Schedule:

• Flexible during the client's business hours

Overview:

The Backend Software Engineer (Backend, Access & Data Platform) is responsible for building, operating, and maintaining the backend, access control, and data foundations of the company's production systems. The role focuses on implementing and operating secure authentication and authorization, reliable PostgreSQL data layers, and cloud-native backend services on AWS, based on in-house architectural direction. 

The role is primarily backend and data focused, with limited frontend integration work to connect APIs, access controls, and data flows into existing frontend applications. This role does not involve frontend design or ownership. In addition to feature delivery, the engineer is accountable for operational stability, security, and scalability in production environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Backend build & operation: Build, deploy, and operate backend services and APIs using Python and FastAPI, following established architectural patterns.
• Access control implementation: Implement and maintain authentication and authorization systems, including OAuth 2.0, PKCE, JWT-based access control, and identity provider integrations (e.g. OKTA).
• Data & database operations: Build and operate PostgreSQL schemas, migrations, indexing, and query performance in production systems.
• Lifecycle ownership: Support backend systems across their operational lifecycle, including deployment.
• Cloud operations: Operate backend services on AWS, including ECS/Fargate, RDS, load balancing, monitoring, logging, and secrets management.
• Integration support: Perform limited frontend integration work by wiring backend APIs and access rules into existing frontend codebases.
• Quality & reliability: Ensure systems are secure, maintainable, and well-documented, adhering to internal engineering and security standards.
• Operational support: Availability for critical system maintenance, resolving issues related to access control, data integrity, and backend performance.

Delegation/Level of Authority:

• Decision-making scope: Make day-to-day technical decisions within agreed project frameworks and in agreement with the development team.
• Escalation: Raises significant issues, risks, or architectural decisions to the respective software delivery lead if necessary. 

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Delivery: Timely and successful completion of software deliverables across the full lifecycle.
• Quality: Reliability, maintainability, and security of deployed solutions.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Positive feedback from clients on delivery, collaboration, and support.
• Compliance: Adherence to governance, security, and industry standards.
• Incident Management: Timely and effective resolution of production incidents and root-cause remediation.
• Sustainability: Effective ongoing maintenance and continuous improvement of client systems.

Requirements:

• Proficiency in one or more core backend programming languages (e.g., Python, Rust, or similar).
• Experience building and maintaining production systems throughout the software lifecycle.
• Experience building and maintaining production systems throughout the software lifecycle.
• Hands-on experience implementing and operating authentication and authorization systems.
• Production experience with PostgreSQL, including migrations and performance tuning.
• Experience operating cloud-native systems on AWS.
• Familiarity with FastAPI, SQLAlchemy, and Alembic or equivalent tools.
• Experience with Docker and CI/CD pipelines.
• Familiarity with infrastructure-as-code tools (e.g. Terraform).
• Ability to perform frontend integration work without frontend design responsibility.
• Professional proficiency in English, with clear written and verbal communication skills.
  Preferred

(Note: Advantageous but not essential)

• Experience with enterprise identity providers (e.g. OKTA).
• Experience operating high-traffic or mission-critical systems.
• Experience with Redis or caching layers.
• Experience with AWS CDK.
• Experience in fintech or FMCG environments (advantageous but not essential).
• Experience in frontend development (Javascript/Typescript).
• Degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. 

Independent Contractor Perks:

• HMO Coverage for eligible locations
• Permanent work-from-home
• Immediate hiring