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- Tasks: Build robust APIs and backend services for an AI-powered payments platform.
- Company: Join a YC-backed startup revolutionising restaurant technology in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, and a collaborative work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of restaurant tech with cutting-edge tools.
- Qualifications: Strong Python skills and experience with Django or FastAPI required.
- Other info: Work closely with founders in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Backend Engineer who will build the core infrastructure powering our AI-powered payments and POS platform. You will design and scale APIs, data pipelines, and backend services using Python, Django, and FastAPI—building the foundation that 400+ restaurants and retail businesses rely on every day. You will work directly with our co-founders and small technical team to make Zavo fast, reliable, and intelligent.
Compensation: £80,000–£120,000 base salary + equity
About Zavo: We are a YC-backed (F25) startup based in London, building an intelligent, all-in-one platform to replace today’s fragmented restaurant tech stack. Zavo powers card payments, POS, and AI for 400+ restaurants and retail businesses. We are backed by leading global investors, growing revenue rapidly, and moving fast to define the next generation of restaurant technology.
What You’ll Do:
- Design and build robust APIs and backend services using Django and FastAPI
- Architect data models and optimize database performance with Supabase/PostgreSQL
- Build integrations with payment processors, POS hardware, and third-party services
- Develop backend infrastructure for our AI agents that automate restaurant operations
- Ensure platform reliability, security, and scalability as we grow
- Work directly with co-founders and frontend engineers to ship end-to-end features
What We’re Looking For:
- Strong Python expertise—you write clean, maintainable, well-tested code
- Experience with Django and/or FastAPI in production environments
- 3-5+ years building backend systems that real users depend on
- Solid understanding of PostgreSQL, API design, and distributed systems
- Founder mentality—you treat this like your own company and do whatever it takes
- Customer obsession—genuinely excited about building products for restaurant owners and merchants
- High agency and comfortable with ambiguity—we’re a small team moving fast
- Based in London (hybrid)—we need in-person collaboration with the team
- UK work authorization—we can’t sponsor visas at this stage
Why Zavo:
- YC-backed with very strong revenue and momentum (400+ merchants and growing)
- Work directly with founders on high-impact problems
- Modern backend stack—Python, Django, FastAPI, Supabase, AI/ML
- Real ownership over critical infrastructure
- Early-stage equity with real upside potential
- London-based team with a collaborative, all-in culture
The Pay Range For This Role Is: 80,000 - 120,000 GBP per year (Hybrid (London, England, GB))
Backend Engineer employer: Zavo (YC F25)
Contact Detail:
Zavo (YC F25) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Backend Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly to hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those using Python, Django, or FastAPI. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do and sets you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common technical questions and coding challenges. We recommend using platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to sharpen your skills. The more prepared you are, the more confident you'll feel!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Zavo. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Backend Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your Python expertise and experience with Django or FastAPI. We want to see how you've built backend systems that real users depend on, so share specific examples of your work!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the skills and experiences that match our job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background to what we’re looking for.
Be Yourself: We’re all about that founder mentality and customer obsession! Let your personality shine through in your application. Share why you’re excited about building products for restaurant owners and how you approach challenges.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you get all the latest updates from our team. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zavo (YC F25)
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re well-versed in Python, Django, and FastAPI. Brush up on your knowledge of PostgreSQL and API design, as these are crucial for the role. Be ready to discuss your past experiences with these technologies and how you've used them to build robust backend systems.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share specific examples of challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. This is your chance to demonstrate that founder mentality they’re looking for—show them you can think on your feet and tackle problems head-on.
✨Understand Their Business
Familiarise yourself with Zavo’s mission and the restaurant tech landscape. Knowing how their platform works and the pain points it addresses will help you connect your skills to their needs. It shows genuine interest and customer obsession, which they value highly.
✨Be Ready for Collaboration Questions
Since you’ll be working closely with co-founders and frontend engineers, expect questions about teamwork and collaboration. Think of examples where you’ve successfully worked in a small team or dealt with ambiguity, as this aligns with their fast-paced environment.
