Founding Software Engineer (Backend, Cloud & AI Infrastructure)

Founding Software Engineer (m/f/d)NexTex AI  ·  Berlin, Germany  ·  Full-time  ·  Founding Team RoleAbout NexTex AINexTex AI is a Berlin-based deep-tech startup building an AI-powered intelligence layer for textile manufacturing. Our platform combines industrial cameras, retrofit sensors, PLC/SCADA signals, edge computing and artificial intelligence to detect textile defects, optimize production processes and generate sustainability KPIs for CSRD and EU Green Deal compliance.We are currently preparing our EXIST Startup Grant and ProFIT Berlin R&D funding applications. Our goal is to build and validate an MVP with pilot textile manufacturers in year one and scale into one of Europe's leading industrial AI platforms for textile production.The RoleAs Founding Software Engineer, you will design and build the backend systems, cloud infrastructure and AI deployment architecture behind NexTex AI. You will work directly with the founders, machine learning engineers and future computer vision engineers to create a scalable edge-to-cloud platform for industrial AI applications.Responsibilities•     Design and develop scalable backend services and REST APIs•     Build cloud-native infrastructure and CI/CD deployment pipelines•     Develop industrial data pipelines for machine, sensor and camera data•     Support edge-to-cloud communication and industrial integrations•     Support AI model deployment, monitoring and inference workflows•     Build dashboards, analytics systems and internal tools•     Structure textile production data, defect classifications and sustainability KPIs•     Work directly with pilot factories and industrial partners•     Contribute to product architecture and technical strategyRequirements•     Bachelor's or Master's degree from a university in the EU (mandatory — required for EXIST Startup Grant eligibility)•     Valid EU residence / work authorization, or eligibility to obtain one for Germany•     Strong Python and C++ programming skills•     Experience with FastAPI, Django, Flask, Node.js or similar frameworks•     Experience with PostgreSQL or comparable database systems•     Experience with Docker and containerized environments•     Experience with AWS, Azure or Google Cloud•     Solid understanding of REST APIs and scalable software architecture•     Fluent English•     Ability to work independently in an early-stage startup environmentPreferred Qualifications•     Based in Berlin or willing to relocate to Berlin•     Professional working proficiency in German (B2/C1 or above) — big plus. Prior work experience in a German-speaking environment preferred, especially for communication with German industrial partners and pilot factories•     Existing EU residence permit or permanent residency•     Computer Vision / Machine Learning experience (PyTorch, TensorFlow, ONNX)•     MLOps and model deployment pipelines•     Edge AI deployments (NVIDIA Jetson, CUDA, TensorRT)•     Industrial IoT, PLC/SCADA systems or manufacturing environments•     Startup or founding-team experience•     Interest in textile manufacturing, sustainability and Industry 4.0What We Offer•     15% equity as a founding team member•     Approx. €2,500/month via the German Federal EXIST Startup Grant during the first year•     Significant compensation increase planned after MVP validation and funding milestones•     Direct impact on product, technology and company strategy•     Access to real industrial production environments and pilot textile factories•     Hands-on work across AI, Computer Vision, Edge AI, Industrial IoT and sustainability intelligence•     Direct collaboration with experienced founders, academic advisors and industry partners•     Startup coaching, legal support and mentoring through EXIST and ProFIT Berlin•     Flexible working environment•     Clear path to CTO-level growth as the company scalesHow to ApplyPlease submit your CV, LinkedIn profile, and a short introduction explaining why you are interested in joining NexTex AI.Selected candidates will be invited to:1.   Introductory discussion with the founders2.   Technical discussion and architecture review3.   Final founder meetingIf successful, you will join NexTex AI as a founding team member with 15% equity and play a key role in building the future of industrial AI for textile manufacturing.