Backend Engineer - Python

Opus; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Visa sponsorship for international

21 days paid annual leave

Job summary

Opus, based in Abu Dhabi, is seeking a Backend Engineer to design and develop server-side logic, APIs, and backend systems using Python microservices. You will collaborate with frontend developers, data scientists, and DevOps to build scalable, secure software powering mission-critical workflows.

The ideal candidate values clean architecture, performance, and observability, with experience in full-stack environments.

Qualifications

• Backend services with Python and microservices exposure.
• Real-time messaging/streaming (Kafka, Redis, RabbitMQ).
• Asynchronous task processing with distributed queues (Celery, RQ).
• REST APIs using FastAPI/Flask.
• ETL/data pipelines; Airflow/Prefect a plus.
• Caching and message broker concepts.
• Docker container deployment.
• Relational DBs (PostgreSQL) and query optimization.
• CI/CD and automated testing practices.
• Knowledge of SOLID, DDD, modular architectures.

Responsibilities

• Write clean, readable, documented code and collaborate with seniors.
• Implement unit/integration tests for reliability.
• Participate in code reviews with constructive feedback.
• Develop SOLID, domain-driven, modular architectures.
• Collaborate with frontend, DevOps, and ML teams to deliver features end-to-end.
• Contribute to CI/CD pipelines and deployment processes.
• Ensure observability with logging/monitoring in production.
• Own features and see them through to production with support.

Skills

Python backend

Microservices

REST APIs

Asynchronous processing

CI/CD

Testing

Code reviews

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Software Engineering

Tools

Kafka

Redis Pub/Sub

RabbitMQ

Celery

FastAPI

Flask

Docker

PostgreSQL

Job description

AppliedAI is a pioneering AI technology company headquartered in Abu Dhabi, committed to innovation and excellence in artificial intelligence solutions in regulated industries such as healthcare, insurance, government, and financial services.

Opus is the world's first Knowledge Work AI platform. Built by AppliedAI to pioneer Supervised Automation, a human-in-the-loop model where AI handles repetitive, structured tasks while human experts provide crucial oversight at defined intervals.

The platform uses its proprietary Large Work Model to generate and orchestrate outcome-based workflows, enabling a dramatic reduction in the cost of knowledge work and allowing human talent to focus on high-value, creative, and judgement-intensive activities.

Position Overview:

As a Backend Engineer, you will be responsible for designing and developing server-side logic, APIs, and backend systems using Python microservices. You will work closely with frontend developers, product managers, and data scientists to build scalable, secure, and maintainable software powering mission-critical workflows.

The ideal candidate is passionate about clean architecture, performance, and backend scalability, with experience in full stack environments and a solid understanding of modern software practices.

Key Responsibilities:

Code Quality & Architecture

• Write clean, readable, and well-documented code with guidance from senior engineers where needed.
• Implement unit and integration tests to ensure code quality and reliability.
• Participate actively in code reviews, giving and receiving constructive feedback.
• Develop familiarity with SOLID principles, domain-driven design, and modular architecture practices.
• Contribute to refactoring and backend improvement efforts under technical direction.
• Work closely with frontend, DevOps, and ML team members to deliver features end-to-end.
• Contribute to CI/CD pipelines and support deployment processes.
• Apply logging and monitoring best practices to ensure observability of your code in production.
• Communicate progress and blockers clearly, and collaborate proactively to resolve issues.
• Actively develop your knowledge of backend, infrastructure, and DevOps best practices.
• Show curiosity around emerging technologies and contribute ideas for improvement.
• Take ownership of assigned features and see them through to production with appropriate support.
• Support junior engineers and contribute to a collaborative team culture.

Qualifications:

• Experience building backend services using Python, with some exposure to microservices or distributed systems.
• Hands-on experience with at least one real-time messaging or streaming technology (Kafka, Redis Pub/Sub, RabbitMQ, or similar).
• Practical experience with asynchronous task processing using distributed task queues (Celery, RQ, or similar).
• Experience building REST APIs using modern Python frameworks (FastAPI, Flask, or similar).
• Some exposure to ETL workflows or data pipelines; familiarity with orchestration tools such as Airflow or Prefect is a plus.
• Understanding of caching strategies and message broker concepts.
• Comfortable working with Docker to deploy and run containerised applications.
• Working knowledge of relational databases (PostgreSQL or similar) and basic query optimisation.
• Exposure to CI/CD pipelines and automated testing practices.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Opportunity to work with a leading AI technology company.
• Collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Growing, entrepreneurial and forward-thinking culture.
• Career growth and professional development opportunities.
• Exposure to a thriving ecosystem working from our Abu Dhabi HQ.
• 21 days of paid annual leave.
• Visa sponsorship for international candidates.