Full-Stack Software Engineer - Circular Construction AI (REON)

• 28 September 2026
• 60 - 80%
• Temporary
• Lausanne

EPFL, the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, is one of Europe's most dynamic university campuses and ranks among the top 20 universities worldwide. EPFL employs more than 6,500 people supporting the institution's three main missions: teaching, research, and innovation. The EPFL campus offers an exceptional working environment at the heart of a community of more than 17,000 people, including more than 12,500 students and 4,000 researchers from more than 120 different countries.

Full-Stack Software Engineer - AI for Circular Construction (REON)

Mission

REON is a start-up resulting from EPFL research developed at the Structural Xploration Lab, building the Reuse Viability Index (RVI), an AI system that predicts the reuse value of building components before demolition, using data from more than 23,200 listings and transactions in the reuse market. We are looking for a developer with entrepreneurial ambition and the ability to evolve into a founder role, in order to rapidly transform the existing research prototype into a functional MVP to support the next grant application.

Main tasks and responsibilities

• Rebuild the RVI scoring engine in clean and autonomous Python code, correctly implementing the validated indicator formulas
• Design and build the database layer (schema and storage) and connect it directly to the RVI engine
• Migrate the graphical representation from Neo4j to a native Python structure
• Implement data ingestion and similarity matching logic that completes missing component information (GNN)
• Build the web interface: uploading input data, ranked results as output
• Work autonomously from general objectives to functional software, using modern tools (including AI coding assistants) to move forward quickly
• Maintain the codebase clean and documented so that it can be extended by others.

Profile

We are looking for a strong junior Python developer, interested in transforming a research prototype into a functional product. The role combines graph data, machine learning, and practical web development. Some technologies may be learned during the project, but strong skills in Python and practical experience with graphs and GNN are essential.

• Full-stack: capable of managing backend, data layer, and frontend as a coherent system (data upload, scoring execution, display of ranked results).
• Degree in computer science, software engineering, data science, machine learning, or an equivalent field; recent graduates are welcome.
• Strong Python skills; experience with APIs, databases, data pipelines, testing, and deployment.
• Has personally built and delivered at least one complete software product or system beyond university work.
• Capable of translating research or mathematical logic into reliable software.
• Effectively uses AI coding tools, but reviews, tests, and takes full responsibility for the produced code.
• Experience in graph data, ML/GNN, and LLM is a significant asset.
• Ability to analyze and work with structured construction data formats (BIM/IFC), or equivalent experience in structured technical data ingestion from PDF/Excel sources
• Training in civil engineering or the construction industry is an advantage, but not mandatory.
• Valid Swiss work permit mandatory. Applications without a permit will not receive a response.
• Priority given to candidates already based in the canton of Vaud or the Lausanne region, available to start immediately.

We offer

• The chance to build the technical core of an EPFL spin-off in the making, in circular construction and AI
• Direct collaboration with the founder and true ownership of what you build
• A flexible role, practical with a real impact
• Location: EPFL, Lausanne.
• Employment rate: 60-80 %.
• Fixed-term contract, approximately 2-3 months.
• Start date: as soon as possible. Applications are reviewed as they come in - the position may be filled before the closing date.
• Possible continued involvement if additional funding for REON is obtained.

To apply, send:

• Your CV and cover letter
• Link(s) to one or two delivered/deployed projects, with a short note on what you personally built
• Your current location
• Two reference contacts

Questions can be addressed to maria.sivers@epfl.ch.

Information

Activity rate: 60-80 %

Contract type: Fixed-term contract

Duration: Approximately 3 months

Start date: As soon as possible

Location: EPFL, Lausanne

Reference: 2486