Graduate AI Software Engineer

About the role

Bending Spoons is focused on building a long-lasting, high-performing company that improves and operates digital businesses for the long term. The organization combines small, highly capable teams with minimal hierarchy, strong ethical standards, and a startup-like pace. AI is embedded into everyday work so that human judgment and machine intelligence complement each other.

This role is for a driven graduate or near-graduate engineer who wants to learn quickly, take ownership, and contribute to software used by millions. The position is designed for someone who can grow rapidly while working in a demanding but highly rewarding environment.

What you'll do

• Create AI-enabled product experiences by partnering with product teams to identify opportunities that can significantly improve the user experience.
• Take ideas from concept through production, delivering code that is reliable, reproducible, and ready to scale.
• Use AI tools throughout the development lifecycle, including design, implementation, testing, and documentation, to work faster without lowering quality.
• Work across a variety of technologies and systems, selecting the most appropriate tools for each problem rather than following trends.
• Own software end to end, from initial idea to live product improvements that reach a large user base.
• Continuously simplify systems by reducing unnecessary complexity in architectures, pipelines, and codebases.

What the company looks for

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong analytical reasoning, a first-principles mindset, and careful attention to detail. High ambition, initiative, perseverance, and a strong sense of responsibility are important. The team values generosity, honesty, transparency, and a willingness to support others.

Strong written and spoken English is required. The company also notes that candidates do not need to wait until after graduation to apply, and part-time-to-full-time arrangements may be possible for those still completing their studies.

What’s offered

• Small, highly talented teams with substantial autonomy.
• Fast career growth and the opportunity to take on major responsibility early.
• Competitive compensation with equity participation for permanent roles.
• A broad benefits package that includes flexible hours, remote work, learning and training support, premium health insurance, relocation support, parental support, and an annual retreat.
• Flexible joining dates, including the possibility to begin part-time and transition to full-time later.
• Support for relocation and an initial on-site ramp-up period in Milan to build momentum and team trust.

Commitment and contract

The role can be permanent or fixed-term and is full-time. The company also mentions that part-time options may be available at the start for candidates who are still finishing their degree.

Location

The role may be based in Milan, London, Madrid, Warsaw, or remote from selected approved countries. The company recommends spending the first few months working from the Milan office to get up to speed, after which remote or office-based work may be possible depending on the agreement made at offer stage.

Selection process

Applications are reviewed through a single screening process focused on evidence of excellence, regardless of seniority. Shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete one or more challenging tests that can take several hours and may involve unfamiliar problems. The company emphasizes that every application is evaluated the same way and encourages candidates not to self-reject if they think they can succeed over time.

Reasonable accommodations are available for candidates with disabilities.

Before you apply

If you have applied before without receiving an offer, the company recommends waiting at least one year before applying again. The role is described as highly demanding, with the expectation of strong commitment in exchange for exceptional learning, achievement, and growth. Travel and accommodation assistance may be provided to support the initial Milan-based ramp-up.