Lead AI Backend Engineer - Python
First seen by Alion on Nov 3, 2026.
Job Overview :
Do you thrive in a dynamic environment, want to be part of a small core team, and love owning what you build end-to-end?
We are looking for a Lead AI Backend Engineer who can own backend architecture, guide a high-performing engineering team, and build scalable distributed systems, AI-powered platforms, search capabilities, and high-performance media workflows.
Key Responsibilities :
- Own backend architecture for workflow, AI, search, and media management platforms, ensuring reliability, extensibility, and long-term scalability
- Lead AI-native backend capabilities including agent orchestration, workflow automation, human-in-the-loop processes, and AI service integrations
- Define and guide search capabilities including metadata search, full-text search, semantic retrieval, and vector-based experiences
- Architect services for high-volume image and video movement across cloud and on premise environments
- Drive integrations with storage systems, DAM platforms, file transfer services, and third party applications
- Establish engineering standards for performance, scalability, reliability, security, observability, testing, and code quality
- Collaborate closely with Product, Frontend, DevOps, AI/ML, QA, and leadership teams to translate business goals into technical execution plans
- Mentor backend engineers, review designs and code, unblock the team, and foster a culture of ownership and technical excellence
- Contribute to hiring, roadmap planning, technical prioritization, and delivery planning for backend initiatives
Qualifications and Skills :
- 7 - 12 years of backend development experience, preferably building and scaling SaaS products
- Proven experience leading backend engineering initiatives, mentoring engineers, and influencing architecture decisions
- Strong expertise in Python and modern backend frameworks such as Flask or FastAPI
- Strong proficiency in PostgreSQL or similar relational databases, including schema design, query optimization, performance tuning, and data modeling
- Deep experience designing scalable REST APIs, event-driven systems, and distributed architectures
- Hands-on experience with AWS serverless services, cloud-native architectures, and production-grade operational practices
- Experience building AI-enabled applications, integrating LLMs, AI services, or agentic workflows in production environments
- Experience with search technologies such as OpenSearch, Elasticsearch, PostgreSQL Full Text Search, or vector search platforms
- Experience building backend services for image, video, or digital asset workflows
- Familiarity with file transfer protocols and technologies including FTP, SFTP, multipart uploads, cloud object storage, and hybrid cloud/on-prem architectures
- Strong ownership mindset with the ability to lead execution in a fast-paced, ambiguous, and high-growth environment
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to align technical and non-technical stakeholders
Why Join Us :
- Work on a greenfield AI SaaS product, redefining creative workflows for fashion and e-commerce
- Work alongside technology leaders who have built 0-to-1 AI SaaS products
- Be part of the core early team - your work directly shapes the product
- Build with a modern tech stack and solve real, complex engineering problems
- Fast-paced, ownership-driven culture with room to grow
- Onsite role in Bengaluru - collaborate closely and move fast
- Be part of RIBU's 1000+ strong worldwide team that has powered creative expression for leading global brands for over 25 years
Skills
Python, FastAPI, Flask, PostgreSQL, Generative AI, AWS, ElasticSearch, RESTful API, Distributed Systems, AI Integration