Backend Engineer
- TypeScript
- Node.js
- PostgreSQL
- Drizzle ORM
- Next.js
- Server Components
- Stripe
- AI
- Visa support
About the Role
This is a Backend Engineer role on the core infrastructure team at a pre-seed energy technology startup building the operating layer for next-generation dynamic electricity plans. You will help design and scale a modular billing engine, low-level energy-market communication protocols, and a full accounting ledger, foundational systems that power how energy is priced, delivered, and billed.
What You'll Do
Design for complexity: architect scalable, maintainable backend systems that handle real-world energy billing and market data challenges.
Scale the core: build and improve the infrastructure underpinning dynamic electricity plans and reliable billing flows.
Ship with ownership: take features from design through production with a bias for action and a high bar for quality.
Raise standards: contribute to engineering culture, code quality, and technical decision-making as an early team member.
What We're Looking For
At least 3 years of experience building reliable backend infrastructure in production environments.
Proficiency in TypeScript and Node.js, including strong command of asynchronous programming patterns.
Experience with PostgreSQL and ORM-based data access (Drizzle or similar).
Hands-on experience with Next.js backend services, including API routes or server components.
Familiarity with distributed systems concepts and designing scalable, maintainable core services.
Experience integrating Stripe payments and billing flows is a plus.
Strong computer science fundamentals through a formal degree or equivalent practical experience.
A track record of technical exceptionality: standout projects, competition results, research, founding experience, or comparable evidence.
Experience in an early-stage startup environment, or demonstrated genuine interest in that context.
Background in application-centric product or infrastructure work rather than narrowly specialized domains such as data pipelines or AI infrastructure.
Fluency in German at C1 level or above.
Currently working as a hands-on individual contributor with recent production coding and shipping experience.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary: EUR 80,000 to EUR 120,000 per year.
Visa sponsorship is available.
Location
On-site in Berlin, Germany, five days per week.
Backend Engineer · clera