Python Developer - Security - Cambridge/London

Salt Search; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Salt Search is seeking a problem-solving Python Developer to build product features in a research-driven environment across Cambridge/London. You will contribute to backend services, deliver clean Python code, and collaborate with small cross-functional teams in high-cadence cycles.

Hybrid role: 1-2 days on-site per week with ASAP start. The ideal candidate has 3+ years' Python experience, Docker/container experience, and strong communication while explaining reasoning during live problem

Qualifications

• 3+ years of Python experience
• Explaining reasoning clearly during live problem-solving
• Experience in small, fast-moving teams with multi-hat roles
• Familiarity with containers (Docker) and cloud concepts
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to translate prototypes into production features

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, test, and maintain backend services and prototypes in Python
• Work from prototypes to production-ready components with ML/AI researchers and SREs
• Participate in live coding and code reviews
• Collaborate with product managers and researchers to translate ideas into demos and features
• Help troubleshoot, debug, and optimise systems (performance, reliability, observability)
• Contribute to CI/CD and containerisation workflows and cloud deployment patterns
• Communicate trade-offs and design decisions clearly; adapt to changing requirements

Skills

Python

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Docker

Cloud concepts

Communication

Live problem-solving

Production experience

Tools

Docker

CI/CD

Observability

Kubernetes

Job description

Python Developer - Security - Cambridge/London

Salary: £55k - £75k

Hybrid: 1 - 2 days per week

Start: ASAP

My new client is looking for a problem-solving focused mid-level Python engineer (specialist) who wants to build product features in a research-driven environment. You'll be expected to contribute to product development, deliver clean, testable Python code, collaborate with small cross-functional teams, and communicate your thinking clearly in high-cadence development cycles.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, test, and maintain backend services and prototypes in Python.
• Work from prototype/research outputs to production-ready components alongside ML/AI researchers and SREs.
• Participate in live coding/problem-solving rounds during development and code reviews.
• Collaborate closely with product managers and researchers to translate ideas into working demos and production features.
• Help troubleshoot, debug, and optimise systems (performance, reliability, observability).
• Contribute to CI/CD, containerisation (Docker) workflows, and cloud deployment patterns as required.
• Communicate trade-offs and design decisions clearly; adapt to changing requirements.

Required Skills & Experience

• Strong Python proficiency (day-to-day production experience).
• Demonstrable problem-solving aptitude - ability to break down ambiguous problems and explain reasoning clearly.
• Experience working in small teams or fast-moving product environments where engineers wear multiple hats.
• Practical familiarity with containers (Docker) and general cloud concepts.
• Good communication skills - able to think out loud during live problem-solving.
• Typically 3+ years' relevant experience (flexible; equivalent experience or strong demonstrable ability considered).

Desirable (but not required)

• Experience with Kubernetes or container orchestration.
• Exposure to ML/AI projects, data pipelines, or research-driven engineering.
• Experience with observability tooling, CI/CD, and testing best practices.
• Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related technical field (or demonstrable equivalent).

*Rates depend on experience and client requirements