Backend Software Engineer

Backend Software Engineer

Location:Romsey (Hybrid)
Salary: £55,000 - £85,000 + Bonus + Excellent Benefits
Clearance: Active eDV clearance preferred

Most backend engineers don't leave because they want another role.

They move because they're no longer solving interesting problems. Because they've become a small part of a large programme where technical decisions are made elsewhere, or because opportunities to learn and influence have slowed.

This role offers something different.

You'll join an engineering team developing the backend services that underpin secure, mission‑critical systems used across the UK National Security community. You'll work alongside experienced software engineers who value clean design, pragmatic engineering and solving complex technical challenges over simply delivering tickets.

Rather than spending years supporting the same product, you'll have the opportunity to work across a range of secure programmes, exposing you to different domains, technologies and customers. It's an environment where engineers are trusted to contribute ideas, influence technical direction and continue developing their expertise.

If you're looking for more ownership, broader technical exposure and the opportunity to build software that genuinely matters, this could be the next step in your career.

This is a genuine backend engineering role.

You’ll develop Python‑based services that process, move and manage data across secure environments. From designing new backend applications to improving automation, deployment and platform capabilities, your work will sit at the heart of systems that need to be resilient, scalable and dependable.

Working predominantly within Linux environments, you’ll build containerised applications, contribute to distributed architectures and help improve the engineering practices that support high‑quality software delivery.

Working as part of a collaborative Agile software engineering team, you’ll contribute across the full backend development lifecycle, from design through to deployment and continuous improvement.

• Designing and developing backend applications using Python
  , delivering clean, maintainable and well‑tested code.
• Building software within Linux environments, using Bash scripting to automate routine tasks and improve operational efficiency.
• Developing and maintaining containerised applications using Docker
  , supporting consistent deployment across secure environments.
• Managing code through Git
  , participating in peer reviews and collaborative software development.
• Contributing to distributed systems using messaging technologies such as Apache Kafka or Apache Pulsar
  .
• Supporting automated software delivery through modern CI/CD pipelines
  , helping improve deployment speed, reliability and quality.
• Working with tools such as Git Lab and the Atlassian suite to manage software delivery, collaboration and version control.
• Collaborating with software engineers, infrastructure specialists and technical stakeholders to design scalable backend solutions that meet complex operational requirements.
• Contributing to Agile ceremonies, technical discussions and continuous improvement initiatives across the engineering team.

You’re a backend engineer who enjoys building reliable software that works behind the scenes. Whether it’s designing services, improving automation or solving complex data challenges, you care about writing software that’s maintainable, scalable and built to last.

You’ll have commercial experience developing in Python and be comfortable working within Linux environments. You’ll understand modern development practices using Git
, and ideally have experience with containerisation through Docker
.

Experience with technologies such as Kafka
, Apache Pulsar
, Git Lab
, CI/CD tooling or Agile delivery environments would be beneficial, but we’re equally interested in engineers who are curious, collaborative and keen to broaden their technical capability.

• ActiveeDV clearance is highly desirable.

There are plenty of Python roles building internal business applications.

This isn’t one of them.

Here, you’ll develop backend software that supports complex National Security capabilities, working with modern engineering practices, experienced technical teams and technology that makes a genuine operational impact. If you’re looking for a role where you can deepen your backend expertise, influence technical decisions and continue growing as an engineer, we’d love to have a confidential conversation.