Graduate Software Engineer

About Bending Spoons

Bending Spoons aims to become an exceptionally effective, long-lasting company that delivers strong value to customers and shareholders while maintaining high ethical standards. The business acquires digital products to run and improve them over the long term, rather than flipping them for a sale. Its teams are intentionally small, highly skilled, and flat in structure, and the company uses AI extensively throughout its workflows so that people and machines work together to produce better outcomes.

Role overview

This position is suited to a driven graduate software engineer who wants rapid growth, meaningful ownership, and the chance to build products used by millions. The role is designed for someone who wants to contribute early, learn quickly, and take on increasing responsibility in a high-performance environment.

What you will do

• Take ownership of software from early idea through to live production, improving systems that serve a large user base.
• Use AI tools throughout the development cycle, including design, coding, testing, and documentation, while keeping quality, reliability, and maintainability strong.
• Work across different technologies and architectures, choosing the right approach for each problem rather than chasing trends.
• Help reduce unnecessary complexity by improving codebases, delivery pipelines, and system design so they are easier to scale and maintain.

What the company looks for

• Strong analytical and reasoning skills, with the ability to solve difficult problems from first principles.
• High ambition, persistence, and a strong sense of personal responsibility for outcomes.
• A collaborative mindset that values the best idea, contributes willingly, and supports teammates proactively.
• Comfortable written and spoken English communication.

What’s offered

• Work with highly capable, entrepreneurial teams in small autonomous groups.
• Fast career growth, with strong opportunities to take on significant responsibility early.
• Competitive compensation plus access to company equity, with pay varying by location and expected impact.
• Flexible working arrangements, including flexible hours and remote work.
• Learning and training support with no fixed limit, along with private health coverage.
• Relocation assistance, parental support, and an annual retreat in a notable destination.
• Option to start part-time and move into full-time while finishing studies.

Compensation

For candidates with limited experience, typical annual pay is £85,797 in London and €66,065 elsewhere in Europe. For candidates with substantial relevant experience, typical annual pay is £112,189 to £250,512 in London and €107,837 to €188,848 elsewhere in Europe. Exceptional candidates may be offered compensation above these ranges. If the contract is permanent, part of the pay may be taken as company equity at a discounted price. If relocation is to Italy, a 50% tax reduction may apply.

Contract and work location

This is a permanent or fixed-term full-time role. The job can be based in Milan, London, Madrid, or Warsaw, and remote work is available from selected countries. For the first few months, the company recommends working from the Milan office to accelerate onboarding. After that, work may continue from Milan or London offices, or remotely from approved countries, depending on what is agreed at offer stage.

Selection process and additional notes

All applications are reviewed through the company’s own careers process, and candidates may be asked to complete one or more challenging tests that can take several hours. The company evaluates applicants based on demonstrated merit, regardless of seniority, and may keep roles open for an extended period or repost them if needed. Applicants who were not previously offered a position are advised to wait at least one year before reapplying. The company welcomes applicants and provides reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities.

Important expectations

Bending Spoons describes the environment as demanding, with very high standards and a strong emphasis on commitment. The upside is substantial learning, achievement, and career growth for people who thrive in that setting. Candidates who feel they might be a fit are encouraged not to self-reject, even if their background is not conventional.