Senior Backend Engineer - Cruise

Kpler; Annan; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kpler is seeking a Senior Backend Engineer for the Maritime domain to lead backend architecture and real-time streaming services. You will design scalable systems using Python, PHP, Kafka, PostgreSQL, and ClickHouse, delivering actionable insights for global shipping and commodities markets.

You will operate with high autonomy in a “you build it, you run it” culture. You will own production health, mentor peers, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to modernize core services and raise

Qualifications

• Senior-level backend experience with 5+ years in production systems.
• Proficiency in Python and PHP and PostgreSQL experience.
• Hands-on with Apache Kafka and ClickHouse.
• Experience designing RESTful APIs and distributed microservices.
• Strong CI/CD, Docker/Kubernetes, and observability practices.

Responsibilities

• Architect and scale backend services using Python and PHP.
• Build real-time streaming and analytical pipelines with Kafka and ClickHouse.
• Optimize PostgreSQL and ClickHouse for low latency queries.
• Own production health, monitoring, and reliability.
• Collaborate with Product, Tech Leads, Cloud Platform, and clients.
• Mentor engineers on design reviews and best practices in Maritime domain.

Skills

Python

PHP

PostgreSQL

Kafka

ClickHouse

RESTful APIs

Docker

Kubernetes

System design

CI/CD

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Terraform

ClickHouse

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 Senior Backend Engineer within our Maritime domain, you will lead the backend architecture and streaming services that process high-volume vessel tracking, port intelligence, and maritime trade flows. Working with core technologies including Python, PHP, Kafka, PostgreSQL, and ClickHouse, you will design scalable, highly available systems that transform raw maritime telemetry into real-time actionable insights for global shipping and commodity markets. Operating with high autonomy under a "you build it, you run it" engineering culture, you will play a crucial role in modernizing core services, elevating technical standards, and collaborating with cross-functional partners and client-facing technical teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect and scale backend services: Design, build, and maintain high-throughput backend applications and microservices using Python and PHP.
• Build real-time streaming & analytical pipelines: Leverage Kafka and ClickHouse to stream, process, and analyze massive volumes of real-time maritime tracking data.
• Optimize data persistence and storage: Manage relational and analytical databases, optimizing PostgreSQL queries and ClickHouse schema designs for low-latency queries at scale.
• Own production health and reliability: Implement robust monitoring, alerting, and observability frameworks while maintaining operational ownership across staging and production environments.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration: Partner closely with Product Managers, Tech Leads, Cloud Platform teams, and client-facing technical teams to deliver features aligned with customer needs.
• Elevate engineering standards and mentorship: Guide peer engineers through technical design reviews, code quality benchmarks, and architectural best practices within the Maritime domain.

Experience & Background

What you'll need (Must-haves)

• Senior-level backend experience: ~5+ years of professional software engineering experience developing, scaling, and maintaining complex production backend systems.
• Core tech stack mastery: Strong proficiency in Python and PHP alongside deep experience with relational databases like PostgreSQL.
• Event streaming & analytical data tech: Hands-on production experience with Apache Kafka and high-performance analytical data stores like ClickHouse.
• System design & API development: Proven track record designing RESTful APIs, distributed microservices, and high-concurrency architecture.
• Operational mindset: Strong background in CI/CD pipelines, containerized deployments (Docker/Kubernetes), and production observability/monitoring tools.

Nice-to-haves

• Maritime & geospatial domain knowledge: Familiarity with vessel AIS data, geospatial systems, logistics, or global trade datasets.
• Legacy modernization: Track record of refactoring monolithic architectures into event-driven, decoupled microservices.
• Cloud infrastructure: Experience with AWS cloud services and infrastructure-as-code (Terraform).

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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