Backend Engineer

About the Role

A well-funded pre-seed energy tech startup based in Berlin is building the operating system for the next generation of energy — including a modular billing engine, low-level energy-market communication protocols, and a full accounting ledger. As a Backend Engineer on the core infrastructure team, you'll help design and scale the systems that power dynamic electricity plans and reliable billing for energy OEMs, installers, and hardware companies across Europe.

The stack includes: TypeScript, Node.js, Next.js, Hono, Temporal, PostgreSQL, Drizzle ORM, Stripe, and Tailwind.

What You'll Do

• Tackle deep technical complexity through thoughtful system design and architecture decisions.
• Scale core infrastructure services to handle growing demand and evolving energy-market requirements.
• Ship with urgency — bias toward action, iteration, and ownership.
• Raise the engineering bar through code quality, documentation, and knowledge sharing.

What We're Looking For

Must-have:

• Proficiency in backend development using TypeScript (Node.js) with a strong grasp of asynchronous programming — this is a dealbreaker requirement.
• Hands-on experience with PostgreSQL and an ORM (Drizzle preferred) for data access patterns.
• Experience with Next.js, including API routes or server components for backend services.
• Familiarity with distributed systems concepts and the ability to design scalable, maintainable core services.
• C1+ English language proficiency (written and verbal).

Nice-to-have:

• Experience integrating Stripe payments and related billing flows.
• Ownership mindset and ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment.
• Strong CS fundamentals — formal degree or equivalent practical experience.

Location & Work Arrangement

• Location: Berlin, Germany
• Work arrangement: On-site in Berlin
• Visa sponsorship: Available

Compensation

• Salary range: $80,000 – $120,000 USD annually