At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and scale backend systems for a cutting-edge AI fintech platform.
- Company: Fast-growing Series A AI fintech company in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £270k, equity, and hybrid work options.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with CTO and lead innovative projects.
- Why this job: Join a mission-critical team and make a real impact on financial technology.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in backend systems, strong Python and cloud experience required.
I’m working on a really interesting platform scaling hire for a fast-growing Series A AI/fintech company in London. They’ve built a product that processes millions of sensitive financial documents for lenders, brokers, insurers and fintechs across the US and UK. The platform is already mission-critical for customers — but rapid growth means the backend now needs to evolve from “built for speed” to “built for scale.” This role will work closely with the CTO and Head of Engineering and take real ownership of the core backend systems.
Key challenges include:
- Designing backend abstractions so a small engineering team can ship quickly and safely
- Scaling multi-tenant infrastructure across enterprise customers with different security and SLA requirements
- Supporting high-throughput document processing and ML pipelines
- Strengthening security, reliability and compliance around sensitive financial data
- Scaling systems from millions → tens of millions of documents
Ideal background:
- ~8+ years building and scaling backend systems
- Experience in high-growth B2B SaaS environments (Series A → C)
- Strong Python + cloud infrastructure experience
- Experience working with large volumes of regulated or sensitive data
- Hands-on IC mindset — someone who enjoys architecting and building
- A strong background in Computer Science, with a university degree from a top ranked Global University is essential
London (hybrid) £190k – £270k + equity
Principal Software Engineer - Up to £270k - Series A - AI FinTech Scale-Up in City of London employer: Oliver Bernard
Contact Detail:
Oliver Bernard Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Software Engineer - Up to £270k - Series A - AI FinTech Scale-Up in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech and fintech space. Attend meetups, webinars, or even casual coffee chats. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly to hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects, especially those involving Python and cloud infrastructure. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do and sets you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your backend system design skills. Practice common algorithms and data structures, and be ready to discuss how you've scaled systems in the past. We want you to shine when it comes to those tricky questions!
✨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 Principal Software Engineer - Up to £270k - Series A - AI FinTech Scale-Up in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the role. Highlight your experience in building and scaling backend systems, especially in high-growth environments like B2B SaaS.
Showcase Relevant Projects: Include specific projects where you've worked with Python and cloud infrastructure. If you've dealt with sensitive data or document processing, make that front and centre to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're excited about this role and how you can contribute to our mission. Mention your hands-on IC mindset and any relevant achievements that demonstrate your capabilities.
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 from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oliver Bernard
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in Python and AWS, as these are crucial for the role. Brush up on your knowledge of backend systems and be ready to discuss how you've scaled them in previous positions.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to talk about specific challenges you've faced in high-growth environments. Think of examples where you designed backend abstractions or improved system reliability, especially in handling sensitive data.
✨Understand the Company’s Mission
Research the company’s product and its impact on the fintech landscape. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, particularly in scaling systems and ensuring compliance with security standards.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions for the CTO and Head of Engineering. Inquire about their vision for the platform's evolution and how they see the engineering team adapting to rapid growth. This shows your genuine interest and strategic thinking.