for a SaaS/enterprise platform
• Work on advanced AI components like RAG, agentic architectures, vector search, and large-scale data pipelines (scraping tens of thousands of web pages daily)
• Help shape the technical roadmap and set engineering best practices
• Position yourself to grow into a future CTO role as the team scale

The Technical Setup

• Backend: Node.js (preferred), Python, PostgreSQL (via Xano), MongoDB Atlas
• AI/Data Layer: RAG architecture, vector databases, agentic AI systems, OpenAI, Anthropic
• Cloud: Azure (but open to evolution, e.g., AWS)
• Frontend (optional involvement): Vue.js

What We’re Looking For

• Strong backend engineering experience ideally in Node.js or Python
• Exposure to AI/ML systems, particularly production-grade work with OpenAI or Anthropic
• Experience with large-scale data processing, web scraping, vector embeddings, or RAG
• Solid grasp of cloud architecture (Azure ideal) and SaaS/enterprise software platforms
• A proactive, pragmatic, commercially aware mindset you know how to balance innovation with delivering real value
• Based in the UK or EU (remote, with minimal office presence — possibly 1 day a fortnight if North West-based, but remote-first mindset)

Why Apply?

• Foundational hire in a high-growth, AI-driven startup
• Define the tech roadmap and have a seat at the leadership table
• Work on cutting-edge AI systems, not hobby projects — real, production-scale work
• Genuine path toward future CTO or senior technical leadership
• Flexible, remote setup

Interested? Click the apply button or drop me a message.