Senior Backend Engineer - Cards | JobSetuu

Description

Job Overview

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

Job Description

SumUp builds simple, affordable financial tools that help small businesses get paid, manage their money, and grow. Beyond payments, we offer a number of financial products - including business banking, card products, lending, and invoicing — giving merchants everything they need to manage their payments and finances in one place.

The Cards squad is a core part of that, owning the systems that power card issuing, lifecycle management, and transaction processing for merchants across Europe. We handle millions of card transactions every day, and we're now scaling those systems to support new product capabilities while laying the foundations for a more global, resilient platform. That's why we're growing the team and looking for a seasoned backend engineer who can take real ownership of complex, high-impact work. If you want to build systems that genuinely matter to small businesses and you're excited by the technical depth that comes with high-throughput, distributed architecture, this is the role for you.

🎥 Get a feel for our Berlin office here.

What you'll do

• Own and lead the end-to-end delivery of backend services within the Cards EU domain, including observability, testing, and production support
• Contribute to the technical roadmap by participating in architectural discussions and proposing solutions for complex, distributed systems challenges
• Raise well-scoped pull requests, conduct thorough code reviews, and help maintain high standards of code quality and test coverage across the team
• Collaborate closely with engineers in adjacent squads and with the product manager to shape and refine the squad backlog
• Participate in incident reviews and the on-call rotation, taking accountability for the reliability of the services you build
• Apply and champion AI tooling to accelerate engineering workflows, and help raise the team's overall AI literacy

You'll be great for this role if…

• Solid, hands-on experience delivering production-ready backend services end-to-end, including testing, monitoring, and maintenance, on a modern cloud-native stack
• Production experience with Kotlin and interest in working with a number of other languages (Java, Golang and Elixir)
• Solid understanding of distributed systems, API design, data modelling, and working with relational databases
• Hands on experience in containerisation, orchestration, and CI/CD practices
• Ability to take an ambiguous product problem, define the technical approach, and lead it through to implementation with minimal guidance
• Comfort working across teams and communicating clearly in written and spoken English in a professional setting
• Genuine curiosity about the product domain — comfortable applying a backend lens during feature refinement and thinking beyond the code to understand how your work shapes the user experience

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 can be used to attend conferences and/or advance 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, 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.

Find more English Speaking Jobs in Germany on Arbeitnow

Expert Career Tips for Senior Backend Engineer - Cards Roles

To succeed in a competitive market as a Senior Backend Engineer - Cards, 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 Backend Engineer - Cards 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, Germany and beyond:

The demand for skilled professionals is increasingly borderless. For roles based in 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 Backend Engineer - Cards 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.