Senior Backend Engineer (AI focus)

Deel3 days ago

Location

Spain

Workplace

Remote

Type

Full Time

Level

Senior

Role

Backend Engineer

Posted

Mar 11, 2026

Full TimeRemoteSenior

The role

Summary

Senior Backend Engineer role at Deel focusing on integrating AI capabilities into global payroll workflows. The position requires 8+ years of backend experience with JavaScript, Node.js, and PostgreSQL, specifically emphasizing AI API integrations and ETL pipeline development for unstructured data processing.

What you'll do

AI-Powered Backend Development: Build and maintain backend services that integrate AI capabilities into Deel's payroll workflows

ML Engineering Collaboration: Work closely with ML engineers and operations teams to develop real-world AI-powered tools

API Integration and Development: Design and implement robust API integrations with third-party AI services and internal systems

Data Pipeline Management: Develop and maintain ETL pipelines for processing unstructured and messy payroll data

AI System Integration: Integrate AI APIs into production systems ensuring scalability and reliability

Document Processing Systems: Build systems for parsing and processing various file formats including CSV, PDF, and Excel

Conversational Interface Development: Create chatbot and conversational interfaces for AI-powered payroll assistance

Prompt Engineering: Optimize AI prompts and workflows for improved system performance and user experience

What we look for

Technical

Backend Development ExperienceMinimum 8+ years of experience in backend or full-stack engineering

JavaScript and Node.jsStrong proficiency in JavaScript and Node.js for backend development

PostgreSQL DatabaseHands-on experience with PostgreSQL database design and optimization

API Integration SkillsProven ability to design and integrate complex APIs

AI API IntegrationPractical experience integrating AI APIs into production systems

ETL and Data ProcessingComfortable working with unstructured data and building ETL pipelines

Education

Technical DegreeBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related technical field (preferred)

Self-Taught AlternativeStrong portfolio and demonstrable experience accepted in lieu of formal degree

Experience

Senior-Level Experience8+ years of professional software engineering experience

Production AI IntegrationHands-on experience deploying AI-powered features to production environments

Global Scale SystemsExperience working with large-scale, distributed systems serving global audiences

Payroll or FinTechPrevious experience in payroll, HR tech, or financial technology systems (preferred)

Skills

Required skills

JavaScriptAdvanced proficiency in JavaScript for backend development

Node.jsExpert-level Node.js development skills

PostgreSQLStrong database design and query optimization skills

API DevelopmentRESTful API design and implementation expertise

AI API IntegrationExperience integrating OpenAI, Anthropic, or similar AI APIs

ETL Pipeline DevelopmentBuilding robust data processing and transformation pipelines

Unstructured Data ProcessingWorking with messy, unstructured data sources

Nice to have

PythonScripting capabilities for AI workflows and data processing

OpenAI APISpecific experience with OpenAI's GPT models and APIs

Gemini APIGoogle's Gemini AI platform integration experience

Anthropic ClaudeExperience with Claude AI for natural language processing

Chatbot DevelopmentBuilding conversational interfaces and chat systems

Prompt EngineeringUnderstanding of prompt optimization techniques

Document ParsingExperience with CSV, PDF, and Excel file processing

Machine LearningBasic understanding of ML concepts and model deployment

Compensation & benefits

Stock options

Available

Benefits

Stock Options

Stock grant opportunities dependent on role, employment status, and location

Remote Work Flexibility

Fully remote work arrangement with optional WeWork access for coworking

Global Benefits Package

Comprehensive benefits tailored to your employment status and country of residence

WeWork Access

Optional access to WeWork coworking spaces for remote work flexibility

Inclusive Culture

Diverse and inclusive workplace with 74 languages spoken across 100+ countries

Career Growth

Career acceleration opportunities in the fastest-growing SaaS company

Cutting-Edge Technology

Work with latest AI technologies and global-scale infrastructure

Global Impact

Contribute to systems that process $11.2B in payments across 100 currencies

Interview process

1
Application Review — Initial screening of application materials and technical background assessment
2
Recruiter Phone Screen — 30-minute call with talent acquisition team to discuss background and role fit
3
Technical Assessment — Coding challenge focusing on backend development and AI integration scenarios
4
Technical Interview — Live coding session with senior engineers covering JavaScript, Node.js, and API design
5
System Design Interview — Architecture discussion for AI-powered payroll systems and scalability considerations
6
AI Integration Deep Dive — Technical discussion about AI API integration experience and approach to ML workflows
7
Cultural Fit Interview — Conversation with team members about collaboration style and remote work experience
8
Final Round — Discussion with engineering leadership about career goals and long-term vision