Senior Backend Python Developer

Python Developer I’m currently working with an exciting AI-focused technology business that is scaling its platform following a successful seed round. They’re looking for a Senior Backend Engineer to take ownership of the backend infrastructure powering a next-generation AI assessment platform. This is a genuinely hands-on IC role, ideal for someone who enjoys working in a small, ambitious team where you can influence architecture, own delivery and see the direct impact of your work. What you’ll be doing: Building and maintaining Python backend services and APIs, primarily using FastAPIDesigning and developing integrations with third-party platforms and learning management systemsWorking extensively with PostgreSQL, SQLAlchemy and AlembicDesigning reliable asynchronous workflows involving queues, workers, retries, batching and status trackingBuilding secure APIs using technologies and patterns such as OAuth 2.0, JWTs and service-to-service authenticationImproving AWS deployments, CI/CD, observability and operational reliabilityWorking closely with AI engineers on data ingestion, tracing, evaluation, feedback and cost/latency trackingContributing to architecture, code reviews, testing and engineering best practices What they’re looking for: Strong production Python experienceStrong API development experience – FastAPI highly desirableSolid PostgreSQL / relational database experienceExperience with SQLAlchemy, Alembic or similarStrong understanding of asynchronous / long-running systemsGood knowledge of API security, authentication and authorisationPractical AWS experienceComfortable taking ownership and working autonomously in a small team Bonus points for: Terraform / Infrastructure as CodeExperience operating LLM or ML-backed services in productionMulti-tenant or externally integrated SaaS platformsLTI 1.3 or LMS integrationsGDPR / regulated-data experienceEdTech, assessment technology or B2B SaaS experienceExperience mentoring or helping raise engineering standard More information: 🌍 Remote-first UK working 💰 £70k–£80k salary 📈 Share options 🏖️ 25 days holiday 💻 MacBook Pro 💷 Employer pension contribution up to 5% 📚 Learning budget 🎤 Conference attendance & speaking opportunities ⏰ Flexible working hours This is a great opportunity for a Senior Python Engineer who wants genuine ownership, rather than simply joining a large engineering organisation to work on one small part of a system. If you're interested in building scalable backend infrastructure for AI-powered products, I'd love to hear from you.