At a Glance
- 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 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 68000 - 102000 ÂŁ per year.
We’re looking for a Backend Engineer who will build the core infrastructure powering our AI-powered payments and POS platform. You’ll 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’ll work directly with our co-founders and small technical team to make Zavo fast, reliable, and intelligent.
About Zavo: We’re 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’re 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
Backend Engineer employer: Zavo
Contact Detail:
Zavo 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.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Build a small project or contribute to open-source that showcases your Python, Django, or FastAPI expertise. This not only boosts your portfolio but also gives you something tangible to discuss during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by practicing coding challenges and system design questions. Use platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to sharpen your skills. Remember, we want to see how you think and solve problems!
✨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 being part of our team at Zavo.
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 and FastAPI. We want to see how you've built backend systems that real users depend on, so don’t hold back on those details!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to customise your application for us. Mention why you’re excited about working at Zavo and how your skills align with our mission to revolutionise restaurant tech. It’ll make your application stand out!
Be Yourself: We love a bit of personality! Don’t be afraid to let your unique voice shine through in your application. Show us your passion for building products that help restaurant owners and merchants thrive.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of getting noticed, apply directly through our website. It’s the quickest way for us to see your application and get you into the conversation about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zavo
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re well-versed in Python, Django, and FastAPI. Brush up on your knowledge of building APIs and backend services, as well as database performance optimisation with PostgreSQL. Being able to discuss your past experiences with these technologies will show that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. Zavo is looking for someone with a founder mentality, so demonstrate your ability to think critically and creatively when tackling problems. Use examples that highlight your customer obsession and how you’ve built products that truly meet user needs.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since you’ll be working closely with co-founders and frontend engineers, it’s crucial to showcase your teamwork skills. Be ready to talk about how you’ve collaborated in the past, especially in fast-paced environments. Highlight any experiences where you’ve contributed to end-to-end features or worked cross-functionally.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about Zavo’s vision, the team dynamics, and the challenges they face in scaling their platform. This not only shows your genuine interest in the role but also helps you assess if the company culture aligns with your values. Remember, interviews are a two-way street!