Principal Backend Engineer

Principal Backend Engineer – AI-Powered Scale-Up (Integrations Focus) ⚙️ Want to lead the backend for one of Europe's fastest-growing AI-powered SaaS companies? Our client is rethinking how people get hired - replacing outdated job boards and mass applications with intelligent, AI-powered matchmaking. We're now looking for a Principal Backend Engineer to own the architecture and delivery of our growing integration platform. This is a key technical leadership role with real autonomy, direct impact, and the chance to shape systems used by thousands across Europe and the US. What You’ll Be Doing Lead backend architecture for partner integrations - from design to deployment. Build scalable, API-first systems that connect deeply with CRMs, ATSs, and HR tools. Make key technical decisions across system design, infrastructure, and DevOps. Collaborate closely with product and leadership teams to prioritise and deliver features. Mentor engineers, foster autonomy, and drive best practices across the stack. Own the full SDLC - from infrastructure-as-code and CI/CD to production monitoring. Tech Stack & Environment Languages : Node.js (TypeScript & JavaScript), with some Python. Cloud : Cloud-native (Google Cloud, AWS, or Azure - they care more about experience than provider). Infra : Serverless, Infrastructure-as-Code (Terraform or similar), CI/CD. Systems : Distributed systems, event-driven architecture, modern APIs. Culture : Fast-moving, low-process, and highly autonomous. We trust our engineers. What We’re Looking For ✅ 8 years backend experience (titles don’t matter - experience does). ✅ Strong Node.js / TypeScript / JavaScript skills; Python is a plus. ✅ Deep knowledge of API integrations , especially with CRMs, ATSs, or similar systems. ✅ Hands-on with cloud-native architecture and serverless platforms. ✅ Comfortable owning architecture , making strategic technical decisions, and guiding others. ✅ Proven track record across the full SDLC, including CI/CD and DevOps practices. ✅ Thrives in fast-paced, evolving environments - open-minded, pragmatic, and self-driven. Nice-to-haves : Exposure to data analytics , NoSQL , or AI-based platforms. Experience in mentoring, leading projects, or growing engineering teams. What’s in It for You €115k-€120k base salary DOE (up to €130k for exceptional candidates) equity. Unlimited time off , flexible hybrid working. MacBook Pro or your choice of setup personal dev budget. Collaborate with passionate, mission-driven founders and engineers. Help shape the future of recruitment tech — meaningful problems, modern stack, high autonomy. Interview Process ✨ Culture and values interview. Whiteboard session (system design integration architecture). Meet the team. Tired of process-heavy corporates and looking for a high-impact role where your decisions actually matter? Apply now - and help this company build the infrastructure powering the next generation of hiring

Location: Amsterdam area, NL

Posted Date: 8/2/2025