🚀 Lead Backend Developer (Python/Django) – WasteHero (Aarhus HQ)

About WasteHero

At WasteHero, we’re revolutionizing municipal waste management through cutting-edge software. Our cloud-native SaaS platform helps cities and private operators optimize routes, automate billing, ensure compliance, and build greener communities. We’re already working with municipalities and waste companies across Europe — and we’re just getting started.

We're a mission-driven scaleup with a strong product-market fit, backed by institutional investors and public funding. Our HQ is in Aarhus, where product and engineering sit at the heart of the business.

The Role: Lead Backend Developer

We’re looking for a senior backend engineer to take full ownership of our core Python backend and lead the engineering team to new heights of stability, performance, and excellence.

As Lead Backend Developer, you will:

• Own the architecture and development of our Python/Django + FastAPI services

• Ensure scalability and reliability for critical infrastructure used by cities across Europe

• Provide technical leadership to the backend team through mentoring, code reviews, and guidance

• Collaborate with product, DevOps, and frontend teams to build new features

• Set and enforce best practices in code quality, security, testing, and maintainability

• Drive architectural decisions for performance and fault-tolerance

Our Tech Stack

• Python 3, Django, FastAPI

• PostgreSQL, Redis, Celery

• GraphQL (Graphene), REST

• Docker, gunicorn

• Bitbucket Pipelines (CI/CD)

• Self-hosted on Hetzner (Germany & Finland) with private networking & load balancing

You Bring

• 5+ years of backend development experience (preferably Python/Django)

• A proven track record of building and scaling production systems

• Strong experience with relational databases (PostgreSQL or similar)

• Confidence in Docker, CI/CD, and modern development pipelines

• Leadership skills—you’ve mentored developers, made architectural calls, and led by example

• A pragmatic mindset focused on security, performance, and clean design

• Bonus: experience with FastAPI, GraphQL, SaaS platforms, or public sector software

Why Join Us?

• High-impact role with real ownership

• Work alongside a passionate, founder-led team

• Stock options & equity potential

• Modern tech stack with room to shape the future

• Flexible, human-first culture (with strong execution)

• Purpose-driven mission with real-world environmental impact

• Competitive salary + stock options available

📍 Must be able to work onsite from our office in Aarhus, Denmark. Relocation support can be discussed.