Senior Backend Engineer

United States Digital Space LLC; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

the company in the UK is seeking a Senior Backend Engineer to design scalable data systems and work with a global team.

You will mentor juniors, set engineering standards, and drive robust software practices using Java, Node.js, SQL/NoSQL, REST/SOAP, Kubernetes and Docker across client projects. This hybrid UK role includes the Cambridge office.

Qualifications

• Solid experience in software engineering with data systems.
• Proficiency in Java and Node.js.
• Strong SQL and experience with relational and NoSQL databases.
• Hands-on experience with message queues (e.g. NATS, Pub/Sub).
• REST and SOAP web services.
• Kubernetes and Docker knowledge.
• Excellent communication and distributed teams.
• Degree in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Design reusable data-processing features across sites and product teams.
• Lead feature breakdown and planning at a service level.
• Maintain and improve technical documentation.
• Set and uphold code review standards, including testing and coverage.
• Contribute to technology reviews and architectural discussions.
• Oversee implementation work across sites and mentor juniors.

Skills

Java

Node.js

SQL

NoSQL

REST

SOAP

Kubernetes

Docker

NATS

Pub/Sub

Python

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent

Job description

Join the company and help build the future of Scientific Intelligence

Are you passionate about building scalable data systems and solving complex technical challenges? We’re looking for a Senior Backend Engineer to join our dynamic, global team.

This role is best suited to an experienced engineer. You’ll be expected to work independently on complex problems and, at times, liaise directly with clients.

At the company, we’re pioneering Objective AI (ODAI), combining fundamental physics with AI to understand and characterise the physical world. Our platform delivers high‑value decision recommendations, acting as role‑specific co‑pilots that augment human intelligence or enable autonomous systems. In short, we’re building the brains behind smarter, more efficient operations.

What you’ll be working on

As a Senior Software Engineer, you’ll design and implement robust data solutions that meet both internal and client needs. You’ll also play a key role in shaping how we build software, supporting junior engineers, setting standards, and helping teams deliver high‑quality work.

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing and implementing reusable data‑processing features across multiple sites and product teams
• Leading feature breakdown and planning at a service level
• Maintaining and improving technical documentation
• Setting and upholding code review standards, including testing and code coverage practices

Contributing to technology reviews and architectural discussions

• Supporting and overseeing implementation work across individual sites
• Identifying and addressing technical debt
• Investigating, breaking down, and resolving bugs
• Mentoring and supporting junior developers

What we’re looking for

• Solid experience in software engineering, with a strong focus on data systems
• Proficiency in Java and Node.js
• Strong SQL skills and experience with both relational and NoSQL databases
• Hands‑on experience with message queues (e.g. NATS, Pub/Sub)
• Experience building web services using REST and SOAP
• Working knowledge of Kubernetes and Docker
• Excellent communication skills and confidence working in distributed teams
• A degree in Computer Science (or a related field), or equivalent practical experience

Bonus points for

• Familiarity with Python

Why join us?

• Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge technology and meaningful data challenges
• A collaborative, global team of talented engineers and domain experts
• A continuous learning environment with real opportunities to grow and lead

Location

This role must be based in the UK with 40% of the time in the Cambridge office.

Apply today

We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. If this role excites you, even if you don’t meet every requirement, we’d love to hear from you.

You belong here. Let’s build something extraordinary together.