At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and scale backend systems for a fast-growing fintech platform.
- Company: Exciting Series A AI/fintech company in London with rapid growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £270k, dynamic work environment, and career advancement.
- Other info: Collaborate closely with CTO and Head of Engineering in a high-growth setting.
- 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
Requirements:
- ~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
Principal Backend Architect - FinTech Scale-Up (Python/AWS) employer: Oliver Bernard
Join a dynamic and innovative Series A scale-up in the heart of London, where you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of fintech by architecting robust backend systems that handle millions of sensitive financial documents. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, collaborative work culture, and competitive compensation, this company not only values your expertise but also invests in your professional development, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding challenges in a fast-paced environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Backend Architect - FinTech Scale-Up (Python/AWS)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fintech space and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that Principal Backend Architect role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a GitHub or portfolio showcasing your Python projects, make sure to highlight them during interviews. It’s a great way to demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on system design and architecture principles. Given the scale of the platform, they’ll want to see how you approach building robust, scalable systems under pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our team. Plus, it gives you a better chance to stand out in the application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Backend Architect - FinTech Scale-Up (Python/AWS)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Principal Backend Architect. Highlight your experience with Python and AWS, and don’t forget to mention any work you've done in high-growth B2B SaaS environments. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re excited about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. We love seeing passion and personality, so let us know what drives you in the fintech space.
Showcase Relevant Projects:If you've worked on projects that involved scaling backend systems or handling sensitive data, make sure to showcase them. We’re interested in your hands-on experience, so share specific examples that demonstrate your expertise and problem-solving skills.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
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, especially how to scale them effectively. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've tackled similar challenges.
✨Understand the Company’s Mission
Research the fintech company and its product thoroughly. Understand how their platform processes sensitive financial documents and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to evolving their backend systems for scalability.
✨Prepare for Technical Challenges
Expect to face technical questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about scenarios involving multi-tenant infrastructure and high-throughput document processing. Practise articulating your thought process clearly and confidently.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Backend Architect, you'll need to demonstrate ownership and leadership. Prepare examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, particularly in high-growth environments. Highlight your ability to mentor others and drive engineering best practices.