At a Glance
- Tasks: Build high-performance backend systems using Python and tackle complex engineering challenges.
- Company: Join Elsevier, a global leader in information and analytics with an inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, generous vacation, and comprehensive wellbeing initiatives.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career growth opportunities and support for personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on science and healthcare while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: 3+ years of software engineering experience and proficiency in Python required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
This job is with Elsevier, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
Are you passionate about building high‑performance backend systems using Python? Do you thrive on solving complex engineering challenges?
About the team: You will join an Agile squad within Elsevier's Data Engineering. The squad builds and operates multiple systems that support many internal-facing systems and customer-facing workflows. Our focus is on building scalable, reliable services and data pipelines that improve productivity for authors, users, and customers.
About the role: 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.
Key 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.
Requirements:
- 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.
Why join us?
Join our team and contribute to a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence. If you are ready to advance your career and make a significant impact, we encourage you to apply.
Work in a way that works for you
We promote a healthy work/life balance across the organization. We offer an appealing working prospect for our people. With numerous wellbeing initiatives, shared parental leave, study assistance, and sabbaticals, we will help you meet your immediate responsibilities and your long-term goals.
Working for you
We know that your well-being and happiness are key to a long and successful career. These are some of the benefits we are delighted to offer:
- 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)
About the business
A global leader in information and analytics, we help researchers and healthcare professionals advance science and improve health outcomes for the benefit of society. Building on our publishing heritage, we combine quality information and vast data sets with analytics to support visionary science and research, health education and interactive learning, as well as exceptional healthcare and clinical practice. At Elsevier, your work contributes to the world's grand challenges and a more sustainable future. We harness innovative technologies to support science and healthcare to partner for a better world.
We are committed to providing a fair and accessible hiring process. If you have a disability or other need that requires accommodation or adjustment, please let us know by completing our Applicant Request Support Form or please contact 1-855-833-5120.
We are an equal opportunity employer: qualified applicants are considered for and treated during employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship status, disability status, protected veteran status, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Software Engineer III (Python) employer: Elsevier
Elsevier is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity, making it an ideal workplace for Software Engineers. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we offer generous benefits such as flexible working hours, comprehensive pension plans, and various wellbeing initiatives, ensuring a healthy work/life balance. Join us in our mission to advance science and improve health outcomes while enjoying ample opportunities for professional growth and development in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Engineer III (Python)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Elsevier on LinkedIn or other platforms. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for your application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your Python skills and understanding backend systems. Practice coding challenges and system design questions to show off your problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the role! During interviews, share specific examples of projects you've worked on that relate to building scalable services or data pipelines. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets it.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Elsevier.
We think you need these skills to ace Software Engineer III (Python)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Software Engineer III role. Highlight your Python experience and any relevant projects that showcase your skills in building scalable backend systems. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to mention your experience with CI/CD practices and cloud environments, as these are key for us.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, share examples of complex engineering challenges you've tackled. We love seeing how you approach problems and what solutions you've implemented, especially in production support scenarios.
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 Elsevier!
How to prepare for a job interview at Elsevier
✨Know Your Python Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Python skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss your experience with backend systems and how you've tackled complex engineering challenges using Python. Prepare to share specific examples of projects where you've built scalable services.
✨Understand the Agile Methodology
Since you'll be joining an Agile squad, it's crucial to understand Agile principles and practices. Be prepared to discuss how you've worked in Agile teams before, your role in sprints, and how you handle collaboration with product and engineering partners.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect questions that assess your troubleshooting abilities. Think of instances where you've resolved production issues or delivered complex bug fixes. Highlight your approach to investigating root causes and how you ensure operational support.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Practice explaining technical concepts in a way that non-technical stakeholders can understand. Be ready to discuss how you document decisions and communicate technical status effectively.
