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- Tasks: Lead a team in delivering cloud and data solutions while shaping architecture and tooling.
- Company: Join a mission-driven consultancy making a real-world difference in intelligence and secure data.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £140k+ package, hybrid work, private healthcare, and 25 days holiday.
- Why this job: Make an impact on security problems while enjoying ownership and growth in a cutting-edge environment.
- Qualifications: Senior experience in Python, cloud deployments, and leading teams in high-scale data environments required.
- Other info: 3-stage interview process with a tech test; flexible working arrangements available.
The predicted salary is between 84000 - 196000 £ per year.
Location: London | Sector: Intelligence, Analytics & Secure Data | Process: 3 stages
We’re working with a mission-driven consultancy delivering high-impact intelligence, research, and technical services to governments and private sector clients globally. The brand is well known for making a real-world difference.
As they continue to expand, our client is hiring a Lead Staff Engineer / Founding Engineer to take the reins of a specialist engineering unit delivering microservice-based cloud and data solutions at scale. This is a hands-on technical leadership role where you’ll work closely with the CTO, shape architecture and tooling, and directly influence the future of the engineering capability.
What You’ll Be Doing- Leading a growing team (currently 2 engineers + external partners) across complex data and cloud engineering projects
- Designing and delivering distributed solutions on an AWS-centric stack, with open-source flexibility
- Working with Databricks, Apache Iceberg, and Kubernetes in a cloud-agnostic environment
- Guiding architecture and implementation of large-scale data pipelines for structured and unstructured data
- Steering direction on software stack, best practices, and legacy tech modernisation
- Collaborating with a multidisciplinary group including intelligence analysts, researchers, and domain specialists
- Supporting clients working in highly sensitive and secure environments
- Senior/Lead/Founding Software Engineer, startup/hands-on CTO, or Lead Architect experience, ideally in cloud-native or high-scale data environments
- Deep experience with Python software engineering, cloud deployments (especially AWS), and orchestration technologies
- Proven delivery of big data solutions—not necessarily at FAANG scale, but managing high-volume, complex data (structured/unstructured)
- Experience working with Databricks, Apache Iceberg, or similar modern data platforms
- Experience of building software environments from the ground up, setting best practice and standards
- Experience leading and mentoring teams
- Worked in a startup/scaleup background and someone that is adaptable
- Languages: Python
- Cloud: AWS preferred, cloud-agnostic approach encouraged
- Data: SQL, Databricks, Iceberg, Kubernetes, large-scale data pipelines
- CI/CD & Ops: Open source tools, modern DevOps principles
- Impactful Work – Help solve security problems that truly matter
- Ownership & Autonomy – Freedom to shape the stack and drive strategy alongside the CTO
- Growth – A growing company at the cutting edge of data and intelligence
- Flexibility – Hybrid and remote-friendly, with minimal in-office requirements
- £140k base salary with flexibility
- 10% performance-based bonus
- Pension
- Private Healthcare
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- L&D
- Great company culture and socials
- 3-stage interview process (tech test and final stage onsite)
If you’re a senior technical leader ready to drive hands-on engineering in a meaningful and fast-growing environment, we’d love to speak with you. Reach out for a confidential chat or to request the full job brief.
Python Staff Engineer employer: developrec
Contact Detail:
developrec Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Python Staff Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific technologies mentioned in the job description, such as Databricks, Apache Iceberg, and Kubernetes. Having hands-on experience or projects that showcase your skills with these tools will make you stand out during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss your leadership experience in detail. Since this role involves leading a team, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams, mentored engineers, and driven projects to completion in a cloud-native environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company’s mission and recent projects. Understanding their impact on security and intelligence will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice articulating your experience with building software environments from scratch. Be prepared to discuss best practices you've implemented and how you've approached legacy tech modernisation, as this is crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Python Staff Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with Python, cloud deployments, and orchestration technologies. Emphasise any leadership roles you've held and projects that demonstrate your ability to manage complex data environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for impactful work and your alignment with the company's mission. Mention specific experiences that relate to the job description, such as leading teams or delivering big data solutions.
Highlight Relevant Projects: In your application, include details about specific projects where you designed and delivered distributed solutions, especially using AWS or similar platforms. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and technical expertise.
Prepare for Technical Questions: Anticipate technical questions related to Python, cloud architecture, and data pipelines. Be ready to discuss your approach to problem-solving and how you've implemented best practices in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at developrec
✨Showcase Your Python Expertise
As a Python Staff Engineer, your proficiency in Python is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, particularly those involving complex data solutions. Highlight specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them using Python.
✨Demonstrate Cloud Knowledge
Since the role involves AWS and cloud-centric solutions, brush up on your cloud deployment experiences. Be ready to explain how you've designed and delivered distributed solutions, and share any relevant examples of working with AWS or similar platforms.
✨Discuss Team Leadership Experience
This position requires leading a growing team, so be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Share examples of how you've mentored engineers, guided teams through complex projects, and fostered collaboration among multidisciplinary groups.
✨Prepare for Technical Challenges
Expect technical tests as part of the interview process. Review key concepts related to data pipelines, orchestration technologies, and modern DevOps principles. Practising coding problems and system design scenarios can help you feel more confident.
