Senior Backend Software Engineer
Smarkets is looking for a Senior Backend Software Engineer to join its team in London. This role focuses on the design, development, and optimisation of backend services, utilising a technology stack that includes Python and Rust.
The successful candidate will be responsible for architecting scalable, distributed systems and ensuring the reliability of the platform. This position involves working closely with product managers and other engineering teams to deliver high-impact projects while mentoring junior staff and driving technical decision-making.
- Lead the design, development, and optimisation of backend services written in Python and Rust.
- Architect and build scalable, distributed systems to meet the evolving needs of the platform.
- Enhance system reliability through robust monitoring and alerting systems.
- Drive and enforce best practices in code quality, testing, and continuous integration/delivery (CI/CD).
- Collaborate with product managers and engineering teams to define and deliver complex, high-impact projects.
- Mentor and guide engineers across the team, fostering a culture of technical excellence and growth.
- Drive technical decision-making and contribute to the evolution of our backend architecture.
- Ensure the performance and stability of critical services by implementing improvements with a forward-looking mindset.
- 6+ years of experience in software engineering, with a focus on backend systems (required).
- Familiarity with Python or at least one compiled language (Java, C++, Rust, Go) and are keen on learning Rust (required).
- Proven experience designing and building distributed systems in modern cloud environments (AWS, GCP, or similar) (required).
- Deep knowledge of DevOps practices and tools, including GitLab and Kubernetes (K8S) (required).
- Strong experience with message queuing systems (e.g., Apache Kafka) and relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL) (required).
- Previous experience in Sports Betting or Finance industries (nice-to-have).
- Excellent communication skills, with a proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (required).
- Demonstrated leadership in driving complex technical projects to successful completion (required).
- Stock Options: Vest over 4 years.
- Pension Scheme: Competitive plan via Aviva, with up to 6% matched contributions if you opt in.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage.
- Enhanced Parental Leave: Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
- Stay Fuelled: Fresh, chef-made breakfast and lunch every day, plus snacks and drinks.
- Cycle-to-Work Scheme: Support for sustainable commuting.
- Learning & Development: £1,000 annual education budget.
- Holiday: 25 days paid leave + bank holidays, with the option to carry over 5 days.
- Flexible Working: Hybrid model with 3 days in the office and 2 days from home.
- Global Working: Work from anywhere in the world for up to 20 days a year.
- Team Energy: Regular socials, hackathons, and events.
Smarkets is a peer-to-peer betting exchange based in London, where customers bet against each other rather than against a bookmaker and the exchange earns a commission on net winnings. It offers markets on sport and politics, and its teams in London work across engineering, product, design and commercial roles, with customer operations staff in Malta.