Backend Engineer

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United Kingdom.

📋 Description

• Develop, implement, and support backend solutions for new website projects, updates to existing sites, API integrations, and server-side development tasks.

• Primarily code in Python, Django, and Wagtail, while also contributing to PHP and WordPress projects as necessary.

• Manage deployments to staging and production environments, adhering to established release procedures and performing post-deployment validations.

• Craft clean, efficient code using secure development methodologies.

• Conduct both manual and automated testing, and engage in peer code evaluations.

• Investigate bugs, optimize database queries, and ensure the ongoing reliability, responsiveness, and security of websites and applications.

• Work collaboratively with Backend Engineers, Frontend Engineers, Designers, and Client Success Managers.

• Assist in defining project scopes, technical planning, solution evaluations, and documentation processes.

• Participate in client discussions when technical expertise is required.

• Assess tasks, report on progress, identify issues, and take responsibility for delivery and technical excellence.

• Address issues with live websites and applications as they arise.

• Take part in the out-of-hours on-call schedule for urgent matters.

⛳️ Requirements

• Strong, hands-on experience in building and maintaining Python web applications, preferably using Django and/or Wagtail.

• Experience in working with APIs and relational databases such as PostgreSQL and MySQL.

• Knowledge of automated testing, Git, and principles of maintainable software design.

• Understanding of secure development practices, performance optimization, and application reliability.

• A curious mindset, proactive initiative, and eagerness to learn, share knowledge, and assist colleagues.

• A methodical approach to troubleshooting.

• Effective, friendly communication skills and a passion for collaboration in a primarily remote team environment.

• Familiarity with PHP and WordPress is advantageous.

• Experience with Heroku, AWS, or Cloudflare is beneficial.

• Understanding of CRM systems, databases, and ticketing platforms used by arts and cultural organizations is a plus.

• Willingness to participate in an out-of-hours on-call rota, covering up to eight one-week rotations per year.

🏝️ Benefits

• Primarily remote position with flexible working hours and access to an office in Birmingham.

• 25 days of annual leave, increasing with every two years of service.

• Bank holidays and your birthday off.

• Enhanced leave provisions for parents and caregivers.

• Additional on-call compensation equivalent to 5% of the regular hourly rate for each hour of on-call duty.

• An extra day of annual leave for each completed week of on-call duty.

• Healthcare cashback program.

• Monthly wellness allowance of £50.

• Six days dedicated to professional development each year.

• £500 budget for professional development.

• Two company-sponsored team gatherings annually.

• Opportunities to engage in steering groups to influence equality, diversity, inclusion, internal culture, accessibility, AI, and sustainability initiatives.