Backend Lead (Python/GIS)

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 Originally posted on Himalayas