Software Engineer III (Python) in Oxford

Software Engineer III (Python) in Oxford

Oxford Full-Time 55000 - 70000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Elsevier B.V.

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Build and maintain high-performance backend systems using Python in a collaborative environment.
  • Company: Join a forward-thinking tech company focused on innovation and teamwork.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, generous leave, and a comprehensive pension plan.
  • Other info: Great opportunities for career growth and a supportive work culture.
  • Why this job: Tackle complex engineering challenges and make a real impact with your skills.
  • Qualifications: 3+ years in software engineering, proficient in Python, and experience with cloud environments.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 70000 £ per year.

We are looking for a motivated and skilled Software Engineer III to build and maintain software systems in a distributed environment. You will contribute to technical delivery across multiple components, collaborate with product and engineering partners, and help translate requirements into robust solutions. You will work with guidance from more senior engineers while taking ownership of problems end to end, from shaping the approach through implementation, release, and operational support. If you are passionate about building high-performance backend systems using Python and thrive on solving complex engineering challenges, we want to hear from you.

Responsibilities

  • Develop, test, and maintain scalable backend services and data-processing components.
  • Collaborate with other engineers to refine requirements and propose technical approaches.
  • Participate in architecture and design discussions; document key decisions.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve production issues; deliver complex bug fixes and investigate root causes.
  • Implement and improve CI/CD practices, including build automation, deployment pipelines, and release safety.
  • Define and implement operational requirements for observability (logging, metrics, tracing), alerting, and runbooks.
  • Contribute to code reviews and uphold engineering standards, including secure coding and quality practices.
  • Communicate technical status clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Qualifications

  • 3+ years of professional software engineering experience delivering production systems.
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science/engineering or equivalent practical experience.
  • Proficiency in Python and preferably also Java/SpringBoot.
  • Experience with Kafka or other event-streaming platforms.
  • Experience with observability tooling, instrumentation, and alert design.
  • Experience building and operating APIs and backend services.
  • Working knowledge of CI/CD and modern software delivery practices.
  • Experience building services in cloud environments and containerized deployments.
  • Experience with production support: troubleshooting, incident response, and post-incident improvements.
  • Good understanding of testing practices (unit/integration tests; TDD knowledge is desirable).
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate across teams.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive Pension Plan
  • Generous vacation entitlement and option for sabbatical leave
  • Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, and Family Care Leave
  • Flexible working hours
  • Personal Choice budget
  • Internal communities and networks
  • Various employee discounts
  • Recruitment introduction reward
  • Employee Assistance Program (global)

Software Engineer III (Python) in Oxford employer: Elsevier B.V.

Join a dynamic and innovative team as a Software Engineer III, where you will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge backend systems in a collaborative environment. Our company values employee growth and offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a generous pension plan, flexible working hours, and various leave options to support work-life balance. With a strong focus on professional development and a culture that encourages open communication, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where your contributions are valued and recognised.

Elsevier B.V.

Contact Details:

Elsevier B.V. Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Software Engineer III (Python) in Oxford

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech world, especially those who work at companies you're interested in. A friendly chat can lead to referrals, which can give you a leg up in the hiring process.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects, especially those using Python and backend systems. 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 don’t forget to showcase your problem-solving approach during the interview!

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 joining our team at StudySmarter. Let’s build something amazing together!

We think you need these skills to ace Software Engineer III (Python) in Oxford

Python
Java
SpringBoot
Kafka
Event-Streaming Platforms
CI/CD Practices
Observability Tooling

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience with Python and any relevant technologies like Kafka or CI/CD practices. We want to see how your skills match the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about building backend systems and how your experience aligns with our needs. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality!

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, mention specific challenges you've tackled in previous roles. We’re looking for engineers who can take ownership of problems, so share examples that demonstrate your ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues effectively.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!

How to prepare for a job interview at Elsevier B.V.

Know Your Python Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your Python skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how you've used Python to solve complex problems. Practising coding challenges can also help you demonstrate your proficiency.

Understand the Architecture

Familiarise yourself with distributed systems and backend architecture. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach building scalable services and what considerations you'd take into account for performance and reliability.

Showcase Your Collaboration Skills

Since collaboration is key in this role, think of examples where you've worked with other engineers or teams. Be ready to explain how you refined requirements and proposed technical solutions together, highlighting your communication skills.

Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions

Expect questions about troubleshooting and resolving production issues. Think of specific instances where you identified root causes and implemented fixes. This will show your ability to take ownership of problems and deliver effective solutions.