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- Tasks: Build robust backend solutions for arts and cultural organisations' digital experiences.
- Company: Join Substrakt, a UK-based company making a global impact in the arts sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work, 25 vacation days, NHS cashback, and a monthly wellbeing allowance.
- Why this job: Contribute to meaningful projects while working in a creative, supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong backend development experience with PHP, Python, and relational databases required.
- Other info: Participate in steering groups influencing equality, diversity, and sustainability initiatives.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 42000 £ per year.
Overview
This range is provided by Substrakt. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range — Salary: £40,000 – £50,000
Location: We\’re looking for someone based in the UK to help us better support our clients and collaborate closely with our wider team. This is a remote role, so you can work from wherever you feel most comfortable.
At Substrakt, a UK based company with Global impact, we help arts and cultural organisations create exceptional digital experiences and we\’re looking for a Backend Engineer to help us do just that.
As part of our Engineering team, you\’ll build robust, high-quality backend solutions that power our clients\’ websites and digital products. From new website builds and custom integrations to performance optimisations and security enhancements, you\’ll play a vital role in delivering outstanding products and services.
Substrakt is an equal opportunities employer. We believe that diversity of thought and experience makes us stronger, and we actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities. Read more about our approach to inclusive recruitment.
Responsibilities
- Create exceptional backend solutions: Work on a range of projects across our client base including new builds, updates to existing websites, API integrations, infrastructure configurations, and other server-side tasks. You\’ll work with modern technologies such as PHP, WordPress, MySQL, SQL, Python, Wagtail, Heroku and AWS (S3, CloudFront, RDS) – always with performance, security, and scalability in mind
- Ensure quality and performance: Write clean, efficient, and secure code following best practices. You\’ll test thoroughly, debug issues, and optimise performance to ensure reliable and seamless user experiences. You\’ll also contribute to code reviews and help maintain our high technical standards
- Collaborate and contribute: Work closely with frontend engineers, designers, and client-facing roles to ensure smooth delivery. You\’ll communicate directly with clients when needed to explain technical decisions, and support Producers and Support & Solutions Managers in scoping and technical planning.
- Own your work: Take responsibility for the technical quality of your solutions, contribute to internal best practices, and help shape the future of our backend engineering processes. You\’ll participate in solution reviews, submit and conduct code reviews, maintain technical documentation, and support continuous improvement
Qualifications
- What you’ll bring —
- Strong experience in backend development using modern frameworks and tools (e.g., PHP, Python, WordPress, Wagtail, Django)
- Familiarity with relational databases (MySQL) and cloud infrastructure (Heroku, AWS, Cloudflare)
- Understanding of performance optimisation, secure coding practices, and scalable system design
- Enthusiasm for working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
- A friendly and helpful approach to communicating directly with clients
- Initiative, problem-solving mindset, and a drive to deliver high-quality work
- Openness to learn, share knowledge, and support others
Benefits
- We operate a flexible, hybrid working model that supports autonomy and work-life balance.
- Enhanced time off policies with focus on parents and carers, 25 days of vacation plus bank holidays, and you’ll never work a birthday again — because we give you that off
- NHS cashback scheme to support healthcare costs and a monthly wellbeing allowance of £50
- Six days per year for professional development, with a £500 budget
- Support for communication and connection through weekly mailers, a regular meeting cadence, internal awards, and bi-annual team gatherings to museums, art galleries and theatres
- A focus on building the right team structure and workflows so everyone knows what they\’re accountable for
- Opportunity to participate in steering groups that influence Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Internal Culture, Accessibility, AI, and Sustainability
If this sounds like you, and you like the sound of us, we\’d love to hear from you.
Seniority level
- Mid-Senior level
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Other
Industries
- IT Services and IT Consulting
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Backend Engineer employer: Substrakt
Contact Detail:
Substrakt Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Backend Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the technologies mentioned in the job description, such as PHP, Python, and AWS. Having hands-on experience or personal projects that showcase your skills with these tools can set you apart during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss your previous backend projects in detail. Be ready to explain your thought process, the challenges you faced, and how you optimised performance or ensured security in your solutions. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and technical expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your collaborative spirit by highlighting any experiences where you've worked closely with frontend engineers or designers. Being able to communicate effectively with non-technical team members is crucial, so share examples of how you've done this in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Substrakt's mission and values, especially their focus on arts and cultural organisations. Tailor your conversation to reflect your enthusiasm for contributing to meaningful projects and how your background aligns with their purpose-driven approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Backend Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in backend development, particularly with technologies like PHP, Python, and MySQL. Use specific examples of projects you've worked on that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for working with arts and cultural organisations. Mention how your skills can contribute to creating exceptional digital experiences and your willingness to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: Include examples in your application that demonstrate your initiative and problem-solving mindset. Discuss challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them, especially in relation to performance optimisation and secure coding practices.
Highlight Your Communication Skills: Since the role involves direct communication with clients, emphasise your friendly and helpful approach. Provide examples of how you've effectively communicated technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders in past experiences.
How to prepare for a job interview at Substrakt
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with backend technologies like PHP, Python, and MySQL. Bring examples of past projects where you implemented these skills, and be ready to explain your thought process behind the solutions you developed.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Expect technical questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Practice coding challenges or system design scenarios beforehand, as this will help you articulate your approach to optimising performance and ensuring security in your code.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with frontend engineers and clients, highlight your teamwork experiences. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated on projects, communicated technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, and contributed to a positive team dynamic.
✨Express Your Enthusiasm for Continuous Learning
Substrakt values growth and development, so convey your eagerness to learn new technologies and improve your skills. Discuss any recent courses, certifications, or personal projects that demonstrate your commitment to staying current in the field.
