Software Engineer

Top Villas; Bramling; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Top Villas is seeking a backend-centric software engineer to transform their legacy villa rentals platform. Ideal candidates will have strong C# backend skills, experience with SQL databases, and a passion for clean engineering practices. This entry-level role offers a hybrid working model, emphasizing autonomy and a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Strong backend skills, ideally with C#.
• Solid experience with relational databases, especially PostgreSQL.
• Ability to work independently and troubleshoot.

Responsibilities

• Migrating legacy PHP/MySQL systems to a modern stack.
• Designing APIs and managing services.
• Owning DevOps responsibilities and collaborating on project management.

Skills

Backend development skills

SQL

Problem solving

Critical thinking

Education

Degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

GitHub

Linux

Docker

Node.js

TypeScript

Job description

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Top Villas provided pay range

This range is provided by Top Villas. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

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We’re looking for a backend-centric software engineer with real-world experience and a deep technical foundation to help us untangle and rebuild a legacy villa rentals platform. This is a demanding role — much harder than most software jobs — and we’re only interested in engineers who enjoy figuring things out and working independently at a high level.

You’ll join a small, focused team that values self-sufficiency, critical thinking, and clean engineering. We use modern tools — but we expect you to understand what’s going on under the hood, not just prompt Copilot and hope for the best.

We’re a small team (5 engineers) running lean and focused. We manage projects through a kanban board, plan weekly, and trust each other to get things done. The pace is fast, and the expectations are high — but so is the level of autonomy.

You’ll typically work a hybrid: 2 days in the office, 3 from home. We’re not too strict on hours, as long as you’re delivering good work consistently.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Migrating a legacy PHP/MySQL monolith into a modern stack: C#, PostgreSQL, Node.js, React
• Designing and implementing APIs, services, and data flows
• Working across the stack, but with a strong backend focus
• Owning your own DevOps: we self-host and manage our infra to keep costs low
• Critically evaluating AI-generated code and writing clean, maintainable alternatives
• Collaborating via GitHub, kanban-style task management, and weekly planning sessions

What We’re Looking For

Must-Haves

• Strong backend development skills, ideally in C# — or deep experience in another language and a willingness to learn quickly
• Solid experience with SQL and relational databases (we use PostgreSQL)
• Proven ability to design and deliver production systems
• Comfortable with self-guided work, debugging, and researching independently
• Typically has a CS or related degree — but that’s not a requirement if you can show your skills

Big Pluses

• A strong GitHub profile, side projects, or public code — this matters more than your degree
• Regular use of Linux or WSL2 (we avoid macOS in our stack)
• Familiarity with Docker, Node.js, and TypeScript
• Experience working on legacy systems or monolith breakups
• Familiarity with PHP and legacy codebases

Nice-to-Haves

• Some frontend experience (especially React)
• Experience working in small, fast-moving teams

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Information Technology

• Industries

  Travel Arrangements

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