Founding Software Engineer (Backend, Cloud & AI Infrastructure) (m/f/d)

• Design and develop scalable backend services and REST APIs •
• Build cloud-native infrastructure and CI/CD deployment pipelines •
• Develop industrial data pipelines for machine, sensor and camera data •
• Support edge-to-cloud communication and industrial integrations •
• Support AI model deployment, monitoring and inference workflows •
• Build dashboards, analytics systems and internal tools •
• Structure textile production data, defect classifications and sustainability KPIs •
• Work directly with pilot factories and industrial partners •
• Contribute to product architecture and technical strategy

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a university in the EU (mandatory for EXIST Startup Grant eligibility) •
• Valid EU residence/work authorization, or eligibility to obtain one for Germany •
• Strong Python and C++ programming skills •
• Experience with FastAPI, Django, Flask, Node.js or similar frameworks •
• Experience with PostgreSQL or comparable database systems •
• Experience with Docker and containerized environments •
• Experience with AWS, Azure or Google Cloud •
• Solid understanding of REST APIs and scalable software architecture •
• Fluent English and ability to work independently in an early-stage startup

Preferred: •

• Based in Berlin or willing to relocate •
• German B2/C1; German-speaking work experience is a strong advantage •
• Computer Vision or Machine Learning with PyTorch, TensorFlow or ONNX •
• MLOps, NVIDIA Jetson, CUDA or TensorRT experience •
• Industrial IoT, PLC/SCADA or manufacturing experience •
• Startup/founding-team experience and interest in Industry 4.0

Benefits

• 15% equity as a founding team member •
• Approx. €2,500/month via the German Federal EXIST Startup Grant during the first year •
• Significant compensation increase planned after MVP validation and funding milestones •
• Direct impact on product, technology and company strategy •
• Access to real industrial production environments and pilot textile factories •
• Hands-on work across AI, Computer Vision, Edge AI, Industrial IoT and sustainability intelligence •
• Direct collaboration with founders, academic advisors and industry partners •
• Startup coaching, legal support and mentoring through EXIST and ProFIT Berlin •
• Flexible hybrid working environment •
• Clear path to CTO-level growth as the company scales

Selected candidates will be invited to: 1. Introductory discussion with the founders 2. Technical discussion and architecture review 3. Final founder meeting