At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the evolution of a critical Python platform and design new systems from scratch.
- Company: Profitable fintech company with a focus on engineering and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, worldwide travel insurance, and top-tier medical benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for worldwide travel and career growth.
- Why this job: Take ownership of a core platform and influence its future direction.
- Qualifications: Strong Python skills and experience in evolving production systems.
The predicted salary is between 140000 - 140000 £ per year.
We're working with a profitable, engineering-led fintech that builds software used by investment firms to manage reporting, data, and client-facing outputs. Their platform underpins core workflows for their clients - handling complex, highly tailored requirements across data processing, reporting logic, and content generation. They’re now at a key stage of growth: evolving the existing system while building out new products alongside it.
They’re looking for a Principal Engineer to take ownership of how that platform develops from here. This is a senior, hands-on position with real influence over both architecture and delivery.
You’ll be:
- Leading the evolution of a live, business-critical Python platform
- Designing and building new systems and features from the ground up
- Owning architectural decisions across backend services and cloud infrastructure
- Working closely with stakeholders to shape solutions, not just implement them
- Setting technical direction and raising engineering standards within a small team
What They’re Looking For:
- Strong Python experience (FastAPI, Django, Flask etc)
- Track record of owning or significantly evolving production systems
- Experience making architectural decisions and working across the full lifecycle
- Comfortable operating in a smaller, high-ownership environment
- Able to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Why It's interesting:
- Ownership of a core platform and its future direction
- Worldwide travel insurance
- Top-tier Medical + Dental insurance
- Beautiful, modern office in Central London
- Profitable company with a clear growth roadmap
Software Engineer - Hybrid employer: Understanding Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Understanding Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Engineer - Hybrid
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry meetups. We all know that personal connections can give us the inside scoop on job openings and company culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those technical interviews! Brush up on your Python skills and be ready to discuss your past projects. We want to show them how we’ve owned and evolved production systems in our previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that excite us! Use our website to find roles that match your passion for fintech and software engineering. Tailor your approach to highlight how you can lead the evolution of their platforms.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. Let’s remind them why we’re the perfect fit for leading their core platform's future direction.
We think you need these skills to ace Software Engineer - Hybrid
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your strong Python experience and any architectural decisions you've made in previous roles. We want to see how you can lead the evolution of our platform!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this Principal Software Engineer role. Share specific examples of how you've designed and built systems from scratch, and how you've communicated effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, don’t just list your skills—show us how you've used them to solve real-world problems. We love candidates who can demonstrate their ability to shape solutions and raise engineering standards within a team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures it gets into the right hands quickly. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
How to prepare for a job interview at Understanding Recruitment
✨Know Your Tech Stack Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in Python and the frameworks mentioned, like FastAPI, Django, and Flask. Brush up on your knowledge of architectural decisions and be ready to discuss how you've evolved production systems in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a small team, prepare examples of how you've taken ownership in previous projects. Highlight instances where you set technical direction or raised engineering standards, as this will resonate with their need for a Principal Engineer.
✨Communicate Clearly with Stakeholders
Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. You’ll need to demonstrate your ability to engage with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, so think of examples where you’ve successfully bridged that gap.
✨Understand Their Business Model
Familiarise yourself with the fintech landscape and how investment firms operate. Knowing how their platform supports client workflows will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in their mission.