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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Build and optimise backend systems, design APIs, and integrate AI/ML pipelines.
- Company: Join a stealth-mode AI startup transforming traditional industries with cutting-edge technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy equity, unlimited holiday, hybrid working, and health benefits.
- Why this job: Be part of a world-class team shaping impactful tech and culture from the ground up.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in backend development, strong Python skills, and experience with AI/ML integration.
- Other info: This is a unique ground-floor opportunity for proactive builders ready to make a difference.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
This stealth-mode, venture-backed AI startup is on a mission to reinvent one of the largest, most traditional industries, offering bespoke digital transformation services, bringing speed, intelligence, and automation to a space long overdue for change. AI-first and future-focused, this transformation consultancy has capabilities in advanced ML, NLP, computer vision, RPA, Cognitive Ops, and agentic AI.
We’re looking for a Founding Backend Engineer to help architect and scale the technical foundation of this early-stage product. This is a unique ground-floor opportunity to work side-by-side with a world-class founding team and build systems that have real-world impact from day one. This is not a role for the fainthearted!
What You’ll Do:
- Build and optimise backend systems from the ground up
- Design and maintain performant, secure APIs
- Integrate AI/ML pipelines into live workflows
- Own and scale cloud infrastructure (AWS, GCP)
- Lead on code quality, testing, and CI best practices
- Collaborate directly with the founders
- Help shape product, culture, and engineering excellence
What We’re Looking For:
- 5+ years' experience in backend development (Python preferred, FastAPI a plus)
- Strong with PostgreSQL, SQLAlchemy, Alembic, and RESTful APIs
- Experience with async I/O, type safety, and distributed systems
- Comfortable with AWS/GCP and security best practices
- Previous exposure to AI/ML products and how to integrate them practically
- A builder’s mindset, proactive, decisive, and motivated by meaningful impact
- Startup experience or 0→1 product building is critical
Why You’ll Love It:
- Backed by a top-tier European VC
- Equity you’ll feel good about
- Autonomy and influence from day one
- Hybrid working (2–3 days/week in a central London office)
- Health benefits, flexible hours, and unlimited holiday
- The chance to shape something from scratch, not just code, but culture!
If you’re excited by impact, autonomy, AI and building tech that actually matters, this is for you!
Founding Backend Engineer - Stealth AI Startup employer: Urban Digital Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Urban Digital Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Founding Backend Engineer - Stealth AI Startup
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the AI and tech startup space. Attend meetups, webinars, or conferences where you can connect with founders and engineers from similar companies. This can help you gain insights into the industry and potentially get a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience with 0→1 product building by discussing relevant projects during networking conversations. Be prepared to explain how you contributed to the development of backend systems and any challenges you overcame in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in AI and machine learning, especially how they apply to backend development. Being able to discuss current technologies and their practical applications will demonstrate your passion and knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to code quality and testing practices. Since this role involves leading on these aspects, having concrete examples of how you've implemented best practices in past projects will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Founding Backend Engineer - Stealth AI Startup
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in backend development, particularly with Python and any startup or 0→1 product building experience. Emphasise your skills in PostgreSQL, RESTful APIs, and cloud infrastructure.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for AI and digital transformation. Explain why you are excited about this stealth AI startup and how your background aligns with their mission and values.
Showcase Relevant Projects: Include specific examples of projects where you've built backend systems or integrated AI/ML pipelines. Highlight your role in these projects and the impact they had on the overall product or company.
Highlight Your Mindset: In your application, convey your builder’s mindset and proactive approach. Discuss how you thrive in fast-paced environments and your motivation to create meaningful impact through technology.
How to prepare for a job interview at Urban Digital Recruitment Ltd
✨Showcase Your Startup Experience
Make sure to highlight any previous startup experience or 0→1 product building you've done. Discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as this will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Demonstrate Technical Proficiency
Be prepared to discuss your experience with backend development, particularly in Python and FastAPI. Bring examples of projects where you've designed and maintained APIs, and be ready to explain your approach to integrating AI/ML pipelines.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since you'll be working closely with the founding team, it's crucial to show that you're a team player. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in past roles, especially in shaping product and engineering culture.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect to face technical problem-solving questions during the interview. Brush up on your knowledge of distributed systems, async I/O, and cloud infrastructure. Practice explaining your thought process clearly and concisely.
