At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build key parts of our innovative fintech platform using PHP and Python.
- Company: Join equipal, a dynamic UK fintech revolutionising equipment finance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, flexible work, and generous learning budget.
- Other info: Hybrid role with excellent career growth opportunities and a vibrant team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-growing startup with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: 5+ years backend experience, strong PHP or Python skills, and a passion for collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 90000 £ per year.
About equipal
equipal is a UK fintech improving how businesses finance and manage equipment. We have built an equipment finance platform that enables equipment vendors and business customers to complete financing and management workflows quickly and efficiently. We have onboarded more than 100 equipment vendors and trusted introducers - our routes to market - and we continue to expand our platform, customer base and lending capabilities. The business recently secured a strategic partnership with a US credit fund managing over $1.5 billion of assets, providing substantial funding capacity as we enter the next phase of growth.
We are now looking for an experienced backend engineer to help scale our platform, expand our product offering and contribute to the evolution of our engineering organisation.
Our Stack
Our core platform is built on:
- PHP (Laravel)
- Python (FAST api)
- Vue.js
- All managed in AWS
We have recently introduced Python-based microservices for Credit and KYC workflows and expect Python to play an increasingly important role as the platform evolves. We are pragmatic about technology choices and remain open to adopting the right tools where they create genuine value. We actively embrace modern AI-assisted development tools including GitHub Copilot and LLM-based workflows. We expect engineers to use these tools thoughtfully to improve productivity, code quality and delivery speed.
How We Work
We are a lean, collaborative team focused on delivering high-quality software. Our engineering practices include:
- Test-driven development
- Continuous integration
- Peer review
- Documentation as part of the development process
We work closely with Product and Business stakeholders and place a high value on clear communication, ownership and practical problem solving.
The Role
This is a senior engineering position with significant autonomy and responsibility. You will work closely with our CTO, Product Manager and wider business team to design, build and improve key parts of the platform. You will be expected to contribute to architecture discussions, drive projects independently and help establish engineering best practices as the company grows. This role is well suited to someone who enjoys working in an ambitious startup environment where they can make a visible impact.
For exceptional candidates with proven technical leadership experience, we are open to expanding the scope of the position into a Lead Developer or VP Engineering role with compensation and equity adjusted accordingly.
Requirements
Essential
- 5+ years of professional backend engineering experience
- Strong PHP experience, ideally with Laravel (or similar frameworks such as Symfony)
- Alternatively, significant Python experience with a willingness to work across both ecosystems and some understanding of PHP
- Experience building and maintaining production web applications
- Familiarity with modern software engineering practices including testing, CI/CD and code review
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to work independently and take ownership of projects
- Comfortable working in a data-sensitive environment
Desirable
- Experience with Vue.js or modern JavaScript frameworks
- Experience with AWS infrastructure
- Experience building APIs and microservices
- Some mobile development experience (React Native or Flutter)
- Fintech, lending or financial services experience
- Either a history of working with leading tech companies or a degree from a Russell 24 university, or equivalent, overseas.
Working Arrangement
This is a hybrid role, ideally 2 days in, 3 days out. We strongly prefer candidates who can participate in regular in-person collaboration at one of our hubs in London, Birmingham or the Northeast. The exact attendance pattern can be agreed based on location and circumstances, but candidates should not apply if they seek a fully remote role. Applicants must be based in the UK.
What We Offer
- £65,000–£90,000 salary depending on experience
- Equity participation (typically 0.2%–0.4%)
- Pension contribution
- Private medical insurance contribution
- Up to £2,500 annual home office and equipment allowance
- Up to £3,000 annual learning and development budget
- Up to 10% fully flexible. Work when you want and wherever in the world.
- 21 days annual leave plus public holidays
- Team events, socials and other company perks
- Diversity
Back End Developer employer: equipal
At equipal, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while maintaining strong team connections, and we offer competitive salaries alongside equity participation, generous learning budgets, and a commitment to employee growth. Join us in our mission to revolutionise equipment finance, where your contributions will have a direct impact on our success and the opportunity for career advancement is abundant.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Back End Developer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fintech space or even those who work at equipal. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a GitHub or personal project showcasing your PHP or Python prowess, make sure to highlight it during interviews. It’s a great way to demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical challenges! Brush up on your coding skills and be ready to tackle some real-world problems during the interview process. Practice makes perfect, so don’t skip this step!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll be one step closer to joining our awesome team at equipal!
We think you need these skills to ace Back End Developer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of a Senior Backend Engineer. Highlight your PHP and Python experience, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects or technologies you've worked with that align with our stack.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re excited about working with us at equipal and how your skills can help scale our platform. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. We love seeing candidates who can think critically and take ownership of their projects, so don’t hold back on sharing your successes!
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 to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at equipal
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re well-versed in PHP and Python, especially with frameworks like Laravel and FAST API. Brush up on your experience with AWS and microservices, as these are crucial for the role. Being able to discuss how you've used these technologies in past projects will show you're a great fit.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex problems in previous roles. Equipal values practical problem-solving, so think about specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your ability to contribute effectively to their team.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with various stakeholders, highlight your communication skills and experiences in collaborative environments. Share instances where you’ve successfully worked with product managers or other teams to deliver high-quality software.
✨Be Ready for Architecture Discussions
As a senior engineer, you'll be expected to contribute to architecture discussions. Familiarise yourself with best practices in software architecture and be prepared to share your thoughts on how to improve systems. This shows that you’re not just a coder but a strategic thinker.
