Senior Backend Engineer

About the opportunity

About InvestEngineInvestEngine is a fast-growing fintech based in London, on a mission to make ETF investing simple and accessible. Over 150,000 clients have trusted us with more than £3 billion in assets — and we're just getting started.About the RoleWe're looking for a Lead Backend Engineer to join and lead our Payments Team.This is a hands-on leadership role combining backend engineering, technical ownership, and team leadership. The Payments Team owns one of the most business-critical domains at InvestEngine, responsible for payment flows, external provider integrations, transaction reliability, and operational efficiency.The team is entering an exciting stage where we are looking for a strong technical leader who can help simplify complex systems, improve reliability, drive architectural improvements, and scale both the platform and the team.What You'll DoDesign, develop, and maintain backend services in Python 3.11 using Django / DRFLead technical initiatives across payments infrastructure and integrationsDrive improvements in system reliability, observability, and operational excellenceWork closely with Product, Operations, Compliance, and external partnersInvestigate production issues and identify root causes rather than temporary fixesImprove legacy systems and reduce technical debtLead architectural discussions and technical decision-makingMentor engineers through code reviews, pairing, and technical guidanceTake ownership of delivery, planning, and execution of complex projectsHelp grow and develop the engineering teamWhat We're Looking For5+ years of backend development experienceStrong Python and Django experienceExperience leading projects or engineering teamsStrong understanding of distributed systems, integrations, and system reliabilityExperience working with complex legacy systems and technical debtAbility to drive clarity in ambiguous situationsExcellent communication and stakeholder management skillsStrong ownership mindset and proactive approach to problem-solvingEnglish (B2 level or higher) and fluent RussianNice to HaveExperience in fintech, payments, banking, or other highly regulated industriesExperience with AWS, Docker, MySQL, Redis, RabbitMQ, or KafkaExperience leading modernization or system migration initiativesHow We WorkWe’re a lean, collaborative team where developers help shape architecture, product direction, and engineering culture. You’ll have real impact, autonomy, and the trust to build solutions that scale with the business — without micromanagement or heavy bureaucracy.What We OfferDirect impact — work on business-critical systems and influence core architectureStrategic leadership opportunities — grow into a central technical role as we scaleModern tech stack — Python 3.11, Django, MySQL, Redis, AWS, GitHub, TeamCityRemote-first and flexible — work from anywhere, on your own scheduleUnlimited vacation — take the time you need, when you need itA supportive, experienced team that values quality, learning, and delivering resultsHiring ProcessIntro call with our Talent teamTechnical interview with the Backend teamGamified cognitive assessment to understand how you think and problem-solveFinal conversation with our CTO Fast and clear process — typically 1–2 weeks from first call to offer.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain backend services in Python 3.
• 11 using Django / DRFLead technical initiatives across payments infrastructure and integrationsDrive improvements in system reliability, observability, and operational excellenceWork closely with Product, Operations, Compliance, and external partnersInvestigate production issues and identify root causes rather than temporary fixesImprove legacy systems and reduce technical debtLead architectural discussions and technical decision-makingMentor engineers through code reviews, pairing, and technical guidanceTake ownership of delivery, planning, and execution of complex projectsHelp grow and develop the engineering teamWhat We're Looking For5+ years of backend development experienceStrong Python and Django experienceExperience leading projects or engineering teamsStrong understanding of distributed systems, integrations, and system reliabilityExperience working with complex legacy systems and technical debtAbility to drive clarity in ambiguous situationsExcellent communication and stakeholder management skillsStrong ownership mindset and proactive approach to problem-solvingEnglish (B2 level or higher) and fluent RussianNice to HaveExperience in fintech, payments, banking, or other highly regulated industriesExperience with AWS, Docker, MySQL, Redis, RabbitMQ, or KafkaExperience leading modernization or system migration initiativesHow We WorkWe’re a lean, collaborative team where developers help shape architecture, product direction, and engineering culture.
• You’ll have real impact, autonomy, and the trust to build solutions that scale with the business — without micromanagement or heavy bureaucracy.