Senior Backend Developer (AI/ML Specialist)

Quick summary

🕛 We’re currently looking for a per-project hire for a 4-month engagement, with the possibility of transitioning to a full-time position.

🌎 This is a fully remote position.

🇪🇺 Looking for people in Europe due to time zone alignment.

🇬🇧 Professional English is a must. All company and client communication is in English. Spanish is a bonus, as the project is developed for the Latin American market.

😎 5+ years of experience in backend development (Java/Spring preferred) combined with hands-on experience in implementing and deploying machine learning models and data pipelines.

🔮 We are looking for a unique developer who bridges the gap between backend engineering and data science. You will be responsible for bringing the Retail AI Companion to life by integrating predictive models and building scalable data pipelines within our microservices architecture.

💸 Salary: Gross (B2B) 4000€ ~ 5000€ / month.

About us

BB Agency is a partner for digital evolution, blending creativity and technology to drive meaningful growth. We collaborate with companies focused on real human needs, shaping brands, experiences, and products that impact millions daily.

Founded in 2012 on Island Krk, Croatia, we've grown into a fully remote agency with a global team of 40+ members. We believe in learning by doing, open communication, and pushing boundaries to deliver our best work.

Our clients range from tech SMEs to corporations and funded startups in SaaS, finance, healthcare, and more. We’ve partnered with names like AWS, Deloitte, BNP Paribas, ShipBob, Crisp, and CloudZero, among many others.

Job description

We are seeking a Senior Backend Developer with a deep specialization in AI and Data to lead the implementation of intelligent features within the retail ecosystem. This role begins as a 4-month contract focused on delivering the ML/AI features and has strong potential for a long-term position as we progress to more advanced AI functionalities. You will own the AI Java micro-service and work closely with the Backend Lead and Product Manager to integrate machine learning models, build data pipelines, and create the intelligent experiences that define our AI assistant product features.

Your Responsibilities

• AI Feature Implementation: Develop the backend logic for retail app AI features, like Predictive Reordering, Smart Product Substitution, Conversational Ordering (NLU), and Sales Predictions.
• Model Integration: Integrate and serve machine learning models within the Java/Spring Boot environment.
• Data Pipelines: Design and build data pipelines to process internal data (sales history) and external API data (weather, news feeds) for use in AI models and app features.
• AI Service Ownership: Own the development and maintenance of the dedicated AI Service and Trigger Engine microservices.
• API Development: Create and expose internal APIs for the AI Service to be consumed by other microservices and the mobile app.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the Backend Lead to ensure seamless integration into the overall microservices architecture and with the Product Manager to refine AI feature requirements.
• Performance & Scalability: Ensure that AI-driven features are performant and can scale to meet the demands of the entire user base.

Preferred experience

• 5+ years of backend development experience with Java and Spring Boot.
• Proven, hands-on experience with machine learning, data processing, and implementing AI-driven features in a production environment.
• Familiarity with Natural Language Processing (NLP/NLU) concepts and tools.
• Experience with AWS services like Amazon SQS (Simple Queue Service) & SNS (Simple Notification Service)
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to translate complex data-driven concepts into functional software.
• Languages: Fluent in English to seamlessly integrate with our international team and clientele. Since the product is focused on the Latin American market, being Spanish-speaking is advantage.

What to expect

• Flexibility - We already operate in multiple time zones and have been doing it for years. We have standard 40-hour work weeks. While our agency working hours are from 9 am to 6 pm CET, you’ll have the freedom to work flexible hours and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Just make sure the majority of your working hours fall within that time frame.
• Remote work - We like to think about ourselves as remote-natives. One of the perks of our remote team is that we genuinely trust you to get your job done. You can work from anywhere you see fit, as long as you have a decent internet connection and are available during our agency's working hours.
• Culture - We value collaboration, openness, a willingness to learn, lead, and a curious nature. Our approach encourages mistakes as long as we are willing to learn from them, fostering a culture where growth comes from understanding and overcoming challenges. If you like to work in teams that value great work over loud voices, you are in the right place
• Autonomy and responsibility – You’ll be trusted to get things done efficiently and effectively.

Hiring process

• Pre-selection based on your application (We’ll review your experience, past projects, and skills).
• Introductory call with HR to get to know you better.
• Interview with our Development Team leadership.
• Welcome to BB Agency.