Contract Python Developer

Searchability; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading tech recruitment firm is seeking a Contract Software Engineer - Python to work on a secure government project in London. The ideal candidate will have strong Python development skills and experience in backend and API development. The role involves building and maintaining backend services, ensuring robust and secure API contracts, and requires a hands-on approach to software engineering. This hybrid position offers a rate of up to £600/day outside IR35.

Qualifications

• Strong Python development experience is essential.
• Proven background in backend and API development expected.
• Experience in building production systems with testing and logging.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain backend services and APIs using Python.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of MCP servers.
• Develop clean, well‑structured API contracts and schemas.
• Ensure services are robust, secure, observable, and scalable.

Skills

Strong Python development experience

Proven background in backend and API development

Experience building production systems

Solid understanding of modern software engineering practices

Tools

Elasticsearch

Kibana

AWS

Azure

Job description

Contract Software Engineer – Python (MCP / Backend)

New Contract Opportunity for a Python Developer in London with SC Clearance to work on a secure Govt. project.

• Contract: Outside IR35
• Rate: Up to £600/day
• Location: Hybrid – London
• Start: ASAP

We’re looking for an experienced Python Software Engineer to support a project building MCP (Model Context Protocol) servers, forming part of a modern backend platform that integrates AI models with internal systems via secure, well-defined APIs.

This is a hands‑on contract role suited to a strong backend engineer who is comfortable designing, building, and owning production‑grade services.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain backend services and APIs using Python
• Contribute to the design and implementation of MCP servers
• Develop clean, well‑structured API contracts and schemas
• Ensure services are robust, secure, observable, and scalable
• Collaborate closely with other engineers on system design and integration
• Support deployment and operation of services in cloud environments

Required Experience

• Strong Python development experience
• Proven background in backend and API development
• Experience building production systems (testing, logging, error handling)
• Solid understanding of modern software engineering practices

Nice to Have

• Experience with Elasticsearch and Kibana
• Experience with AWS and/or Azure
• Exposure to distributed or event‑driven systems
• Interest or experience in AI / LLM‑adjacent platforms or infrastructure

Contract Details

• Outside IR35
• Up to £600 per day
• Hybrid working, with some on‑site presence in London
• Opportunity to work on a technically interesting, modern platform with real‑world impact