Software Architect
Zerolook, an early-stage travel-tech startup founded by ex-Google Flights and Kayak execs, seeks a Software Architect in Zürich to design and lead a high-performance airfare pricing engine serving billions of queries monthly at sub-second latency. Core stack: Java, C++, and containerized infrastructure.
- Compensation
- CHF 140K–CHF 150K / yr
- Location
- Zürich, Switzerland
- Work setup
- Not specified
- Seniority
- Not specified
- Employment
- Not specified
- Experience
- 5+ years
- Category
- Architecture
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- Bachelors or Masters in Computer Science or related field
- Experience building applications serving over 1K QPS at ~1 sec latencies
- 5+ years leading design, implementation, and deployment of enterprise-class applications
- Extensive knowledge of Java and related Enterprise technologies and frameworks
- Competency in C++
- Experience with containerization and orchestration
- Comfortable with the '0 to 1' phase — ambiguity, fast iteration, extreme ownership
Nice to have
- Previous experience with OTAs, metasearch, or GDS/NDC integration
- Experience with Helidon SE and/or Drogon C++ Web Framework
- Ph.D. in Computer Science
Full description
Looking for a role that allows you to architect an engine serving billions of queries per month at sub-second latency? We have that!
Zerolook ($1.9M raised in August '26, founded by former Google Flights and Kayak execs) is changing how air travel is priced by offering an alternative to traditional airfare pricing engines. At the core of the offering is a large-scale infrastructure capable of serving the billions of requests generated by people and AI agents. As an early hire, you get to define the architecture at the center of it all.
Tasks
- System Architecture: Define the architecture and design, and lead the implementation of a large-scale, high-performance, cost effective infrastructure.
- Enterprise-class application: own the KPIs for non-functional requirements, including security, scalability, availability, business continuity, and disaster recovery.
- Technical Leadership: set standards and best practices, and hire, lead and mentor other engineers as the team grows.
- Strategic Collaboration: Partner alongside the founders with key organizations in the industry in developing the core Zerolook offering.
Requirements
- Education: Bachelors or Masters in Computer Science or related field.
- Large scale applications: experience building applications serving over 1K QPS at latencies on the order of 1 sec
- Broad Software Architecture experience: 5+ years in leading the design, implementation, and deployment of enterprise class applications.
- Engineering Foundation: extensive knowledge of Java and related Enterprise technologies and frameworks, competency in C++, experience with containerization and orchestration
- Startup DNA: Comfortable with the "0 to 1" phase-ambiguity, fast iteration, and taking extreme ownership.
Bonus Requirements
- Travel Tech: Previous experience with OTAs, metasearch, or GDS/NDC integration is a significant plus.
- Frameworks: experience with Helidon SE, and / or Drogon C++ Web Framework
- Education: Ph.D. in Computer Science
Benefits
Compensation
CHF 140.000-150.000 + significant stock options
If you are ready to build the infrastructure that will power the next generation of travel search, we want to hear from you.