Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead back-end development and design scalable systems for global automotive partners.
- Company: Innovative tech company based in Newcastle, working with major automotive brands.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, flexible hours, and wellness support.
- Other info: Enjoy a collaborative culture with mentorship and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a creative team and make an impact on the future of automotive technology.
- Qualifications: 5-10 years in software engineering with expertise in Python, Node.js, and cloud services.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom | Posted on 04/02/2026
Our product-configuration and content-production platform establishes competitive advantages for automotive OEMs around the world, using the cloud to make real-time rendering accessible and affordable for any user in any market. Featuring innovative experiences and stunning graphics, it enhances every stage of the vehicle-shopping journey by increasing engagement, delivering personalization, and driving sales. Formed in Newcastle in 2014, we have expanded to become a truly international company, trusted to deliver major global projects with brands including VW, Audi, BRP, BMW, Nissan, and Mitsubishi.
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne / Hybrid
Working Type: Full Time
Note: We are seeking candidates based in the North East and are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
The Role
We are looking for a high calibre Senior Back End Developer who thrives on technical ownership and architectural challenges. This role requires a unique blend of product and project thinking. You will be equally comfortable architecting systems for our core platform as you are pivoting to deliver bespoke technical solutions for our global automotive partners.
The Person
You have previously held sole or primary responsibility for the technical delivery of at least one large and complex project. You don’t just fix bugs; you identify root causes and design elegant, long-term solutions for complex data and rendering pipelines. You enjoy the variety of moving between long-term product roadmaps and high-velocity client-facing work.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the delivery of major back-end workstreams, ensuring code quality, security, and performance.
- Design and maintain high availability and self-healing, fault-tolerant systems to support global launches.
- While back-end focused, you will utilise your fullstack web development skills to ensure seamless integration and occasionally lead end-to-end feature development.
- Build and optimise distributed systems capable of handling massive concurrent users across different global regions.
Requirements
Technical Experience
- Python: Deep expertise in building scalable services.
- Node.js: Proficiency in asynchronous programming and API development.
- MongoDB: Strong experience in No‑SQL schema design and performance tuning.
- Linux: Comfort working within and optimizing Linux‑based environments.
- Kubernetes & Docker: Expert‑level containerization and orchestration for cloud‑native applications.
- 5–10 years of professional experience in software engineering.
- A solid understanding of distributed systems and the challenges of data consistency and latency.
- Proven experience in building systems that can automatically recover from failure.
- Experience working with AWS or similar cloud providers.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical decisions to non‑technical stakeholders or clients.
What to Expect
At ZeroLight, we value innovation and creativity, shaping our lifestyle and professional benefits around a supportive, collaborative, and rewarding environment.
Reward & Contribution
- Annual salary review process
- Contributory Pension Scheme
- Life Assurance program
- Provision of all the tools you need to perform your best work
- Fully stocked kitchen with free drinks, crisps, fruit, yoghurts, biscuits, chocolate bars, porridge and granola.
Development & Progression
- A comprehensive onboarding process to ensure you hit the ground running
- Quarterly Collaboration Weeks where teams gather to share knowledge and best practices
- One to one coaching sessions with qualified coaches
- Company‑wide personal development sessions on topics such as psychological safety and overcoming imposter syndrome
- Mentorship from a team of seasoned professionals across different disciplines
- Travel & conference opportunities
Time
- Generous holiday allowance: 25 days holiday, which rises to 30 days based on length of service
- Additional free holidays over the Christmas period when the studio closes.
- All standard bank holidays
- Flexible working hours with start and finish times between 8am - 10am / 4pm - 6pm
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) access for mental health and wellbeing support including access to therapy sessions
- Free fruit and healthy snacks, running and sports clubs, Cycle to Work Scheme, and showers in the studio
- Quarterly social gatherings, including our famous Christmas Party
- Enjoy a creative, inclusive, and collaborative culture
Senior Back End Developer in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: ZeroLight
Contact Detail:
ZeroLight Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Back End Developer in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best projects, especially those that highlight your back-end development expertise. This is your chance to demonstrate your technical prowess and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common technical questions and coding challenges. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable with the format and types of questions you might face.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our exciting projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Back End Developer in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Senior Back End Developer role. Highlight your expertise in Python, Node.js, and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our mission at StudySmarter. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through.
Showcase Your Projects: If you've worked on any large or complex projects, make sure to mention them! We’re interested in your technical delivery and problem-solving skills. Include links to your GitHub or portfolio if you have them – we want to see your work in action!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative!
How to prepare for a job interview at ZeroLight
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Python, Node.js, and MongoDB skills. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've used these technologies, especially in building scalable services or optimising performance. The more detailed your examples, the better!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to talk about complex projects where you identified root causes of issues and designed long-term solutions. Highlight your experience with distributed systems and how you've tackled challenges like data consistency and latency.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since you'll need to explain technical decisions to non-technical stakeholders, practice simplifying complex concepts. Use analogies or straightforward language to demonstrate your ability to bridge the gap between tech and business.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Leadership
Be ready to discuss your experience leading back-end workstreams and collaborating with teams. Share examples of how you've mentored others or contributed to a positive team culture, as this role values a supportive and collaborative environment.