Backend Developer

About Tective

At Tective, we build high-impact autonomous drone technologies that support defense, security, disaster response, and agriculture. Our systems enable automated drone operations 24/7, capturing mission-critical data efficiently and reliably.

We are a deep-tech company working on real hardware integration and operational systems. Our team values ownership, technical excellence, and continuous learning.

We are looking for a senior backend developer who wants to build real-world systems and is confident about their own coding to let multiple drones fly autonomously, pushing the boundaries of current technology.

Role Overview

This is a pure backend role, with close collaboration with the software team (soon to consist of 4 developers). We are searching for a pure backend specialist that wants to specialize even further. Somebody that can help junior and medior developers when they're stuck or need a technical review, but doesn’t necessarily have leadership ambition. You are able to write clear guidelines, clear documentation and create plans and diagrams for more advanced features that first need to be discussed with the other team members. You also know when to ask for feedback on your own work.

As a Backend Developer at Tective, you will:

• Develop client-facing software used to monitor and control autonomous systems
• Build and maintain software that controls real-world robotic swarms
• Design and implement robust communication over unreliable network links
• Collaborate closely with hardware and robotics teams to integrate full-stack solutions
• Comfortable adapting to rapidly evolving priorities
• Be proactive in asking for help and communicating roadblocks
• Strong interpersonal skills for working with multiple stakeholders
• Interested in working with dual-use technologies

Tech Stack & Requirements Required

• 5+ years of professional software development experience
• Python for tooling or backend tasks
• Docker and containerized environments
• Linux as a development environment
• Git best practices
• CI/CD pipelines
• Basic networking concepts (UDP/TCP, basic OSI knowledge, Wireshark)
• Experience with PostgreSQL/SQL
• Experience with the “Backend for Frontend” pattern
• Experience working in Agile teams

Nice to Have

• Experience with PX4 flight stack
• Working knowledge of MAVLink protocol
• Familiarity with Jenkins or other CI systems
• Experience with Gazebo
• Experience with PostGIS and GraphQL

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional backend experience
• Strong problem-solving skills and sense of ownership
• Comfortable working independently in a startup environment

Working Model

• 36-40 hours per week
• On-site in Delft / Hybrid - preferred availability of at least 3 days on location.
• Must be able to commute to the Delft office when required

Why Join Us?

• Work on software that interfaces directly with autonomous drone systems
• Contribute to high-impact technology used in civil security and European defense-related applications
• Solve real-world engineering challenges involving hardware integration and real-time communication
• Take ownership of core backend and backend for frontend systems in a growing deep-tech company
• Join a highly motivated team working on strengthening Europe
• Competitive salary of: EUR 4800 - 5200 per month