At a Glance
- 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.
- Other info: Participate in steering groups to influence company culture and initiatives.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 42000 € per year.
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.
Requirements
What you\'ll do:
- 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.
- 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
Why Substrakt?
We\'re a purpose-driven team, who are B-corp accredited, that values creativity, openness, and continual improvement. We believe in creating work we\'re proud of and supporting each other to grow along the way. You\'ll have the chance to work with some of the most inspiring arts and cultural organisations, contributing to meaningful projects that make a real impact.
- We operate a flexible, hybrid working model that supports autonomy and work-life balance.
- We have enhanced time off policies too with a focus on parents and carers, vacation days (you\'ll get 25 days, plus bank holidays and you\'ll never work a birthday again - because we give you that off)
- We offer NHS cashback scheme to support healthcare costs and a monthly wellbeing allowance of £50 to spend on whatever makes you feel good (whether that be a gym membership, a meal out, or a treatment of some kind)
- Everyone gets 6 days per year to focus on their own professional development, and a £500 budget to go along with that too.
- We invest heavily in communication and connection through weekly mailers, an intentional meeting cadence and internal awards. We also organise and cover the cost of bi-annual team gatherings to museums, art galleries and theatres.
- Not all benefits come in the form of traditional \'perks\'. At Substrakt, we place a strong emphasis on building the right team structure and workflows, so everyone knows what they\'re accountable for and can focus on doing their best work.
- All team members have the opportunity to participate in our steering groups which aren\'t just \'nice to haves\' - they help everyone stay curious and influence the way Substrakt approaches things like Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Internal Culture, Accessibility, AI, and Sustainability
Backend Engineer in Birmingham employer: Substrakt
At Substrakt, we pride ourselves on being a purpose-driven employer that champions creativity and collaboration within a flexible, remote working environment. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our generous professional development budget and enhanced time-off policies, ensuring a healthy work-life balance while contributing to impactful projects in the arts and cultural sector. Join us to be part of a diverse team that values openness and continuous improvement, making a real difference in the digital experiences we create.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Backend Engineer in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific technologies mentioned in the job description, such as PHP, MySQL, and AWS. Having hands-on experience or projects showcasing these skills can set you apart during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the company’s online presence. Follow Substrakt on social media and participate in discussions related to their projects. This shows your genuine interest in their work and can help you connect with current employees.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your collaborative experiences. Since the role involves working closely with frontend engineers and clients, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully communicated technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your problem-solving mindset by preparing a few examples of challenges you've faced in previous projects and how you overcame them. This aligns well with the company's emphasis on initiative and delivering high-quality work.
We think you need these skills to ace Backend Engineer in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in backend development, particularly with the technologies mentioned in the job description such as PHP, Python, and MySQL. Use specific examples of projects you've worked on that demonstrate your skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for working with arts and cultural organisations. Mention how your background aligns with Substrakt's mission and values, and provide examples of how you can contribute to their team.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:Include examples in your application that showcase your initiative and problem-solving mindset. Discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them, particularly in relation to backend solutions.
Highlight Collaboration Experience:Since the role involves working closely with multidisciplinary teams, emphasise your experience collaborating with frontend engineers, designers, and clients. Provide examples of successful teamwork and communication in your past projects.
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 to face technical challenges during the interview. Practice articulating how you approach problem-solving, including debugging and optimising performance. This will show your potential employer that you can handle real-world issues effectively.
✨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 and communicated technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
✨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 or certifications you've pursued, and how you plan to stay updated in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
