Contract Senior Software Engineer (Java or Python)
Contract Senior Software Engineer (Java or Python)

Contract Senior Software Engineer (Java or Python)

Full-Time 70000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Develop and support financial applications while collaborating with traders and researchers.
  • Company: Join a leading private equity firm in a dynamic environment.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, potential for contract extension, and hands-on experience with AI tools.
  • Other info: On-site role in London with opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in finance by building innovative solutions with cutting-edge technology.
  • Qualifications: 8+ years in software development with Python or Java, preferably in financial services.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.

Contract length: 6 months (with potential to extend)

Location: London

Working Environment: On-site

You will be joining a private equity firm as a senior software engineer, to work across the following responsibilities:

  • Develop and support P&L, accounting, and returns-calculation applications across trading books
  • Build and extend our Client Reporting Framework
  • Add instrument and asset class coverage in our Trade Repository system
  • Manage data exchange with third-party vendors via SFTP and AWS S3
  • Use AI coding assistants (Claude, Cursor, GitHub Copilot) to compress delivery timelines while maintaining full code ownership and quality accountability
  • Collaborate with quant researchers and traders to translate complex financial requirements into auditable, production-grade code
  • Provide production support, working with Platform and SRE teams as needed

Key Requirements:

  • Technical:
  • 8+ years commercial experience in Python or Java across the full development lifecycle
  • 5+ years in financial services (buy-side strongly preferred)
  • Solid relational database skills; MS SQL Server a strong plus
  • Snowflake experience required
  • Familiarity with AWS (S3, Lambda, EC2, Glue or similar)
  • Proficiency with Git, CI/CD pipelines, and observability tooling (e.g. Datadog)
  • AI & Tooling:
    • Proven, hands-on experience shipping production code using AI coding assistants such as Claude, Cursor, or GitHub Copilot
    • Demonstrable examples where AI tooling reduced delivery time by 2x or more on a meaningful task
    • Strong prompt engineering skills and the ability to critically evaluate AI-generated code for correctness, security, and financial accuracy
  • Desirable, but not essential:
    • Experience with Apache Airflow or similar workflow schedulers
    • REST or GraphQL API design experience
    • Knowledge of fixed income, FX, or derivatives products and associated P&L/risk methodologies

    Contract Senior Software Engineer (Java or Python) employer: SoCode Limited

    Join a dynamic private equity firm in London as a Contract Senior Software Engineer, where you will thrive in a collaborative and innovative work culture. With a focus on employee growth, the firm offers opportunities to work with cutting-edge technologies and AI coding assistants, ensuring that your contributions are impactful and recognised. Enjoy a supportive environment that values quality and accountability, making it an excellent place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
    S

    Contact Detail:

    SoCode Limited Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Contract Senior Software Engineer (Java or Python)

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and tech sectors. Attend meetups or webinars related to software engineering and financial services. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving Python or Java in financial contexts. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can do and how you tackle real-world problems.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your coding skills and understanding financial concepts. Practice common coding challenges and be ready to discuss how you've used AI tools like GitHub Copilot in your work.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find roles that match your skills. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team. Don't miss out on the chance to land that dream job!

    We think you need these skills to ace Contract Senior Software Engineer (Java or Python)

    Java
    Python
    Financial Services Experience
    Relational Database Skills
    MS SQL Server
    Snowflake
    AWS (S3, Lambda, EC2, Glue)
    Git
    CI/CD Pipelines
    Observability Tooling (e.g. Datadog)
    AI Coding Assistants (Claude, Cursor, GitHub Copilot)
    Prompt Engineering
    API Design (REST or GraphQL)
    Knowledge of Fixed Income, FX, or Derivatives Products

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in Python or Java, especially in financial services. We want to see how your skills match the job description, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects!

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention your experience with AI coding assistants and how you've used them to improve delivery timelines – we love that stuff!

    Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to include specific examples of your technical skills, like your experience with MS SQL Server or AWS. We’re looking for solid relational database skills, so make sure to highlight any relevant projects or achievements.

    Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!

    How to prepare for a job interview at SoCode Limited

    ✨Know Your Tech Inside Out

    Make sure you brush up on your Java or Python skills, especially in the context of financial services. Be ready to discuss your experience with relational databases and AWS, as well as any AI coding assistants you've used. Prepare specific examples of how you've applied these technologies in past projects.

    ✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen

    Since this role is within a private equity firm, it's crucial to demonstrate your understanding of financial concepts. Be prepared to talk about your experience with P&L, accounting applications, and how you've collaborated with quant researchers or traders in the past. This will show that you can translate complex requirements into effective code.

    ✨Prepare for Technical Challenges

    Expect to face some technical questions or coding challenges during the interview. Practice common algorithms and data structures, and be ready to solve problems on the spot. Familiarise yourself with Git and CI/CD pipelines, as these are essential for the role.

    ✨Highlight Your Collaboration Skills

    This position involves working closely with various teams, so emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you've worked with cross-functional teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure environments. This will demonstrate your teamwork skills and adaptability.

    Contract Senior Software Engineer (Java or Python)
    SoCode Limited

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