Senior Backend Engineer (f/m/x) - API & Platform
suena energy is a green tech startup specializing in algorithmic energy trading for battery storage systems and renewables. Our vision: a world where clean energy is used reliably, economically, and intelligently. With our AI-based optimization and trading software, we maximize the revenues of operators of large-scale energy storage and renewable assets on short-term electricity and balancing markets - while simultaneously minimizing their risks. We're a team of 50+ people, combining a warm, supportive culture with real startup drive. Following our successful Series A, we're now building a dedicated Platform team from scratch.
Your mission
- Design and build scalable, reliable APIs and backend integrations that connect trading, analytics, data science, and forecasting systems
- Drive the architecture of suena's platform layer — from initial design decisions to production
- Own data flows and backend automations across the platform
- Collaborate closely with the Platform Lead, CTO, and cross-functional teams (trading, data science, modelling) to translate complex domain requirements into robust technical solutions
- Improve and extend existing systems while keeping a clear eye on reliability, security, and performance Contribute to technical standards, code reviews, and engineering practices as the team grows
- Must-haves: 5+ years backend experience, solid API & architecture background, Python, cloud deployment, German C1
- Dealbreakers: No API/architecture experience, pure CRUD background, no interest in complex distributed systems
- 5+ years of backend engineering experience, with a strong focus on API design and system architecture
- Solid Python skills (Django and/or FastAPI); hands-on experience with PostgreSQL/TimescaleDB is a plus
- Experience with distributed/cloud-based architectures (AWS preferred), Docker, CI/CD, async workflows (Celery, Redis)
- You think beyond the ticket — you understand how systems connect and can make principled architecture decisions
- Security-minded: authentication, authorization, zero-downtime deployments are familiar territory
- Comfortable working across greenfield projects and legacy systems
- German C1 is required for this role — we work closely with German-speaking external API partners and system integrators, and clear, direct communication in German is essential for this
- English B2/C1 for internal collaboration
- Nice to have: Experience or genuine curiosity about energy markets, trading systems, or related domains (finance, IoT). The domain is complex — enthusiasm to learn it matters.
Why us?
- Shape the Future: Contribute to the energy transition by working on sustainable energy solutions in a growing market environment.
- Connecting & Co-Creating: Strategy off-sites and onsite weeks for real collaboration and shared ideas.
- Work Your Way: Home office and flexible hours – you know what works best for you and your team.
- Team Spirit: Yoga, shared lunches, after-work fun – we support each other and keep the vibe strong, even when it’s busy.
- Fair & Transparent: Clear structures, democratic decisions, and a feedback culture where your voice counts.
- Body & Mind: Urban Sports Club membership, wellbeing check-ins, and mental health support – your energy matters.
- New Office Vibes: 10th-floor office with rooftop terrace, canteen, great views, ergonomic desks, hardware of your choice, and pet-friendly!
- Sustainable Extras: Deutschlandticket, FutureBens, and more – supporting your mobility and future.
Hamburg Hybrid (2–3 days/week onsite) | 70.000 - 85.000 € p.a. (40 hrs / full time) | 30 Days Vacation | English B2 | German C1 Are you passionate about building the technical backbone of the energy transition? Join suena energy asSenior Backend Engineer (f/m/x) and become a founding member of our newly formed Platform team. You'll help design and build the API and integration layer that connects our trading, analytics, and optimization systems — and in doing so, directly shape how clean energy is managed across European power markets.
Quick Check: Is this your kind of engineering challenge?
- Tech Stack: Python (Django/FastAPI), PostgreSQL/TimescaleDB, Redis, Celery, Docker, AWS, GitLab CI/CD, Sentry, Grafana
- Your Focus: API design & architecture, backend integrations, data flows, system reliability and scalability
- Team: Small, newly formed platform squad — you'll work closely with the Platform Lead, with strong support from our CTO in the early phase
- Product: Real-time energy trading platform — high complexity, data-heavy, ML-integrated
- Who thrives here: Engineers who think in systems, take ownership, and are energized by building things that actually matter
