At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a small team to develop impactful backend systems for climate tech.
- Company: Innovative climate-tech nonprofit focused on cleaner energy solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and meaningful impact on climate change.
- Other info: Opportunity for ownership and growth in a mission-driven environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in energy systems while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in backend development with strong Python skills and leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
I’m working with a climate-tech nonprofit building software that helps countries plan cleaner, more reliable electricity systems. This isn’t a standard CRUD backend role. The team is building Scenario Builder — a platform used for energy-system modelling, grid planning, decarbonisation analysis and long-term infrastructure decisions.
The engineering problems are genuinely interesting: data-heavy backend systems, performance challenges, APIs, infrastructure, modelling workflows and computational problems that have real-world climate impact. They’re now looking for a Lead Backend Engineer who can stay hands-on with Python while managing a small team of 3–5 engineers.
This is not a big-company Backend Lead IC role. It’s more of a hands-on backend squad lead position where you’ll set technical direction, improve backend systems, coach engineers and help scale the platform behind Scenario Builder.
Could be a strong fit if you:
- 7+ years of experience in back-end software development
- Have strong Python backend experience
- Have worked with FastAPI, Django or Flask
- Are comfortable with PostgreSQL, APIs, cloud infrastructure and CI/CD
- Have some technical leadership or line-management experience
- Enjoy mentoring engineers while still staying close to the code
- Care about climate, energy systems or software with real-world impact
- Can balance strong engineering standards with pragmatic delivery
This is a good opportunity for someone who wants more ownership, a stronger leadership path and engineering work that matters beyond commercial optimisation. Apply to learn more.
Lead Backend Engineer employer: TRG
Join a pioneering climate-tech nonprofit that is dedicated to making a tangible impact on the world through innovative software solutions. With a hybrid work model in London, you will enjoy a collaborative and supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and mentorship, while tackling complex engineering challenges that contribute to cleaner energy systems. This role offers the unique opportunity to lead a small team in developing critical tools for decarbonisation and infrastructure planning, all backed by major philanthropic support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Backend Engineer
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by TRG.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like TRG.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at TRG.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at TRG. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Backend Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of TRG. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Lead Backend Engineer, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at TRG
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of TRG. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
