At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and enhance back-end services using Python and PHP for impactful school management tools.
- Company: Join Arbor, a mission-driven tech company transforming education for over 12,000 schools.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 32 days holiday, and a dedicated wellbeing team.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for mentorship and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while working with passionate professionals.
- Qualifications: Experience in Python, PHP, and managing large technical projects is essential.
Location: Remote
Salary: £75,000 - £85,000
About us
At Arbor, we’re on a mission to transform the way schools work for the better. We believe in a future of work in schools where being challenged doesn’t mean being burnt out and overworked. Our MIS and school management tools are already making a difference in over 12,000 schools and trusts, giving time and power back to staff, turning data into clear, actionable insights, and supporting happier working days.
About the role
We are looking for an experienced and highly technical Senior Product Engineer to join our Engineering team and help us implement and deliver large projects and advocate for high engineering standards. The remit and focus of the role is to be a key driver in the team, taking responsibility for developing and owning features and core components of the company's core systems and processes, as well as auxiliary services where needed.
Core responsibilities
- Build, maintain and scale platform-level back-end services to enhance and serve our Data and AI capabilities for internal and external customers.
- Leverage these Data and AI capabilities to build and ship new features within the core Arbor product suite.
- Own the successful delivery of high-impact features, directly contributing to the advancement of Arbor products.
- Drive the development and implementation of advanced tests for new and existing features, ensuring high test coverage and reliability standards.
- Proactively identify, take ownership of, and resolve critical system bugs and issues using advanced problem-solving skills and comprehensive system knowledge.
- Maintain high code quality standards through thorough, constructive code reviews, ensuring solutions are well-tested, scalable, and maintainable.
- Produce well-architected, efficient, and scalable code by applying industry-leading design patterns and methodologies.
- Create and maintain thorough technical documentation and diagrams that promote best practices and ensure clear communication.
- Collaborate closely with the Engineering Manager, Tech Lead, QA Engineer, and Product Manager to address feature requests.
- Support the Engineering Manager with interviews, scrum ceremonies, and the implementation of strategies to improve and optimise product quality and lead time.
- Support the Tech Lead in developing technical roadmap solution designs, identifying areas for improvement, prioritising, and executing technical debt reduction.
- Act as a role model for technical excellence through code reviews, pair programming, and actively mentoring and coaching mid-level and junior engineers in best practices.
- Actively lead and participate in tech talks, workshops, and team-based learning initiatives.
About you
- Demonstrable experience building back-end Python-based services.
- Previous experience building features in PHP.
- Experience with enterprise solutions and large-scale systems.
- Demonstrated knowledge of database technologies (SQL and NoSQL) and best practices for data modelling and performance optimisation.
- Proven experience in managing large, technical projects and delivering high-quality, impactful results with minimal supervision.
- Proven experience designing and writing APIs and services within a service-oriented environment.
- Applies best practices and software engineering principles (e.g., SOLID, DRY) effectively.
- Demonstrated knowledge of software best practices, including refactoring, writing clean code, and Test-Driven Development (TDD) and Test Automation.
- Understands Scrum methodology or other agile development processes.
- Demonstrates leadership through collaboration, mentorship, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
- Possesses excellent written and spoken English skills, with the ability to communicate clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- A driven team player who actively participates in discussions and readily offers assistance to others.
What we offer
The chance to work alongside a team of hard-working, passionate people in a role where you’ll see the impact of your work every day. We also offer:
- A dedicated wellbeing team who champion initiatives such as mindfulness, lunch n learns, manager training, mental health first aid training and much more!
- 32 days holiday (plus Bank Holidays). This is made up of 25 days annual leave plus 7 extra company wide days given over Easter, Summer.
Remote Senior Product Engineer (Python & PHP) in Derby employer: Arbor Education
At Arbor, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and professional growth of our team members. Our remote work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, allowing you to make a meaningful impact in the education sector while enjoying 32 days of holiday and a supportive environment that champions mental health and personal development. Join us in transforming schools into joyful workplaces where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Remote Senior Product Engineer (Python & PHP) in Derby
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend virtual meetups, and engage with communities on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best projects, especially those involving Python and PHP. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do and sets you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common technical questions and coding challenges. Use platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to sharpen your skills. Remember, confidence is key, so be ready to discuss your past projects and how they relate to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our mission to transform education.
We think you need these skills to ace Remote Senior Product Engineer (Python & PHP) in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your back-end Python and PHP experience, and don’t forget to mention any large-scale projects you've managed!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about transforming education and how your technical expertise can contribute to our mission at Arbor.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've tackled complex issues in past projects. We love seeing candidates who can think critically and take ownership of challenges!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arbor Education
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Python and PHP skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've built back-end services, and be prepared to dive into technical details about your coding practices and problem-solving approaches.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Since this role involves managing large technical projects, come prepared with examples of how you've successfully delivered impactful results. Highlight your experience with agile methodologies like Scrum and how you've collaborated with cross-functional teams.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Qualities
This position requires a proactive approach to mentoring and coaching others. Share instances where you've led tech talks or workshops, and explain how you've fostered knowledge transfer within your team. Show them you're not just a great engineer, but also a great team player.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that assess your soft skills and cultural fit. Think about how you've handled challenges in previous roles, especially in high-pressure situations. Be ready to discuss how you maintain high code quality and ensure clear communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
