Job Specifications
Senior Backend Engineer
Work Location: UK (Remote) - You must be UK based with a full right to work
Type: 6 to 12 months contract (with potential of converting to permanent)
Reports to: CTO
Experience Level: Senior / 5–10 years
Salary: £75,000 to £80,000 (Flexible - Depending on experience)
About Our Client
Key requirements: Python, Fast APIs, AWS (Lambda), AI code generation tools: Cursor, Copilot or similar. Also experience working with AI/ML, and curiosity about AI is essential for this role.
Our client is an early stage AI start-up in the education sector. They’re on a mission to redefine how students learn through intelligent tutoring and empower teachers with data-driven insights into learning progress using ML, GenAI, and modern data systems. Their cross-functional team of engineers and product leaders is building a platform that powers both mobile and web apps for users. They’re now on the lookout for a hands-on Senior Backend Engineer who can take ownership of backend architecture, scale system performance, and mature their DevOps and CI/CD practices.
What You’ll Do
Design, build, and maintain scalable backend services and RESTful APIs using Python (FastAPI/Django/Flask) (Essential)
Architect and optimise AWS infrastructure (Lambda, ECS, EC2, RDS, S3, CloudFront, etc.) for reliability and cost efficiency
Build and manage PostgreSQL databases hosted on Amazon RDS, including schema design, query optimisation, and backups
Collaborate with frontend engineers (React/React Native/Swift) to integrate APIs with web and mobile apps
Lead DevOps automation - CI/CD (GitHub Actions), infrastructure as code (Terraform/CDK), observability (CloudWatch, Grafana)
Work closely with AI engineers to integrate and deploy machine learning pipelines into production systems
Implement security, monitoring, and data governance best practices
Mentor team members, set coding standards, and contribute to architectural decisions with the CTO
What You’ll Bring
5+ years of experience in backend development (Python, Node.js, or Go)
Strong expertise in AWS (Lambda, ECS, EC2, RDS, S3) - highly desirable, and DevOps pipelines (advantage but not essential)
Exposure to integrating AI/ML services or APIs into production systems
Experience working with AI code generation tools such as Cursor, Copilot, or a similar tool. This essential, as the team work these tools for speed and efficiency.
Deep understanding of PostgreSQL (schema design, optimisation, migrations) and RDS management
Proven experience building RESTful APIs for high-performance web and mobile applications
Familiarity with Swift or React Native API integration workflows
Experience with containerisation (Docker, ECS/EKS/Kubernetes)
A passion for start-up environments — ownership, speed, and hands-on problem solving
Why Join
Join an early-stage founding team shaping the platform and product direction from the ground up
Work with cutting-edge AWS and AI technologies in a fast-paced, high-autonomy culture
Collaborate closely with experienced product and AI leaders
About the Company
MI Select specialises in Recruitment and Executive Search for the Financial Services and Technology sectors, including Wealth and Asset Management, Private Equity, Hedge Funds, Fintech, and Insurance. We aim to connect exceptional talent with leading companies, driving success and innovation in these dynamic industries.
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