Skills

Leadership Python PostgreSQL SQLite Architecture Linux

Job Specifications

Senior Backend Engineer (Python / Embedded Software)

London, UK (Hybrid)

Up to £85,000 + benefits

We’re partnered with a rapidly scaling technology company redefining the future of unattended retail across Europe and beyond. Backed by significant investment and trusted by hundreds of customers, they are building the platforms and infrastructure powering the next generation of automated retail.

They are seeking a highly experienced Senior Backend Engineer with deep expertise in Python and a background or strong interest in building backend systems that run on physical hardware. This is a unique opportunity to develop software that operates in both connected and disconnected environments, and to join a scaling international team and take ownership of mission-critical services that drive real-world impact.

Responsibilities as a Senior Backend Engineer:

Design and maintain Python backend services powering distributed retail hardware.
Develop systems for intermittent connectivity, including caching, buffering, and sync/retry mechanisms.
Implement synchronisation strategies between edge devices (e.g. SQLite) and cloud systems (PostgreSQL).
Drive best practices in architecture, modularity, and performance through thorough code reviews.
Mentor and support engineers, contributing to a culture of technical excellence.
Maintain clear and comprehensive technical documentation for APIs and services.

Key Requirements as a Senior Backend Engineer:

8+ years of backend development with strong Python experience.
Proven experience deploying to, or strong passion for working on, constrained hardware (NUCs, Raspberry Pi, embedded Linux).
Strong database skills (PostgreSQL, SQLite) and ORM performance optimisation.
Experience with TDD and writing maintainable, production-grade code.
Strong communicator with collaborative mindset.

Nice-to-Haves:

Experience working with embedded, IoT, kiosk, or distributed edge systems.
Background in retail tech or device-driven environments.
Previous mentoring or leadership responsibilities.

Why Join?

High-impact role building systems used in real-world environments.
International, fast-moving engineering culture.
Opportunity to shape edge-based backend architecture at scale.
Hybrid working, career growth, and strong benefits.

This is a career-defining opportunity for a Senior Backend Engineer to join a scaling team and tackle complex technical challenges at global scale. If you’re passionate about backend engineering that goes beyond the cloud and powers physical products at scale, we’d love to speak with you.

Unfortunately, due to high application volumes, not all submissions will receive feedback.

About the Company

Welcome to technology recruitment for the Modern Age. Welcome to Formula. We offer a flexible recruitment approach because we understand that agility is a key part of your successful recruitment strategy. Whether you need to grow your permanent head-count or you want to engage contractors via our Talent Hub, we can help. With packages tailored from a unique set of capabilities and backed by industry-specific experience. You can stop worrying about attracting quality candidates, being left in the dark, or the way in which... Know more