Lead AI Backend Engineer - Python
Summary
Lead AI Backend Engineer owning backend architecture for a greenfield AI SaaS platform serving fashion/e-commerce creative workflows: building Python (Flask/FastAPI) distributed services on PostgreSQL and AWS, integrating LLMs/agentic workflows, search (OpenSearch/vector), and high-volume image/video pipelines while mentoring engineers. Onsite in Bengaluru.
Job Overview :
Do you thrive in a dynamic environment, want to be part of a small core team, and love owning what you build end-to-end?
We are looking for a Lead AI Backend Engineer who can own backend architecture, guide a high-performing engineering team, and build scalable distributed systems, AI-powered platforms, search capabilities, and high-performance media workflows.
Key Responsibilities :
- Own backend architecture for workflow, AI, search, and media management platforms, ensuring reliability, extensibility, and long-term scalability
- Lead AI-native backend capabilities including agent orchestration, workflow automation, human-in-the-loop processes, and AI service integrations
- Define and guide search capabilities including metadata search, full-text search, semantic retrieval, and vector-based experiences
- Architect services for high-volume image and video movement across cloud and on premise environments
- Drive integrations with storage systems, DAM platforms, file transfer services, and third party applications
- Establish engineering standards for performance, scalability, reliability, security, observability, testing, and code quality
- Collaborate closely with Product, Frontend, DevOps, AI/ML, QA, and leadership teams to translate business goals into technical execution plans
- Mentor backend engineers, review designs and code, unblock the team, and foster a culture of ownership and technical excellence
- Contribute to hiring, roadmap planning, technical prioritization, and delivery planning for backend initiatives
Qualifications and Skills :
- 7 - 12 years of backend development experience, preferably building and scaling SaaS products
- Proven experience leading backend engineering initiatives, mentoring engineers, and influencing architecture decisions
- Strong expertise in Python and modern backend frameworks such as Flask or FastAPI
- Strong proficiency in PostgreSQL or similar relational databases, including schema design, query optimization, performance tuning, and data modeling
- Deep experience designing scalable REST APIs, event-driven systems, and distributed architectures
- Hands-on experience with AWS serverless services, cloud-native architectures, and production-grade operational practices
- Experience building AI-enabled applications, integrating LLMs, AI services, or agentic workflows in production environments
- Experience with search technologies such as OpenSearch, Elasticsearch, PostgreSQL Full Text Search, or vector search platforms
- Experience building backend services for image, video, or digital asset workflows
- Familiarity with file transfer protocols and technologies including FTP, SFTP, multipart uploads, cloud object storage, and hybrid cloud/on-prem architectures
- Strong ownership mindset with the ability to lead execution in a fast-paced, ambiguous, and high-growth environment
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to align technical and non-technical stakeholders
Why Join Us :
- Work on a greenfield AI SaaS product, redefining creative workflows for fashion and e-commerce
- Work alongside technology leaders who have built 0-to-1 AI SaaS products
- Be part of the core early team - your work directly shapes the product
- Build with a modern tech stack and solve real, complex engineering problems
- Fast-paced, ownership-driven culture with room to grow
- Onsite role in Bengaluru - collaborate closely and move fast
- Be part of RIBU's 1000+ strong worldwide team that has powered creative expression for leading global brands for over 25 years