Contract - Back End Developer - Python/AWS - £500-£700/day (Outside IR35) - ID44270
8 days ago
Oxford
Senior Backend Engineer – Python | Django | FastAPI | AWS Build systems that power the future of AI Are you a high-agency backend engineer who thrives on solving complex problems at scale? Do you enjoy designing secure, production-grade systems and shipping robust APIs that make advanced technology accessible? Would you like to shape core infrastructure for AI-powered products in a fast-paced, ambitious environment? If this sounds like your kind of challenge – this could be the opportunity that unlocks your next big career move. About the Role Our client – an innovative, deep tech start-up based in the UK – is seeking a Senior Backend Engineer with expertise in Python (Django or Flask) to architect and deliver production-grade systems for cutting-edge AI products. This is a role for engineers who enjoy owning backend services end-to-end – from design to deployment and everything in between. You'll play a pivotal role in building secure, scalable APIs, optimising infrastructure, and integrating backend services directly with AI models and real-time inference pipelines. This is a hybrid role with flexible hours, offering rapid career progression and a chance to define best practices from the ground up in a company that genuinely values engineering excellence. Why This Role is Great In this role, you’ll get to: • Design scalable backend architecture using FastAPI and Python for high-performance workloads, • Build and maintain robust APIs following RESTful conventions and OpenAPI/Swagger standards, • Own the performance of PostgreSQL databases, including partitioning, indexing, and horizontal scaling strategies, • Secure and optimise infrastructure using Docker, AWS, and infrastructure-as-code (IaC) tools like Terraform, • Collaborate directly with AI and product teams, translating real-world requirements into elegant backend systems, • Mentor engineers and influence architecture, driving backend standards and operational excellence, • Take full ownership of systems in production, including logging, monitoring, incident response, and disaster recovery About You You might come from a variety of backgrounds, but you’ll thrive in this role if you’re excited to: • Work with modern tools like Python, FastAPI, PostgreSQL, Docker, and AWS, • Engage with real-time systems and AI model integration pipelines, • Build on your experience of deploying APIs, writing clear documentation, and maintaining strong testing practices, • Apply your knowledge of CI/CD tools like GitHub Actions or Argo CD to ship high-quality code fast, • Be hands-on with authentication systems (OAuth2, OIDC) and secure API design, • Operate with a security-first mindset, using tools like GuardDuty, CloudWatch, and IAM best practices, • Grow in a high-trust, high-ownership culture where autonomy is valued and impact is recognised Ideal Skills Wishlist (If you meet most of these, we’d love to hear from you!) • 5+ years of backend engineering, ideally in Python with Django, Flask, or FastAPI, • Proven experience building REST APIs in production, • Strong command of relational databases (especially PostgreSQL), • Familiarity with containerisation (Docker) and version-controlled environments, • Hands-on AWS experience (VPC, EC2, S3, IAM, ALB/ELB, etc.), • Exposure to CI/CD practices and infrastructure-as-code, • Comfortable leading backend projects and mentoring peers Diversity & Inclusion We’re committed to building teams that reflect a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills – and so is our client. We actively encourage applications from all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences. If you're passionate about backend engineering and think this role sounds exciting – even if your CV doesn’t tick every box – we encourage you to apply. Ready to Make a Real Impact? If you’re ready to join a team building AI systems that work at scale in the real world, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now to start a conversation about your next chapter as a Senior Backend Engineer.