Back End Engineer

Pontoon; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Pontoon is recruiting two Backend Engineers for a major UK financial services project. Hybrid roles with 2 days on site across Leeds, Manchester or Edinburgh. Initial contract to 20 December 2026, with potential extension.

You will design scalable backend services, REST APIs, microservices and secure integrations, using Java, Python and/or Node.js, Kafka, GCP, Kubernetes/OpenShift and OAuth/SAML.

Qualifications

• Proven backend engineering experience with Java, Python, Node.js or similar.
• Experience with APIs, microservices and distributed systems.
• Understanding of event-driven architecture and messaging.
• Experience with cloud, containers and Kubernetes/OpenShift.
• Knowledge of enterprise security, authentication and authorisation.
• Experience building reliable, production-grade platforms.

Responsibilities

• Build backend services using Java with emphasis on Python and/or Node.js.
• Develop secure, scalable REST APIs.
• Design microservices and event-driven architectures.
• Work with Kafka/Pub/Sub.
• Conversant with GCP.
• Implement OAuth, SAML and SSO.
• Build cloud-native applications using Kubernetes/OpenShift and containers.
• Develop CI/CD, monitoring and observability capabilities.
• Work closely with AI, Data, Architecture and Security teams.

Skills

Java

Python

Node.js

APIs

Microservices

Distributed systems

Event-driven

Cloud

Kubernetes

OpenShift

Security

Tools

Kafka

Pub/Sub

GCP

Job description

Backend Engineer - Enterprise Knowledge & AI Platform

• 2 Vacancies Leeds, Manchester or Edinburgh Hybrid - 2 Days on Site
  Contract: Initial term to 20 December 2026, with a view to extend multi-year programme

We're looking for two Backend Engineers to join a major UK financial services organisation embarking on an exciting technology transformation.

You'll be part of a multi-year programme building a new enterprise knowledge platform from scratch, designed to connect AI services and applications securely with enterprise systems, tools, and data.

This is a genuine greenfield opportunity where you'll help shape the architecture and build scalable, resilient services supporting AI agent workflows, enterprise knowledge access, integrations, and business process automation.

What you'll be doing

• Build backend services using Java 20% more focus on Python 80% and/or Node.js
• Develop secure, scalable REST APIs
• Design microservices and event-driven architectures
• Work with Kafka/Pub/Sub
• Conversant with GCP
• Implement OAuth, SAML and SSO
• Build cloud-native applications using Kubernetes/OpenShift and containers
• Develop CI/CD, monitoring and observability capabilities
• Work closely with AI, Data, Architecture and Security teams

What we're looking for

• Strong backend engineering experience with Java, Python, Node.js or similar
• Experience with APIs, microservices and distributed systems
• Understanding of event-driven architecture and messaging
• Experience with cloud, containers and Kubernetes/OpenShift
• Knowledge of enterprise security, authentication and authorisation
• Experience building reliable, production-grade platforms

The Opportunity

Join a multi-year strategic technology programme and help build a new enterprise AI and knowledge platform from the ground up.

The initial contract runs until 20 December 2026, with a view to extending as the programme continues.

TO APPLY - PLEASE APPLY WITH AN UP-TO-DATE CV

Candidates will ideally show evidence of the above in their CV in order to be considered.

Please be advised if you haven't heard from us within 48 hours then unfortunately your application has not been successful on this occasion, we may however keep your details on file for any suitable future vacancies and contact you accordingly.

Pontoon is an employment consultancy. We put expertise, energy, and enthusiasm into improving everyone's chance of being part of the workplace. We respect and appreciate people of all ethnicities, generations, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, and more. We do this by showcasing their talents, skills, and unique experience in an inclusive environment that helps them thrive.

We use generative AI tools to support our candidate screening process. This helps us ensure a fair, consistent, and efficient experience for all applicants. Rest assured, all final decisions are made by our hiring team, and your application will be reviewed with care and attention.