At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build a new customer CRM platform using Python and AWS.
- Company: Join National Grid's innovative tech team on a greenfield project.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, remote work, and the chance to influence engineering practices.
- Other info: Opportunity for mentorship and collaboration across multiple engineering teams.
- Why this job: Shape a major transformation while working with cutting-edge technologies.
- Qualifications: Extensive Python and AWS experience, strong communication skills, and Agile familiarity.
The predicted salary is between 58500 - 71500 £ per year.
Client: National Grid
Contract: 6-month rolling contract | multi-year programme
Location: Home-based
Travel: Bristol approximately 4 times per year
Rate: £700-£750 per day via Umbrella
The opportunity
We're looking for an exceptional Senior Python Engineer to join a major, multi-year technology programme at National Grid, helping to build a new customer CRM platform from the ground up. The platform is currently in the discovery phase, making this a genuine greenfield opportunity to influence architecture, engineering standards and ways of working from the outset. The platform will support a range of customer interactions, including login issues, enquiries, complaints and wider customer service activity. You'll work across multiple front-end and back-end engineering teams in an Agile environment. This is a hands-on engineering role - we're looking for someone who is an excellent Python engineer but can also influence, guide and share best practice across teams.
What you'll be doing
- Designing and building high-quality, production-grade Python services and applications.
- Contributing to the architecture and technical foundations of the new platform.
- Working with Product Owners to shape scope, backlogs and technical roadmaps.
- Supporting discovery, technical design and delivery planning.
- Working across multiple codebases and development teams.
- Sharing engineering best practice and helping establish consistent standards.
- Mentoring engineers, conducting code reviews and raising engineering capability.
- Building scalable, resilient and maintainable services.
- Working with event-driven architecture and Apache Kafka.
- Developing cloud-native solutions using AWS, including Lambda and API Gateway.
- Working with DynamoDB / NoSQL, with SQL and relational database experience desirable.
- Contributing to Agile planning, refinement and continuous improvement.
What we're looking for
Above all, you'll be a genuinely strong, hands-on Python engineer with the technical depth to build and the influence to help others build well. You'll have:
- Extensive commercial Python experience.
- Strong AWS experience, including services such as Lambda and API Gateway.
- Practical experience with Kafka and event-driven architecture.
- Experience with DynamoDB or other NoSQL technologies.
- Ideally, experience with SQL and relational databases.
- Strong software engineering fundamentals, including testing, code quality and maintainability.
- Experience working across multiple codebases and/or engineering teams.
- The ability to work closely with Product Owners and translate business needs into effective technical solutions.
- Strong communication skills and the confidence to mentor, challenge and influence others.
- Experience working within an Agile environment.
Why this role?
This is an opportunity to join a genuine greenfield programme at the discovery stage, where your technical expertise can directly influence how the platform is designed and built. You'll work with modern Python, AWS, Kafka and event-driven technologies, collaborate with multiple engineering teams, and have a real opportunity to shape engineering practices across a major National Grid transformation. If you're a senior Python engineer who wants to stay hands-on while having genuine technical influence, this is an opportunity worth exploring.
Senior Python Developer x 3 employer: Pontoon
Join a forward-thinking organisation in Warwick that values innovation and collaboration, offering a hybrid work model that promotes work-life balance. As a Strategic Comms & Engagement Lead, you'll thrive in a supportive environment that prioritises employee growth through continuous learning opportunities and a culture of open communication. With a commitment to enhancing the visibility of Asset Management, you'll be part of a dynamic team that encourages creativity and strategic thinking, making it an excellent place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Python Developer x 3
✨Get Involved in Open-Source Projects
Diving into open-source projects is a brilliant way to showcase your skills and connect with other developers in the community. Not only will you beef up your GitHub profile but you might also catch the eye of someone at Pontoon who values hands-on experience over just theory.
✨Attend Local Tech Meetups
Tech meetups are gold mines for networking and discovering job opportunities, especially in the fast-paced world of software engineering. Check out local listings for events in your area and don’t shy away from introducing yourself. This could lead directly to a temporary position at Pontoon!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
With temporary roles, it’s all about standing out in a short space of time. Create a portfolio website where you highlight your projects and skills. Talk about your code, and provide links to your GitHub repositories. This will not only demonstrate your abilities but will also make it easier for recruiters at Pontoon to see what you bring to the table.
✨Leverage Temporary Job Boards
Don’t forget to check specialised job boards for temporary software development roles. Websites like We Work Remotely or Remote OK often list short-term gigs that can be a perfect fit. Apply directly through our website as well, making sure your application is sharp—temporary roles can move fast!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Python Developer x 3
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Tech Skills:Make sure your CV highlights your tech stack and any programming languages you’re proficient in. Include specifics about any frameworks or technologies you’ve worked with; they can make you stand out in the sea of applicants. It’s all about showing that you have the chops we need at Pontoon!
Portfolio 2.0:Since you’re applying for a temporary gig, it’s super important to showcase a portfolio that highlights your best projects. Include links to GitHub or any personal projects that demonstrate what you can do in a real-world environment. This gives us a taste of your style and your problem-solving approach!
Keep It Brief and Relevant:With a temporary position, we want to see your ability to hit the ground running. Be concise in your CV and cover letter; stick to experiences that directly relate to the role. Highlight any previous temporary roles or freelance gigs that show your adaptability and quick learning!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Don’t just send a generic cover letter. Personalise it for Senior Python Developer x 3 at Pontoon! Mention why this temporary role excites you and how you see yourself contributing in the short run. Show us what you've got and why you're the one for this quick turn-around!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pontoon
✨Nail the Technical Skills
For a software engineering role, you'll likely face technical questions or coding tasks during your interview. Brush up on the relevant programming languages and frameworks that Pontoon uses, and don’t forget to practice some coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank. Showing your coding prowess can really make you stand out!
✨Prepare for System Design Questions
Even for a temporary role, having a grasp of system design principles can be crucial. Be ready to discuss how you would architect a software solution, including discussing trade-offs, scalability, and performance considerations. Having examples from previous projects can really show off your analytical thinking.
✨Demonstrate Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, you'll want to emphasise your ability to hit the ground running. Highlight experiences where you quickly adapted to new technologies or teams. Let’s make it clear to the interviewers at Pontoon that you can learn on the job and deliver results in a short timeframe!
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
Make sure to have a portfolio or GitHub ready showcasing your projects. Having tangible evidence of what you've done—be it personal projects, contributions to open-source, or previous work—can convey how capable you are. Tailor this for what might interest Pontoon, so it's relevant and sparks conversation during your interview.
