At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead API and database development, optimising data flow and storage.
- Company: Innovative tech company based in London with a hybrid work culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 27 days holiday, private healthcare, and cultural stimulation allowance.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on data architecture and backend engineering in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years backend development experience, strong Python and PostgreSQL skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Backend Engineer to lead our API and database development. In this role, you will own the data layer that powers our platform. This role sits at the intersection of data architecture and backend engineering. You will define how data flows from external sources into our systems, how it is stored, transformed, and optimised, and how it is ultimately served through performant, reliable APIs. You will build the foundations that enable scalable data ingestion, consistent modelling, and fast access across diverse data types. This is a full-time role based in London on a hybrid working pattern (2–3 days per week in the office).
ABOUT THE ROLE
You will work closely with product, data, and engineering teams to build resilient pipelines, coherent data models, and scalable backend services that support a wide variety of use cases across the organisation. Your work will directly influence platform performance, data integrity, and our ability to make informed, data-driven decisions.
Key responsibilities are to:
- Design and implement database schemas optimised for time-series, geospatial, multimedia, and relational data.
- Build robust data-integration pipelines that ingest from multiple third-party APIs, handling inconsistencies, failures, and schema changes.
- Develop and optimise API endpoints using Python and FastAPI to serve data efficiently and reliably at scale.
- Implement caching strategies, materialised views, and denormalisation patterns to maintain responsive query performance.
- Design coherent data models that reconcile disparate data sources into a unified internal schema.
- Manage core database operations including migrations, indexing strategies, query optimisation, and performance monitoring.
- Build resilient ETL processes with strong error handling, retry logic, and validation mechanisms.
- Deploy and maintain data infrastructure on AWS, including RDS, Redis, S3, and MongoDB where required.
ABOUT YOU
What you bring (knowledge, expertise, experience, and skills)
- 3–5 years’ experience in backend development with a strong focus on databases.
- Deep expertise in PostgreSQL, including schema design, indexing, query optimisation, and stored procedures.
- Strong proficiency in Python, with hands-on experience using FastAPI or similar frameworks.
- Experience designing data models for complex, multi-source systems.
- Hands-on experience building large-scale integrations with third-party APIs.
- Solid understanding of data consistency, transactions, and failure-handling patterns.
- Experience with AWS data services (RDS, S3, MongoDB, Redis).
- Strong SQL skills and the ability to write efficient queries on large datasets.
- Familiarity with AI-assisted development tools (e.g., Claude Code, GitHub Copilot).
- Experience with specialist database extensions such as PostGIS (geospatial), TimescaleDB (time-series), or pgvector (embeddings).
- Background with NoSQL databases (e.g., DynamoDB, MongoDB) and an understanding of when to apply them.
- Experience with data warehousing concepts and analytical query patterns.
- Familiarity with message queues and event-driven architectures for data pipelines.
- Experience with database replication, partitioning, and high-availability configurations.
WHAT YOU GET
A competitive salary and benefits package that includes 27 days holiday per year, pension contributions, private healthcare, discounted dental insurance, enhanced maternity/parental leave, plus a whole host of others including cultural stimulation allowance - £250 per person per year.
Backend Engineer - Databases and APIs in London employer: M+C Saatchi UK
M+C Saatchi UK is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture, where creativity and innovation thrive. As an OSINT Strategy Lead, you will benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, working alongside a talented team dedicated to delivering impactful insights. Located in the vibrant heart of the UK, the company offers a unique environment that encourages personal growth and meaningful contributions to exciting projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Backend Engineer - Databases and APIs in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your industry on LinkedIn or at meetups. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repo showcasing your projects, especially those involving APIs and databases. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common backend engineering questions. Focus on your experience with PostgreSQL and Python, and be ready to discuss how you’ve tackled challenges in past projects.
✨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 hearing from passionate candidates like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Backend Engineer - Databases and APIs in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience with databases and APIs, especially focusing on PostgreSQL and Python. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you’re passionate about backend engineering and how your experience can help us build resilient data pipelines. Keep it engaging and personal – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, mention specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you tackled them. We’re looking for someone who can handle inconsistencies and failures like a pro, so give us the details!
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’s super easy – just a few clicks and you’re done!
How to prepare for a job interview at M+C Saatchi UK
✨Know Your Databases Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your PostgreSQL skills, especially schema design and query optimisation. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've implemented these skills, as this will show your depth of knowledge and practical experience.
✨Showcase Your API Development Experience
Prepare to talk about your experience with FastAPI or similar frameworks. Have examples ready that demonstrate how you've built robust API endpoints and handled data from third-party integrations, including any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Expect questions around error handling and failure management in data pipelines. Think of scenarios where you've had to troubleshoot issues and be ready to explain your thought process and the solutions you implemented.
✨Familiarise Yourself with AWS Services
Since the role involves deploying data infrastructure on AWS, make sure you understand services like RDS, S3, and Redis. Be prepared to discuss how you've used these tools in past projects and how they can optimise backend performance.
