At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead backend engineering and design impactful solutions for our Pension Team.
- Company: Fast-growing fintech in London, making ETF investing accessible.
- Benefits: Unlimited vacation, remote work, and a modern tech stack.
- Other info: Enjoy autonomy and direct impact on business-critical systems.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative team and shape the future of fintech.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in backend development with strong Python and Django skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
About InvestEngine
InvestEngine is a fast-growing fintech based in London, on a mission to make ETF investing simple and accessible. Over 150,000 clients have trusted us with more than £2.7 billion in assets — and we’re just getting started. We’ve been featured in MoneyWeek, Finder and Forbes, and we’re scaling quickly with big ambitions.
About The Role
We’re looking for a Lead Backend Engineer to join and lead our Pension Team — a backend-focused team working on one of InvestEngine’s key product areas. This role combines strong hands-on backend engineering with team leadership. In the first months, you’ll be expected to contribute to the codebase while gradually taking ownership of the team’s delivery, processes, and technical direction. You’ll work closely with backend engineers, product managers, QA, and business stakeholders to plan and deliver both day-to-day product improvements and larger technical initiatives. One example of the scale of work could be migrating from one pension provider to another, which would require careful backend design, infrastructure changes, coordination with the business, and strong ownership throughout the process.
What You’ll Do
- Design, develop, and maintain backend services in Python 3.11 using Django / DRF
- Lead architectural discussions and contribute to long-term technical strategy
- Work with MySQL and Redis to optimize performance and scalability
- Build and improve RESTful APIs for internal and external integrations
- Continuously improve system performance, reliability, and scalability as we grow
- Collaborate with Product, Compliance, and Business teams to deliver impactful features and automate back-office processes and workflows
- Investigate and resolve production issues, identify bottlenecks, and reduce tech debt
- Apply best practices in Git workflows, CI/CD pipelines (TeamCity, GitHub Actions), and code quality
- Drive improvements in our architecture, development processes, and internal tooling
- Mentor and develop engineers through code reviews, pairing, and technical guidance
- Support security and compliance requirements with pragmatic, scalable technical solutions
- Help teams clearly communicate architectural decisions through documentation and discussion
What We’re Looking For
- 5+ years of backend development experience, including leading projects or small teams
- Strong Python expertise; solid experience with Django or similar frameworks
- Strong understanding of relational databases, caching, and scalable system design
- Ability to operate in ambiguity, take initiative, and drive technical decisions
- Excellent communication skills - especially written and spoken English with native or near-native stakeholders (B2+ required)
- A collaborative mindset and passion for mentoring and growing engineers
- Experience with modern development practices: Git, CI/CD, testing, clean code, monitoring
Nice to Have
- Experience in fintech, regulated industries, or internal platform/B2B systems
- Familiarity with AWS, Docker, and messaging systems such as RabbitMQ or Kafka
- Contributions to open-source projects or personal technical initiatives
- Prior experience helping teams adopt architectural standards or improve technical communication
How We Work
We’re a lean, collaborative team where developers help shape architecture, product direction, and engineering culture. You’ll have real impact, autonomy, and the trust to build solutions that scale with the business — without micromanagement or heavy bureaucracy.
What We Offer
- Direct impact — work on business-critical systems and influence core architecture
- Modern tech stack — Python 3.11, Django, MySQL, Redis, AWS, GitHub, TeamCity
- Remote-first and flexible — work from anywhere, with meaningful overlap with London working hours expected for this leadership role (team rituals, cross-team alignment, and stakeholder meetings)
- Unlimited vacation — take the time you need, when you need it
Hiring Process
- Intro call with our Talent team
- Technical interview with the Backend team
- Final conversation with our CTO
- Fast and clear process — typically 1–2 weeks from first call to offer
A supportive, experienced team that values quality, learning, and delivering results.
Lead Backend Engineer (Pension Team) employer: InvestEngine
InvestEngine is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a fast-growing fintech based in London, we provide our employees with the opportunity to make a direct impact on business-critical systems while enjoying a remote-first culture that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. With unlimited vacation and a commitment to employee growth through mentorship and technical guidance, InvestEngine is dedicated to fostering a supportive atmosphere for all team members.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Backend Engineer (Pension Team)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the fintech space, especially those at InvestEngine. 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 that showcases your Python and Django expertise, make sure to highlight it during interviews. It’s a great way to demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those technical discussions! Brush up on backend architecture and system design principles. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will set you apart from other candidates.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Backend Engineer (Pension Team)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Backend Engineer role. Highlight your experience with Python, Django, and any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at InvestEngine!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for fintech and how you can contribute to our Pension Team. We love seeing candidates who can communicate their vision clearly and enthusiastically.
Showcase Your Projects:If you've worked on relevant projects, especially in fintech or with backend systems, make sure to mention them. We’re keen to see your hands-on experience and how you’ve tackled challenges in the past.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates during the hiring process!
How to prepare for a job interview at InvestEngine
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re well-versed in Python 3.11 and Django, as these are crucial for the role. Brush up on your knowledge of MySQL and Redis too, since optimising performance and scalability will be part of your responsibilities.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led projects or mentored engineers in the past. This role requires strong team leadership, so be ready to discuss your approach to guiding a team and making architectural decisions.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since excellent communication skills are essential, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be prepared to explain complex technical concepts in a way that non-technical stakeholders can understand.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of specific instances where you've tackled production issues or reduced tech debt. Highlight your ability to operate in ambiguity and take initiative, as this will show your potential to drive technical decisions effectively.
