At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build key parts of our innovative fintech platform using PHP and Python.
- Company: Join equipal, a dynamic fintech startup transforming equipment financing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, flexible work, and generous learning budget.
- Other info: Hybrid role with excellent career growth and team events.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-growing startup with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: 5+ years backend experience, strong PHP/Python skills, and a passion for collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 90000 £ per year.
Location: UK (Hybrid)
Salary: £70,000 – £90,000 + Equity (typically 0.2%–0.4%)
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
- 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 (London / Birmingham / Newcastle) 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 in our London, Birmingham, and Newcastle hubs. With competitive salaries, equity participation, and generous learning and development budgets, we empower our employees to grow and thrive in their careers, making a meaningful impact in the fintech space.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Back End Developer (London / Birmingham / Newcastle)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fintech space, especially those who might know someone at equipal. A personal introduction can make all the difference in getting your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you have a GitHub or portfolio showcasing your PHP and Python projects, make sure to share it during interviews. It’s a great way to demonstrate your expertise and passion for backend development.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your coding skills and understanding of modern software engineering practices. Equipal values test-driven development and CI/CD, so be ready to discuss how you've applied these in your past work.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining the equipal team.
We think you need these skills to ace Back End Developer (London / Birmingham / Newcastle)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your experience with PHP and Python, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects or technologies you've worked with. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re excited about the role and how you can contribute to our team. Be genuine and let your personality come through – we love seeing the real you!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've tackled challenges in past projects. We value practical problem-solving, so share specific instances where you made a difference. This will help us see your thought process and approach!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at equipal!
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 knowledge of AWS and microservices, as these are crucial for the role. Being able to discuss how you've used these technologies in past projects will definitely impress.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex engineering challenges in previous roles. Equipal values practical problem-solving, so think about specific instances where you took ownership of a project and drove it to success. This will demonstrate your ability to work independently and contribute meaningfully.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with product and business teams, be ready to discuss your experience with cross-functional collaboration. Highlight any instances where clear communication and teamwork led to successful outcomes. This shows you can thrive in their lean, collaborative environment.
✨Be Ready for Architecture Discussions
As a senior engineer, you’ll need to contribute to architecture discussions. Familiarise yourself with architectural patterns and be prepared to share your thoughts on best practices. Showing that you can think critically about system design will set you apart from other candidates.
