Senior Engineer - Backend / AI
Walker Lovell ·www.walkerlovell.com
Apply directSourcing Must Haves
Principal-level backend software engineering experience, 8+ years, with demonstrable complexity
Strong proficiency in Python, including async Python and FastAPI
Experience designing and developing scalable backend architectures and APIs
Expertise in complex distributed systems at production scale
Proven ability to own full technical areas independently without oversight
Experience building production-grade backend services supporting AI platforms
Strong written communication skills for architecture documentation and design reviews
Ability to mentor and raise engineering standards within junior/mid-level teams
Experience collaborating closely with AI, Product, and Infrastructure teams
Background developing software for regulated, security-conscious, or enterprise environments preferred
Sourcing Nice to Haves
Experience with AI agent design and orchestration (e.g. LangChain, LangGraph)
Familiarity with vector databases and embedding pipelines
Prior experience as the most senior backend engineer in a team
Experience in intelligence, security, or data enrichment platform engineering
Location Requirements
Role is initially remote with willingness to travel to Abu Dhabi when required
Future relocation to Abu Dhabi welcomed but not essential
Candidates working close to Gulf Standard Time preferred for team collaboration
Other Preferences
Focus on exceptional backend engineers rather than purely AI researchers
Prioritise candidates with experience in cybersecurity, enterprise software, intelligence platforms, fintech, or highly scalable SaaS
Emphasis on strong system design and software architecture skills over niche AI frameworks
Recruitment via direct referral or selective agency channels; no open public listings
Compensation benchmarked on technical capability, experience, candidate location, and market conditions; client willing to exceed for exceptional candidates