At a Glance
- Tasks: Build and maintain backend services using Python and AI tools to solve real-world problems.
- Company: Join a mission-driven tech company transforming critical industries with innovative software solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, share options, 25 days leave, private healthcare, and flexible working.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in essential industries while accelerating your growth in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Solid foundation in backend engineering and eagerness to learn new technologies.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with regular social events and excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
We live in a world that runs on physical industries like energy, logistics, and manufacturing. These sectors are essential to our economy and daily lives, yet they are held back by inefficiencies, fragile legacy systems, and decades-old ways of working. This is not just a business problem; it is a societal one. When grids fail, supply chains stall, or factories falter, entire economies are disrupted. These companies face unique, complex challenges that typical software was never designed to solve. Cogna was founded to change this. Our mission is to give critical industries their own AI-powered Software Factory: a way to build and deploy bespoke digital tools that solve pressing operational challenges.
Since our launch in May ****, we have seen incredible customer traction and revenue growth. We are backed by leading VCs, including Notion Capital and Hoxton Ventures, and we are building a world-class team to take on one of the most important challenges of our time. Tackling challenges at this scale takes people who are curious, adaptable, and motivated by impact. If our mission resonates with you, we encourage you to apply, even if your experience doesn’t match every requirement. We are committed to building a diverse team that reflects the industries and societies we serve.
Join a team that is redefining how software is built for critical industries. You will help build and maintain the backend services and integrations that power our SaaS applications, working with modern tech stacks and cutting-edge AI tools. This role is an opportunity to accelerate your growth: you will learn to build robust production systems and master AI-assisted development workflows, focusing on validating logic and delivering high-quality features that solve real-world problems.
What you’ll do:
- Build and maintain backend features and API integrations (Python, FastAPI, SQL).
- Adapt and extend pipelines and front-end outputs, validating automated components.
- Build connectors for APIs, files, and external systems.
- Support the integration of LLM-based capabilities with robust evaluation and monitoring.
- Use AI-assisted development tools to scaffold, refactor, and test code.
- Collaborate with Solution Strategists, Data Platform, Platform and Support teams.
What we’re looking for:
- We don’t expect you to have deep expertise in all these areas. We look for a solid foundation in backend engineering and a strong curiosity to learn the rest.
- Python/TypeScript experience (1+ years or strong personal projects); understanding of SQL and data modelling.
- Familiarity with (or keen interest in) agentic AI coding tools (e.g., Cursor/Codex/Claude Code) to plan, scaffold, refactor, and test.
- Experience with APIs (REST) required.
- Exposure to other systems like SFTP, SharePoint, or webhooks is a plus.
- Interest in or exposure to workflow orchestration (Temporal, Dagster).
- Basic familiarity with git, CI/CD concepts, Docker, or cloud platforms (Azure/AWS/GCP).
- Interest in AI and raising team AI skills.
What we offer:
- Competitive salary and share option plan.
- 25 days annual leave, plus public holidays.
- Excellent pension scheme, fixed at 7.5%.
- Private healthcare, including family cover and pre-existing conditions.
- Flexible hybrid working with 2 days per fortnight in our Farringdon office.
- Regular social events and offsites.
- Access to a gym and fitness classes in our office building.
Junior Backend Engineer in England employer: Cogna
Contact Detail:
Cogna Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Backend Engineer in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving Python, FastAPI, or SQL. This gives us a tangible way to see what you can do and how you tackle real-world problems.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common backend engineering questions and coding challenges. Practice makes perfect, so try mock interviews with friends or use online platforms to get comfortable with the process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t hesitate to apply through our website! Even if you don’t tick every box, we value curiosity and a willingness to learn. Your unique perspective could be just what we need to tackle those complex challenges.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Backend Engineer in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission and the role of Junior Backend Engineer.
Show Your Curiosity: We love candidates who are eager to learn! In your application, share examples of how you've tackled challenges or learned new technologies. This shows us you're adaptable and motivated by impact.
Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. We value diversity and want to know what makes you unique. Share your story and why you’re passionate about joining our team!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of getting noticed, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cogna
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re familiar with the technologies mentioned in the job description, especially Python, FastAPI, and SQL. Brush up on your knowledge of REST APIs and be ready to discuss any personal projects or experiences that showcase your skills.
✨Show Your Curiosity
This role values curiosity and a willingness to learn. Prepare examples of how you've tackled new challenges in the past or how you've approached learning new technologies. This will demonstrate your adaptability and eagerness to grow within the company.
✨Understand the Mission
Cogna is focused on solving real-world problems in critical industries. Research their mission and think about how your skills can contribute to this goal. Be ready to discuss why this mission resonates with you and how you can make an impact.
✨Prepare for Collaboration
Collaboration is key in this role. Think of examples where you’ve worked effectively in a team, especially in tech-related projects. Be prepared to discuss how you communicate with others and how you handle feedback, as this will show you’re a team player.