Backend Engineer – AI Tech Scale-up (Python / Go / Elixir / Rust)

Company profile

Our client is a rapidly growing HR-tech scale-up in Amsterdam, building an AI-driven selection engine that automates prescreening, assessments and scheduling. Backed by strong funding and trusted by European customers, they are scaling fast.

The setup is pure start-up mode: a small engineering team (4 people, soon 5+), no middle management, short lines, and a culture that thrives on drive, learning and speed. You’ll see the results of your work live within days — not months.

This is not the place for 9–5 routines. It’s the place for engineers who love building, experimenting and growing together in a team that takes pride in shipping.

Job description

• Take ownership of the core backend services and APIs

• Make the platform scalable as customer usage keeps growing

• Build and maintain ATS integrations and assessment workflows

• Improve performance, reliability, testing and code quality

• Be a mentor and example for less experienced teammates

• Collaborate directly with founders, product and frontend engineers
  

Who you are

Experienced – you’ve seen multiple environments (start-up/scale-up)

Language-flexible – fluent in Python or another modern backend stack (Go, Elixir, Rust)

Mentor-minded – you lift others up while pushing standards higher

Scale-up ready – you thrive in pace and uncertainty

Passionate – you believe in product impact and enjoy seeing your work live fast

Requirements

• 5+ years of backend experience in Python OR Go / Elixir / Rust

• Strong track record building scalable systems and APIs

• Nice-to-haves: ATS/HR-tech experience, affinity with AI-enhanced workflows, exposure to infra (Docker, CI/CD)

• Start-up mentality: high energy, learning mindset, no 9–5 attitude

• Strong product sense — you care about impact and user value

• Based in the Netherlands and willing to work 4 days per week onsite in Amsterdam

Benefits

• Salary: €80.000 – €90.000/year depending on experience

• Stock options after 1 year of employment

• A modern office in Amsterdam (office-first, 4 days)

• A high-ownership role where your voice matters

• The excitement and energy of a real scale-up journey

Important

We can only consider candidates already living in the Netherlands with a valid EU work permit. No visa sponsorship or relocation support.

Interested?

Want to join a scale-up where your code truly shapes the product?
Email d.gontha@haystackpeople.nl or call +31 6 2896 5652.

Keywords: Python, Go, Elixir, Rust, Backend, APIs, SaaS, HR-Tech, Scale-up, ATS Integrations, Start-up Mindset, High Ownership, Amsterdam, €80–90K + SAR