Senior AI Backend Engineer | JobSetuu

Description

Job Overview

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

Job Description

Team description

SumUp Edge is our most ambitious product bet right now — an AI-powered co-pilot that transforms raw merchant data into proactive, real-time business insights. We're moving from being a payments processor to becoming an intelligent operating system for small businesses, and the backend infrastructure powering that shift needs to be world-class. This role sits at the very centre of that build: you'll architect the systems that connect our data platform, LLM orchestration layer, and merchant-facing APIs — and the work you do here will directly shape how millions of small businesses understand and grow their business.

We are seeking a skilled and passionate Senior Backend Engineer to help lay the foundations of this vision. In this role, you will design, architect, and develop infrastructure and systems that enables AI products to be successful, and that turn complex, real-world merchant data into scalable, production-grade information for AI solutions. Your expertise in backend and infrastructure combined with AI will be instrumental in shaping the intelligence layer and building sustainable infrastructure that powers our next generation of products.

You will collaborate closely with machine learning engineers, data scientists, product managers, and business stakeholders to translate business challenges into robust, high-impact AI capabilities. Your work will directly influence how small businesses operate, compete, and grow, positioning SumUp at the forefront of applied AI in fintech.

What you'll do

• Architect, design, develop and deploy our AI solutions and systems in production environments, ensuring reliability, high performance and scalability.
• Design and build the orchestrator service that coordinates AI components, data flows, and external services to deliver reliable, real-time insights to merchants
• Develop and maintain scalable ETL pipelines or MCPs that process and sync heterogeneous data (text, images, audio) from various sources into the AI system
• Build and optimise the LLM Gateway infrastructure, including authentication, rate limiting, load balancing, and vector database management for the RAG system
• Create robust, high-performance APIs capable of handling multimodal data structures and high-volume requests, ensuring low-latency and production-grade reliability
• Implement observability tooling — including telemetry, logging, and tracing — to support auditing, evaluation, and continuous improvement of AI interactions
• Mentor backend engineers on the team, contributing to engineering standards, code reviews, and a culture of technical excellence
• Collaborate and communicate closely with data scientists, product managers, developers and other business stakeholders to bring state-of-the-art AI solutions to Customer Support, enhancing customer experience and improving operational efficiency.

You'll be great for this position if you have

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• +6 years of experience developing software products (if they are ML or AI related is a plus)
• Advanced proficiency in Python, with hands-on experience building and scaling backend systems in production environments using tools like Kubernetes, Docker, Airflow, and Spark.
• Strong knowledge of cloud infrastructure (AWS, S3) and CI/CD practices, with a track record of shipping reliable, maintainable systems.
• Experience designing APIs and working with distributed data systems and message brokers such as Kafka or RabbitMQ.
• Comfort working at the intersection of backend engineering and AI — including familiarity with LLMs, GenAI tooling, and machine learning concepts.
• Experience with status monitoring using cloud-native tools or 3rd party (e.g. Prometheus, Cloudwatch, ...) and LLM traceability 
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced, dynamic work environment and quickly learn new technologies and techniques.
• Strong team player (m/f/d) with the ability to work with diverse groups of people in a productive and agile manner

Why you should join SumUp

• 🌎 Opportunity to work with SumUppers globally on large-scale fintech products used by millions of businesses worldwide, from our Berlin office. This involves an office-first setup
• 🌈 Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: be part of a workplace that values and promotes diversity, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone's perspectives are respected and embraced
• 🚀 Enrolment onto our Virtual Stock Option programme: you will own a stake in SumUp's future success
• 📚 A dedicated annual L&D budget of €2000 for your individual development, which you can use to attend conferences and/or advancing your career through further education
• 💶 A corporate pension scheme where we match up to 20% of your contributions
• 🏖️ Generous time off: enjoy 28 days of paid leave plus public holidays and special leave days
• 🏋️ Numerous other benefits such as Urban Sports Club subsidy, Kita placement assistance, and subsidised office lunches
• 🌴 Break4me: 1-month sabbatical after 3 years of service
• 🔗 Referral Bonus: earn additional rewards by referring talented individuals to join the SumUp team

About SumUp

Be empowered to do more that matters.

At SumUp, we're on a mission to empower small businesses across the globe by providing simple and affordable tools that allow them to thrive. Today, over 4 million businesses in 37 markets rely on SumUp as their financial partner to manage payments, finance and customer relationships.

Our commitment to small businesses is reflected in our diverse team of over 3,000 SumUppers from over 90 nationalities, united by global collaboration and an innovative mindset. Our core values lay the foundation for who we are and what we stand for, shaping our work culture and driving our success. We foster inclusivity and a continuous learning culture, providing a safe space for personal and professional growth. Our differences make us unique and strong as we strive to create an environment where everyone belongs and feels supported, no matter how they identify.

SumUp is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, actively seeking and embracing diversity in our workforce. We don't make hiring or employment decisions based on race, colour, religion or religious belief, ethnic or national origin, nationality, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age or any other basis protected by applicable laws or prohibited by company policy. Our commitment extends beyond recruitment to creating a safe and respectful workplace where harassment of any form is strictly prohibited. Discover more about our culture and opportunities on our careers website, and follow our journey on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok.

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Expert Career Tips for Senior AI Backend Engineer Roles

To succeed in a competitive market as a Senior AI Backend Engineer, 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 Senior AI Backend Engineer 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, Berlin, Germany and beyond:

The demand for skilled professionals is increasingly borderless. For roles based in Berlin, Berlin, Germany, 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

Discover your next career milestone on JobSetuu. This Senior AI Backend Engineer position is part of our commitment to bringing you the most relevant and high-impact job openings globally. At JobSetuu, we simplify your job search by aggregating premier listings and providing the tools you need to stand out. Don't miss the chance to elevate your professional journey—explore more opportunities and career insights on our platform today.