Backend Engineer
Summary
Backend engineer building core infrastructure for a pre-seed European energy-tech startup: a modular billing engine, energy-market communication protocols, and an accounting ledger powering dynamic electricity plans. Day-to-day is shipping production TypeScript/Node.js services with PostgreSQL, Next.js, and Stripe, on-site in Berlin.
About the Role
This is a core infrastructure role at a pre-seed energy technology company building the foundational layer for next-generation electricity retail in Europe. You will work on a modular billing engine, low-level energy-market communication protocols, and a full accounting ledger, systems that power dynamic electricity plans for hardware providers and energy OEMs. The work is high-stakes, technical, and directly shapes the platform's reliability and scale.
What You'll Do
Design systems that manage and reduce complexity across core infrastructure.
Scale backend services to support growing platform demands reliably.
Ship production code consistently with a strong bias for action.
Continuously raise the quality bar for architecture, code, and engineering practices.
What We're Looking For
At least 3 years of experience building and shipping reliable backend infrastructure in production environments.
Proficiency in TypeScript and Node.js, with a strong grasp of asynchronous programming patterns.
Experience with PostgreSQL and ORM-based data access (experience with Drizzle is a plus).
Hands-on experience with Next.js backend services, including API routes or server components.
Familiarity with distributed systems concepts and designing scalable, maintainable core services.
Experience integrating Stripe payments and billing flows.
Strong computer science fundamentals through a formal degree or equivalent practical experience.
Demonstrable evidence of technical exceptionality, such as standout open source work, elite competition results, research contributions, or founding experience.
Broad application-building background rather than a profile narrowly focused on a single specialized niche.
Fluency in German at C1 level or above (non-negotiable).
Comfort operating as a hands-on individual contributor in a fast-paced, early-stage environment.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary range: 80,000 to 120,000 EUR annually.
Visa sponsorship is available.
Location
On-site in Berlin, Germany, five days per week. Remote work is not available for this role.
Skills
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