At a Glance
- Tasks: Build innovative backend systems and AI solutions for diverse client projects.
- Company: Join Rocketeer Orbit, a dynamic tech company transforming business operations.
- Benefits: Enjoy equity options, flexible work arrangements, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth in a fast-paced environment with exciting projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by developing cutting-edge software that businesses rely on.
- Qualifications: Experience in backend development and AI engineering with a collaborative mindset.
We're Rocketeer Orbit, business growth specialists. We build bespoke software for clients, alongside our own platform, Orbit. The platform gives businesses a digital workforce: automated workflows that take the heavy admin off business owners so they can get back to growing the company. It's live and running that work for clients today. Demand across both sides is growing fast, and we need you to help build them out to meet it.
About the role
You'll be one of the engineers behind our client builds, the Orbit platform, and our own internal tools. You'll build features and systems and take them through to delivery, in a team that reviews and supports each other's work. You'll help decide how builds are put together, with room to take on bigger technical decisions as you grow. The work changes from one project to the next. We want someone who likes that range, chooses the right tool for each job, and can say why.
What you will do
- Build backend systems for bespoke client work, taking features from brief to delivery against an agreed design.
- Help design and develop the Orbit platform, the core product the business runs on.
- Build internal tools that make the delivery team faster and the builds more consistent.
- Build production systems on top of large language models. This means wiring APIs like Claude and OpenAI into production workflows, with retries, rate limits, structured outputs, and human review built in.
- Take AI-assisted prototypes and harden them for production, with the testing and review discipline that makes client-ready software.
- Design secure walled garden AI environments using Claude for Platforms, and use Claude Code for fast AI-assisted development.
- Build and connect agent workflows that link AI agents to client tools like email, CRM, and Slack.
- Integrate and manage Stripe payments, and monitor transactions through the Stripe dashboard.
- Run infrastructure on Cloudflare (DNS, security, Turnstile, R2, domains, SSL, and TLS) and AWS (Lightsail servers, SES for transactional mail), with Twilio for messaging.
- Keep client data secure by design, with sound encryption and protocols, and keep all builds compliant with UK GDPR.
- Maintain codebase integrity and manage deployments with Git, hosted on GitHub.
What we need from you
We're looking for someone who can turn a business problem into working code, with the judgement to pick the right way to do it.
- Depth. You've shipped backend systems in production and can work independently within a defined scope. You're fluent in at least one modern backend stack and the fundamentals that carry across all of them, including databases, APIs, queues, testing, and deployment.
- AI engineering. You've built with LLMs in production, or you've come close and want to go deeper. You understand prompt design, vector databases and retrieval, and the failure modes of putting a model in front of a paying client.
- Breadth and judgement. You move between languages and reach for the one that fits the project. You can defend that choice on its merits, and you say so when an approach looks wrong, with your reasons.
- Translation. You can explain an automated workflow to a business owner who only wants their admin problem solved.
- Team mindset. You want to be part of a small team building things people rely on, and you care how they turn out.
The stack
Strong applicants will be fluent in some of this and pick up the rest fast.
- Core languages: PHP and MySQL, JavaScript and TypeScript, Python.
- AI and LLMs: Claude for Platforms, Claude Code, OpenAI API, ElevenLabs, vector databases and retrieval.
- Infrastructure: AWS (Lightsail, SES), Cloudflare (DNS, security, Turnstile, R2, domains, SSL and TLS), Twilio (messaging).
- Payments: Stripe.
- Security and compliance: Encryption, data protection, UK GDPR.
- Tooling: Git (we use GitHub).
Desirables (bonus points)
- React Native (TypeScript) for cross-platform mobile.
- Workflow automation platforms (n8n, Make, or Zapier).
- Custom WordPress theme and plugin development for enterprise deployments.
- WooCommerce for ecommerce builds.
- Sentry.io for error tracking.
- Deploying and running custom PHP servers.
- A working grasp of SEO.
Why join
- Impact. Your work runs the day-to-day operations of companies we're excited to work with.
- Equity. EMI share options, so you share in what we build.
- Balance. Stafford HQ 1 to 2 days a week, then build from wherever you work best.
How to apply
Please don't send a generic CV. Show us you build things. In your cover letter, give specific examples of projects, automations, or architectural problems you've solved, and tell us how you chose the approach. Submit your CV and cover letter through our website.
How we review applications
Rocketeer Orbit is an equal opportunities employer. We care about what you can build, not where you came from. Given what we do for a living, it would be odd if we did not use AI ourselves. We use AI tools to help us organise and review applications, and every shortlisting and hiring decision is made by a person on our team. If you'd prefer your application reviewed without AI assistance, tell us when you apply and we'll handle it manually.
Software Engineer (Backend and AI Systems) in Stafford employer: Rocketeer Orbit
At Rocketeer Orbit, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. Our team enjoys the flexibility of working from our Stafford HQ just 1 to 2 days a week, allowing for a healthy work-life balance while contributing to impactful projects that drive business growth. With opportunities for equity through EMI share options and a commitment to employee development, we empower our engineers to take ownership of their work and grow alongside our rapidly expanding platform.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Engineer (Backend and AI Systems) in Stafford
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Rocketeer Orbit or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Rocketeer Orbit.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Rocketeer Orbit.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Rocketeer Orbit that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Software Engineer (Backend and AI Systems) in Stafford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Rocketeer Orbit.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Rocketeer Orbit and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rocketeer Orbit
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Rocketeer Orbit uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
