Founding Backend Engineer(Go) | JobSetuu

Description

Job Overview

• Source: Arbeitnow
• Location: Berlin
• Job Type: Full-Time

Job Description

A newly funded cybersecurity startup in Berlin is looking for a Founding Backend Engineer (Go) to join as a founding team member and help build the technical foundations of a next-generation AI-powered security risk management platform.

We are an early-stage startup founded by experienced cybersecurity leaders with backgrounds in Israeli Intelligence units. We are looking for a highly motivated, hands-on, and product-minded Founding Backend Engineer for a hybrid role based in central Berlin, Potsdamer Platz. If you are passionate about cybersecurity and AI technology, thrive in fast-paced startup environments, and enjoy building complex platforms from scratch, this is an opportunity to make a real impact.

We are seeking an experienced Go engineer to design and build the core backend architecture of the platform from day one. You will develop scalable cloud-native services, APIs, data models, messaging systems, and AI-driven capabilities using technologies such as Go, AWS, Kubernetes, PostgreSQL, Neo4j, Kafka, Terraform, LangChain, Bedrock, and pgvector.

The ideal candidate has at least five years of Go experience, a strong hands-on coding mentality, and experience supporting production SaaS platforms. You should be comfortable taking full technical ownership, troubleshooting systems end to end, working closely with the CEO, CPTO, product, frontend, and DevOps teams, and making critical architectural decisions in an early-stage startup environment.

The position is hybrid and requires regular presence in the Berlin office. Candidates should already be based in Berlin or be willing to relocate within a short timeframe.

Tasks

• Develop and maintain backend applications using Go
• Design and optimize cloud-based solutions using AWS services (EC2, Lambda, S3, SQS, SNS, etc.)
• Design, use and manage databases, including PostgreSQL, Neo4J, Redis, and Elasticsearch
• Develop, manage, and optimize containerized applications using Docker
• Automate processes using Bash/Python scripting
• Optimize and maintain RESTful APIs, ensuring security and performance
• Work closely with frontend engineers, DevOps, and product team to deliver robust applications
• Monitor, debug, and improve backend performance, reliability, and scalability
• Implement caching, messaging queues, and event-driven architectures where needed
• Build whole platform from scratch

Requirements

• 5+ years of GoLang experience
• Hands-on coding mentality; can build things from scratch and familiar with different architectures
• Hands-on experience with Docker, Kubernetes (EKS) and containerized workloads
• Experience designing RESTful and gRPC APIs and using frameworks like Gin
• Hands-on experience with messaging systems (e.g., SQS, Kafka)
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines (GitHub Actions or similar)
• Experience operating PostgreSQL (RDS / Aurora), Neo4J(or similar)
• Experience with AI agents, LLM-based systems, MCP, RAG, Prompts, Embeddings, Vector, etc
• Experience with AI stack(AWS Bedrock, LangChain, pgvector or similar)
• Experience with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform)
• Experience with monitoring, logging, observability (Grafana, OpenTelemetry, Prometheus)
• Ability to troubleshoot production issues end to end
• Experience with Coding CoPilots(Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, AWS CodeWhisperer, Codex, etc.)
• Experience supporting production SaaS platforms
• Strong understanding of SaaS integrations and app-to-app permission flows
• High ownership mentality, startup mindset, and ability to move quickly
• Experience in startup or scale-up environments
• Low ego, high commitment, and a true tech startup mentality
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a collaborative environment
• Excellent English communication skills

Benefits

• Founding Team Member Equity — ESOPs in a cybersecurity company
• Competitive Compensation — salary aligned with market, flexible early-stage arrangements possible
• Founding Team Member Status — shape the company from day one and own critical technical decisions
• Fresh Funding Secured — immediate runway to build, hire, and execute fast
• Security Contribution — contribute to security architecture across identity, AI agents, and enforcement
• High Autonomy — freedom to design and build without corporate overhead
• Work with a Technical CEO and CPTO — fast iteration, strong alignment, clear direction
• Cutting-Edge Domain — identity security, SaaS-to-SaaS access, AI agent governance
• Massive Learning Curve — quickly gain depth in cybersecurity, identity, and AI systems
• Fast Career Path — opportunity evolve into leadership as we scale the engineering team
• Berlin Location — top-tier tech environment with strong cybersecurity and AI ecosystems
• Direct Impact — your architecture and code become the foundation of the entire platform
• Best Equipment and Tools - High quality equipment and modern tools to help you do your best work from day one
• Team Offsites - Regular team offsites designed to build strong connections, alignment, and shared momentum

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Expert Career Tips for Founding Backend Engineer(Go) Roles

To succeed in a competitive market as a Founding Backend Engineer(Go), you need more than just technical skills. Here are some expert strategies to elevate your profile:

• Build a Strong Portfolio: For technical roles, a clean GitHub or a personal project site is essential. For non-technical roles, a case study portfolio demonstrating problem-solving and impact is equally valuable. Show, don't just tell, what you have achieved in your previous positions.
• Master the Narrative: When interviewing, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Quantify your results wherever possible—mentioning "increased efficiency by 20%" is much more impactful than saying "improved efficiency."
• Continuous Learning: The industry moves fast. Whether it's staying updated with the latest AI tools or mastering a new management methodology, continuous professional development is key. Consider obtaining industry-recognized certifications that align with Founding Backend Engineer(Go) requirements.
• Networking: Connect with other professionals in similar roles. Join online communities, attend webinars, and engage in meaningful discussions on professional social networks. Often, the best opportunities come through referrals and community engagement.
• Soft Skills Matter: Communication, empathy, and leadership are often the deciding factors between two equally qualified technical candidates. Cultivate these skills as they are universally valued across all industries and seniority levels.

Additionally, research the specific company's culture and values. Tailoring your application to show how you align with their mission can significantly increase your chances of moving forward in the process.

Salary & Compensation

Salary not disclosed; typically competitive for the role.

Work Arrangement

Type: On-Site

Standard business hours at the office.

Comprehensive Application Strategy & Hiring Process

Applying for a new role is a marathon, not a sprint. Follow this strategic approach to maximize your success rate:

1. Initial Research & Tailoring

Don't send the same resume to every employer. Spend at least 30 minutes researching the company. Look for recent news, their product roadmap, and their team structure. Modify your summary and core competencies to reflect the specific keywords found in the job description.

2. The Perfect Cover Letter

If the application allows for a cover letter, use it to tell a story that your resume cannot. Explain why you are passionate about this specific company and how your unique background makes you the perfect fit for the challenges they are currently facing.

3. Navigating the Multi-Stage Interview

Most modern hiring processes involve 3-5 stages. This typically includes a recruiter screen, a technical or skill-based assessment, a peer interview, and a final leadership round. Prepare for each stage differently: focus on enthusiasm and fit for the recruiter, technical depth for the assessment, and strategic vision for the leadership round.

4. Post-Interview Follow-Up

Always send a personalized thank-you note within 24 hours of each interview. Reference a specific topic discussed during the call to demonstrate your active listening and genuine interest in the role.

By following these steps, you demonstrate a high level of professionalism and attention to detail that sets you apart from the average applicant.

Typical Interview Process

1. Resume screening
2. HR call
3. Skill interview
4. Final manager interview
5. Offer

Tip: Research the company's products and culture.

Global Market Intelligence & Relocation Insights

At JobSetuu, we specialize in helping talent navigate the global job market. Here is what you need to know about the current landscape in Berlin and beyond:

The demand for skilled professionals is increasingly borderless. For roles based in Berlin, understanding the local cost of living, visa requirements (if applicable), and cultural nuances is vital. If this is a remote role, consider the time zone alignment and the asynchronous communication culture of the hiring organization.

Relocation Support: Many forward-thinking companies offer relocation packages that include moving stipends, temporary housing, and legal assistance with work permits. When evaluating an offer, look beyond the base salary—consider the total compensation package, including equity, bonuses, and healthcare benefits.

Work-Life Balance Trends: Hybrid and remote work have become standard in many regions. Research the local labor laws and common practices regarding work hours and vacation time to ensure the role aligns with your lifestyle goals.

Leveraging JobSetuu's tools can help you compare salaries across different cities and understand the "purchasing power" of your potential offer, ensuring you make an informed decision for your long-term career path.

Skills & Competency Roadmap for Professional Development

To remain competitive in Professional Development, we recommend focusing on the following core competencies over the next 12-18 months:

• Technical Mastery: Deepen your expertise in the core tools and languages relevant to your field. For developers, this might be cloud architecture; for marketers, it might be data-driven attribution modeling.
• AI Augmentation: Learn how to leverage generative AI and automation tools to increase your productivity. Understanding how to integrate these technologies into your workflow is becoming a non-negotiable skill.
• Leadership & Strategy: Even in individual contributor roles, the ability to think strategically and lead projects from inception to completion is highly valued. Focus on stakeholder management and high-level project planning.
• Data Literacy: The ability to interpret data and use it to drive decisions is essential across all business functions. Familiarize yourself with data visualization and basic analytical concepts.

By investing in these areas, you not only prepare yourself for the role you are applying for today but also build a resilient foundation for the opportunities of tomorrow.

Apply via JobSetuu

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