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- Tasks: Build robust APIs and backend services for our 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 by developing critical infrastructure for 400+ businesses.
- 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 in London employer: Zavo (YC F25)
Contact Detail:
Zavo (YC F25) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Backend Engineer in London
✨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.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Build a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those using Python, Django, and 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 practicing common backend engineering questions and coding challenges. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using platforms that simulate real interview scenarios.
✨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.
We think you need these skills to ace Backend Engineer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your Python expertise and experience with Django and FastAPI. We want to see how you've built backend systems that real users depend on, so share specific examples of your work!
Be a Problem Solver: We love a founder mentality! In your application, let us know how you've tackled challenges in the past and how you approach building products for restaurant owners. Show us your customer obsession!
Keep It Clean and Clear: Your application should be as clean and maintainable as the code you write. Use clear language and structure your application well. This is your chance to make a great first impression!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zavo (YC F25)
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you brush up on your Python, Django, and FastAPI skills. Be ready to discuss how you've used these technologies in past projects, especially in building APIs and backend services. Having specific examples will show that you can hit the ground running.
✨Understand the Business
Get familiar with Zavo's mission and the restaurant tech landscape. Knowing how your role as a Backend Engineer fits into their vision will help you articulate your passion for the job. Show them you're not just about code; you care about the impact of your work.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect to tackle some technical challenges during the interview. Practice coding problems related to API design and database optimisation. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and your ability to think on your feet, which is crucial in a fast-paced startup environment.
✨Show Your Founder Mentality
Zavo is looking for someone who treats their work like it's their own company. Be prepared to share examples of when you've taken initiative or gone above and beyond in previous roles. This mindset will resonate well with the co-founders and show that you're a great fit for their team.
