Senior Backend Engineer in Cambridge
United States Digital Space LLC Cambridge About the role
Join the company and help build the future of Scientific Intelligence. Are you passionate about building scalable data systems and solving complex technical challenges? We’re looking for a Senior Backend Engineer to join our dynamic, global team. This role is best suited to an experienced engineer. You’ll be expected to work independently on complex problems and, at times, liaise directly with clients.
At the company, we’re pioneering Objective AI (ODAI), combining fundamental physics with AI to understand and characterise the physical world. Our platform delivers high‑value decision recommendations, acting as role‑specific co‑pilots that augment human intelligence or enable autonomous systems. In short, we’re building the brains behind smarter, more efficient operations.
What you’ll be working on:
- Designing and implementing reusable data‑processing features across multiple sites and product teams
- Leading feature breakdown and planning at a service level
- Maintaining and improving technical documentation
- Setting and upholding code review standards, including testing and code coverage practices
- Contributing to technology reviews and architectural discussions
- Supporting and overseeing implementation work across individual sites
- Identifying and addressing technical debt
- Investigating, breaking down, and resolving bugs
- Mentoring and supporting junior developers
What we’re looking for:
- Solid experience in software engineering, with a strong focus on data systems
- Proficiency in Java and Node.js
- Strong SQL skills and experience with both relational and NoSQL databases
- Hands‑on experience with message queues (e.g. NATS, Pub/Sub)
- Experience building web services using REST and SOAP
- Working knowledge of Kubernetes and Docker
- Excellent communication skills and confidence working in distributed teams
- A degree in Computer Science (or a related field), or equivalent practical experience
Bonus points for:
- Familiarity with Python
Why join us?
- Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge technology and meaningful data challenges
- A collaborative, global team of talented engineers and domain experts
- A continuous learning environment with real opportunities to grow and lead
Location: This role must be based in the UK with 40% of the time in the Cambridge office.
We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. If this role excites you, even if you don’t meet every requirement, we’d love to hear from you. You belong here. Let’s build something extraordinary together.
Your tasks
Design and implement scalable data solutions while mentoring junior developers.
Your profile
Experience in software engineering, Java, Node.js, and strong SQL skills required.
What's also included
Work on cutting-edge tech, continuous learning, and real growth opportunities.
Tech stack & ways of working
Senior Backend Engineer in Cambridge employer: United States Digital Space LLC
United States Digital Space LLC is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration in the heart of Greater London. With a strong focus on employee well-being and flexible work options, we provide ample opportunities for professional growth and development, making it an ideal environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of AI-enabled SaaS engineering.
View United States Digital Space LLC profile
Your perspectives
Make an impact by solving complex challenges and shaping the future of AI.
StudySmarter Expert Advice
Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at United States Digital Space LLC or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to United States Digital Space LLC.
Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like United States Digital Space LLC.
Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like United States Digital Space LLC that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills
When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio
For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at United States Digital Space LLC.
Craft a killer cover letter
Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at United States Digital Space LLC and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise
When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at United States Digital Space LLC
Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If United States Digital Space LLC uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
Locations
- Cambridge
