Hybrid Senior Backend Developer, Django/Python

at Updraft

• Job title: Senior Backend Developer, Django/Python
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Senior
• Salary: Not specified
• Degree requirement: No Education Requirement
• Tech skills: Distributed Systems, Microservices
• Location requirements: Hybrid, London, United Kingdom

About the role

• Senior Backend Developer focusing on efficient, scalable server-side components for fintech startup Updraft. Join a hybrid team to empower users in managing finances effectively.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop efficient, scalable server-side components that integrate seamlessly with client applications.
• Contribute to architectural improvements and maintain high standards of code performance and maintainability.
• Build and extend backend features using internal and third-party APIs (e.g., Modulr, Truelayer, Checkout.com) to support lending products including loan applications, collections, and payments.
• Develop internal tools to automate operational workflows, significantly reducing manual effort and increasing team efficiency.
• Collaborate with the data team to deliver data-driven enhancements such as dynamic pricing and personalised user experiences.
• Work alongside front-end and product teams to build innovative solutions that empower users to manage their finances more effectively.

Requirements

• **Experience designing and scaling backend services** from scratch, with solid understanding of microservices architecture and distributed systems.
• **Commercial experience in high-scale startups. **Years of experience is a poor yard stick but likely 5-7+ years working on backend systems.
• **Comfortable with integrating third-party APIs** (e.g., Modulr, Truelayer, Checkout.com) to build lending, collections, and payment systems.
• **Experience in fintech** preferred but not essential
• **Proven ability to build internal tools** that automate operations and save engineering hours.
• **Collaborative mindset**, working closely with data, product, and front-end teams to deliver impactful features.
• **Strong awareness of security practices** including best practices around performance, maintainability, and data integrity.
• We are a small team so it is important that the successful candidate is not only technically highly competent, but also a great cultural fit with shared ambition with the rest of the team.

Benefits

• As an early stage employee in a fast moving startup you have the opportunity to shape the structure of the organisation, team and technical architecture.
• Share options in a potentially high value business with an amazing platform in place
• Mentorship & support from an experienced executive team
• A great employee benefits package including Medical insurance
• We welcome applications from all and are fully committed to diversity and equality as an equal opportunities employer.