Senior Backend Engineer (Python/Rust) – Scale & Leadership

Smarkets; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock Options

Pension Scheme

Health Insurance

Enhanced Parental Leave

Stay Fuelled

Cycle-to-Work Scheme

Learning & Development

Holiday: 25 days + 5 carryover

Flexible Working

Global Working

Team Events

Job summary

Smarkets is seeking an experienced backend engineer to design, build, and optimise high-performance services in Python and Rust. You will architect scalable systems, drive CI/CD practices, and improve reliability across a distributed platform.

With 6+ years in software engineering, you will lead cross-functional initiatives, mentor peers, and shape the evolution of our backend. Hybrid work with a balance of office and home days supports a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of software engineering experience with a backend focus.
• Proficient in Python or a compiled language and eager to learn Rust.
• Designed and built distributed systems in modern cloud environments (AWS/GCP).
• Deep DevOps knowledge with GitLab and Kubernetes (K8S).
• Experience with Kafka and relational databases (PostgreSQL/MySQL).
• Sports betting or finance familiarity is a plus.
• Excellent communication and ability to lead cross-functional projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and optimisation of backend services in Python and Rust.
• Architect scalable, distributed systems to meet platform needs.
• Improve reliability with monitoring and alerting systems.
• Enforce best practices in code quality, testing, and CI/CD.
• Collaborate with product and engineering teams on high-impact projects.
• Mentor engineers and foster technical growth within the team.
• Drive technical decisions and evolve the backend architecture.
• Ensure performance and stability of critical services.

Skills

Backend engineering

Distributed systems

Python

C++/Rust/Java

DevOps

Kafka

PostgreSQL/MySQL

Kubernetes

Cloud/AWS

Leadership

Tools

GitLab

Kubernetes (K8S)

Apache Kafka

PostgreSQL

MySQL

AWS / GCP

CI/CD

Job description

Smarkets is seeking an experienced backend engineer to design, build, and optimise high-performance services in Python and Rust. You will architect scalable systems, drive CI/CD practices, and improve reliability across a distributed platform.

With 6+ years in software engineering, you will lead cross-functional initiatives, mentor peers, and shape the evolution of our backend. Hybrid work with a balance of office and home days supports a fast-paced, collaborative environment.