Forward Deployed Engineer – Backend

Raft, an intelligent logistics platform, is revolutionizing the freight and customs industry through automation and advanced technologies. As a fast-scaling, UK-based tech company with global reach, we’re pioneering solutions that empower freight forwarders and customs brokers to operate at new levels of efficiency and precision. Fueled by Series B funding from world-class investors, we are expanding our team and looking for a talented Forward Deployed Engineer (Backend) to join us in delivering custom engineering solutions to our clients.

As a Forward Deployed Engineer (Backend), you will collaborate directly with customers and customer facing teams to understand their needs and provide technical expertise while delivering tailored solutions. This role combines software engineering with customer-facing responsibilities, where you’ll be working closely with clients to design and implement  solutions that align with their business requirements. You’ll be part of a cross-functional team that works directly with customers, ensuring they have the best experience with Raft’s platform while solving complex engineering challenges. You’ll need to be comfortable working in a fast-paced, customer-driven environment and ready to deliver high-quality software solutions to diverse clients.

What You’ll Do:

• Design and implement scalable solutions for customers using Raft’s platform, ensuring that their unique business needs are met.
• Work directly with clients to gather requirements, provide technical guidance, and support the integration of our platform into their systems.
• Develop custom APIs and backend services that enable seamless integration with customer environments.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues, acting as the technical liaison between customers and the Raft engineering team.
• Deep collaboration with internal teams (Product, Engineering, Customer Success and Sales) to form a strong partnership, refine features and improve the customer experience. You’ll create clean documentation for projects for smooth handover.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of our backend architecture and services based on customer feedback and emerging industry trends.

Requirements:

• Proven experience in Python-based backend development is essential. Exposure to frontend technologies, particularly React, is desirable.
• Successfully delivered technical solutions and provided expert guidance to clients in professional services or consulting settings, leveraging strong communication skills.
• Ability to design and build scalable, cloud-based systems and APIs that integrate with client systems.
• Experience working with database technologies (preferably PostgreSQL) and backend frameworks like FastAPI.
• Comfortable troubleshooting complex technical issues in production environments, ensuring quick resolution and minimal downtime.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• A problem-solving mindset, with a passion for customer satisfaction and delivering quality solutions.
• Experience with containerized tools like Docker, Kubernetes, and deployment practices in cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP) is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to balance technical excellence with business requirements and time constraints
• Knowledge of modern AI tools like Cursor and experience working directly with LLMs and prompt engineering is desirable.

Apply Because You Want to…

• Join a dynamic, fast-growing company at the forefront of logistics technology, where you’ll be interacting with clients across various industries.
• Work in a client-centric role where your technical expertise helps solve real-world challenges for global businesses.
• Collaborate with diverse teams to create customized solutions that have a tangible impact on the efficiency of the logistics and freight industry.
• Thrive in a customer-facing, dynamic environment where you can grow your technical and communication skills.
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive, and multi-cultural team that values continuous learning and innovation.