Backend Engineer - Commodities

Lever, Inc.; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Kpler is hiring a Software Engineer to build the core services of our connected supply chain platform. You will extend real-time trade intelligence across North American inland supply chains, handling streaming data, APIs, and user-facing features.

We value strong Python, SQL, and cloud deployment skills, with experience in Kafka, Airflow, FastAPI, and frontend tech like TypeScript and Vue. Join a high-autonomy team delivering end-to-end services.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of professional software engineering experience.
• Proficiency with Python and relational databases (SQL / Postgres).
• Experience deploying, debugging, and operating backend services in cloud environments (AWS preferred).
• Hands-on exposure to message queues, streaming platforms (Kafka), and RESTful APIs.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain scalable ingestion and processing pipelines for sensor, rail, and waterway data.
• Develop backend services using FastAPI and contribute to customer-facing web apps using TypeScript and Vue.
• Implement data validation, monitoring, and alerting for time-series data from field hardware.
• Operate services end-to-end including deployments, observability, and on-call rotations.
• Collaborate with data science and sensor operations teams to transform telemetry into usable datasets.

Skills

Python

SQL

Cloud deployments

Problem solving

Tools

Kafka

Airflow

FastAPI

TypeScript

Vue

Elasticsearch

Job description

At Kpler, we are dedicated to helping our clients navigate complex markets with ease. By simplifying global trade information and providing valuable insights, we empower organisations to make informed decisions in commodities, energy, and maritime sectors.

Since our founding in 2014, we have focused on delivering top-tier intelligence through user-friendly platforms. Our team of over 850 experts from 69 countries works tirelessly to transform intricate data into actionable strategies, ensuring our clients stay ahead in a dynamic market landscape. Join us to leverage cutting-edge innovation for impactful results and experience unparalleled support on your journey to success.

About the Role

As a Software Engineer on the founding Connected Supply Chain team, you will build and run the core services extending Kpler’s real-time trade intelligence platform beyond marine coverage into North American inland supply chains. Operating on a high‑autonomy “you build it, you run it” model, you will carry sensor telemetry from field hardware to paying customers through streaming ingestion pipelines, robust APIs, and user‑facing features. By uniting crude pipeline remote sensors, rail, and waterway data with existing maritime tracking, your work will directly deliver a single connected view from production basin to export terminal.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain scalable ingestion and processing pipelines for sensor, rail, and waterway data using Python, Kafka, and Airflow.
• Develop backend services using FastAPI and contribute to customer‑facing web applications using TypeScript and Vue.
• Implement data validation, system monitoring, and alerting to ensure noisy time‑series data from field hardware remains accurate and complete.
• Operate owned services end‑to‑end, taking charge of deployments, observability, and participation in the team's on‑call rotation.
• Collaborate closely with data science and sensor operations teams to transform raw telemetry into high‑value, usable datasets for early customer adoption.
• Drive continuous platform health by participating in technical design discussions, improving CI/CD workflows, and delivering tested, well‑documented code.

Experience & Background

What you'll need (Must‑haves)

• 2 to 4 years of professional software engineering experience building and supporting production software.
• Strong proficiency with Python and relational databases (SQL / Postgres).
• Proven experience deploying, debugging, and operating backend services in cloud environments (AWS preferred).
• Hands‑on exposure to message queues, streaming platforms (e.g., Kafka), and RESTful API development.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with a high degree of agency to move from ambiguous requirements to working code.

Nice‑to‑haves

• Experience with FastAPI, Airflow, TypeScript, Vue, or Elasticsearch.
• Prior exposure to time‑series, IoT, remote sensor, or geospatial datasets.
• Domain interest in energy, commodities, or logistics supply chains.

We are a dynamic company dedicated to nurturing connections and innovating solutions to tackle market challenges head‑on. If you thrive on customer satisfaction and turning ideas into reality, then you’ve found your ideal destination. Are you ready to embark on this exciting journey with us?

We make things happen

We act decisively and with purpose, going the extra mile.

We buildtogether

We foster relationships and develop creative solutions to address market challenges.

We are here to help

We are accessible and supportive to colleagues and clients with a friendly approach.

Our People Pledge

Don't meet every single requirement? Research shows that women and people of color are less likely than others to apply if they feel like they don't match 100% of the job requirements. Don't let the confidence gap stand in your way, we'd love to hear from you! We understand that experience comes in many different forms and are dedicated to adding new perspectives to the team.

Kpler is committed to providing a fair, inclusive and diverse work‑environment. We believe that different perspectives lead to better ideas, and better ideas allow us to better understand the needs and interests of our diverse, global community. We welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives and are an equal opportunity employer.

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