Senior Backend Engineer (Python/GIS)

Gilytics AG; United States; Remote; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ownership of tech core

Flexible hours around CET core time

Hybrid in Valencia

Fully remote in Europe

Senior international team

Job summary

Gilytics is hiring a Backend Lead to own Pathfinder’s server-side engine, geoprocessing, and backend services. This hands-on senior role reports to the CTO and works with frontend, DevOps and GIS Data teams.

You will guide architecture, lead backend developers, integrate AI, and collaborate to deliver scalable, data-driven solutions used by utilities and grid operators across a remote-first, international team.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional backend development.
• Strong Python with GIS libs (GEOS, GDAL/OGR, Shapely, GeoPandas).
• Experience with PostgreSQL/PostGIS geospatial apps.
• Experience designing and maintaining REST APIs and scalable backends.
• Technical leadership: coordinating developers, code reviews, mentoring.
• English proficiency; degree in CS/SE or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Architect and build backend data model, REST APIs and services behind Pathfinder.
• Develop, optimize and maintain geoprocesses and spatial data functions.
• Set backend priorities with the CTO and run agile delivery for the team.
• Lead code reviews and set testing, documentation and security standards.
• Mentor and grow backend developers.
• Integrate AI into the backend and champion AI-assisted development.
• Contribute to product roadmap planning and technical estimation.

Skills

Backend development

Python GIS

REST APIs

Technical leadership

Git / CI/CD

English proficiency

Team collaboration

Education

Computer Science degree

Tools

Django / DRF

AWS

Docker

Linux

Job description

About Gilytics

Gilytics is a Swiss geospatial SaaS company. Our platform, Pathfinder, helps utilities, grid operators and infrastructure planners find the best routes and sites for new infrastructure, turning months of manual planning into a data-driven, transparent process. We are a remote-first team of about 26 people across Europe and the Americas.

The role

We are looking for a Backend Lead to own the server-side engine behind Pathfinder: the geoprocessing, spatial data APIs and backend services our customers rely on. This is a hands-on senior role. Depth of knowledge and an ownership-driven, collaborative attitude matter more to us than years in a management title.

You will report to our CTO, Salvador Bayarri, and work closely with the Frontend, DevOps and GIS Data teams.

Tasks

What you will do

• Architect and build the backend data model, REST APIs and services behind Pathfinder
• Develop, optimise and maintain geoprocesses and spatial data functions
• Set backend priorities with the CTO and run agile delivery for the team
• Lead code reviews and set the standards for testing, documentation and security
• Mentor and grow backend developers
• Integrate AI into the backend (model endpoints, MCP servers, AI agents) and champion AI-assisted development across the team
• Contribute to product roadmap planning and technical estimation

Requirements

What you bring

• 5+ years of professional software development, primarily backend
• Strong Python, including GIS libraries such as GEOS, GDAL/OGR, Shapely or GeoPandas
• Hands-on experience building geospatial applications with PostgreSQL/PostGIS
• A track record of designing and maintaining REST APIs and scalable backend services
• Technical leadership experience: coordinating developers, reviewing code and mentoring, whether or not you held a formal management title
• Good knowledge of Git, automated testing and CI/CD
• Professional working English
• A degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, GIS/Geoinformatics or similar, or equivalent professional experience

Nice to have

• Django / Django REST Framework
• Geoprocessing pipelines at scale and large spatial datasets
• AWS, Docker, Linux
• Scrum or other agile delivery experience
• Some proven experience applying AI or GeoAI in a product

Benefits

What we offer

• Real ownership of the technical core of a product used by major utilities and grid operators
• Work that matters: Pathfinder helps speed up the infrastructure behind the energy transition
• Flexible hours around CET core time (10:00–15:00), and a choice of hybrid in Valencia or fully remote in Europe
• A small, senior, international team where your decisions ship
• An AI-forward engineering culture, with tooling and time to use it