Lead Backend Engineer (Payments Team)

<h3><span><strong id="docs-internal-guid-fd8eaea4-7fff-888a-b88b-f70170523ec8">About InvestEngine</strong></span></h3><p><span>InvestEngine is a fast-growing fintech based in London, on a mission to make ETF investing simple and accessible. Over 150,000 clients have trusted us with more than £3 billion in assets — and we're just getting started.</span></p><h3><span><strong id="docs-internal-guid-fd8eaea4-7fff-888a-b88b-f70170523ec8">About the Role</strong></span></h3><p><span>We're looking for a Lead Backend Engineer to join and lead our Payments Team.</span></p><p><span>This is a hands-on leadership role combining backend engineering, technical ownership, and team leadership. The Payments Team owns one of the most business-critical domains at InvestEngine, responsible for payment flows, external provider integrations, transaction reliability, and operational efficiency.</span></p><p><span>The team is entering an exciting stage where we are looking for a strong technical leader who can help simplify complex systems, improve reliability, drive architectural improvements, and scale both the platform and the team.</span></p><h3><span><strong id="docs-internal-guid-fd8eaea4-7fff-888a-b88b-f70170523ec8">What You'll Do</strong></span></h3><ul><li><p><span>Design, develop, and maintain backend services in Python 3.11 using Django / DRF</span></p></li><li><p><span>Lead technical initiatives across payments infrastructure and integrations</span></p></li><li><p><span>Drive improvements in system reliability, observability, and operational excellence</span></p></li><li><p><span>Work closely with Product, Operations, Compliance, and external partners</span></p></li><li><p><span>Investigate production issues and identify root causes rather than temporary fixes</span></p></li><li><p><span>Improve legacy systems and reduce technical debt</span></p></li><li><p><span>Lead architectural discussions and technical decision-making</span></p></li><li><p><span>Mentor engineers through code reviews, pairing, and technical guidance</span></p></li><li><p><span>Take ownership of delivery, planning, and execution of complex projects</span></p></li><li><p><span>Help grow and develop the engineering team</span></p></li></ul><h3><span><strong id="docs-internal-guid-fd8eaea4-7fff-888a-b88b-f70170523ec8">What We're Looking For</strong></span></h3><ul><li><p><span>5+ years of backend development experience</span></p></li><li><p><span>Strong Python and Django experience</span></p></li><li><p><span>Experience leading projects or engineering teams</span></p></li><li><p><span>Strong understanding of distributed systems, integrations, and system reliability</span></p></li><li><p><span>Experience working with complex legacy systems and technical debt</span></p></li><li><p><span>Ability to drive clarity in ambiguous situations</span></p></li><li><p><span>Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills</span></p></li><li><p><span>Strong ownership mindset and proactive approach to problem-solving</span></p></li><li><p><span>English (B2 level or higher) and fluent Russian</span></p></li></ul><h3><span><strong id="docs-internal-guid-fd8eaea4-7fff-888a-b88b-f70170523ec8">Nice to Have</strong></span></h3><ul><li><p><span>Experience in fintech, payments, banking, or other highly regulated industries</span></p></li><li><p><span>Experience with AWS, Docker, MySQL, Redis, RabbitMQ, or Kafka</span></p></li><li><p><span>Experience leading modernization or system migration initiatives</span></p></li></ul><h3><span><strong id="docs-internal-guid-fd8eaea4-7fff-888a-b88b-f70170523ec8">How We Work</strong></span></h3><p><span>We’re a lean, collaborative team where developers help shape architecture, product direction, and engineering culture. You’ll have real impact, autonomy, and the trust to build solutions that scale with the business — without micromanagement or heavy bureaucracy.</span></p><h3><span><strong id="docs-internal-guid-fd8eaea4-7fff-888a-b88b-f70170523ec8">What We Offer</strong></span></h3><ul><li><p><span>Direct impact — work on business-critical systems and influence core architecture</span></p></li><li><p><span>Strategic leadership opportunities — grow into a central technical role as we scale</span></p></li><li><p><span>Modern tech stack — Python 3.11, Django, MySQL, Redis, AWS, GitHub, TeamCity</span></p></li><li><p><span>Remote-first and flexible — work from anywhere, on your own schedule</span></p></li><li><p><span>Unlimited vacation — take the time you need, when you need it</span></p></li><li><p><span>A supportive, experienced team that values quality, learning, and delivering results</span></p></li></ul><h3><span><strong id="docs-internal-guid-fd8eaea4-7fff-888a-b88b-f70170523ec8">Hiring Process</strong></span></h3><ol><li><p><span>Intro call with our Talent team</span></p></li><li><p><span>Technical interview with the Backend team</span></p></li><li><p><span>Final conversation with our CTO<strong id="docs-internal-guid-fd8eaea4-7fff-888a-b88b-f70170523ec8"><br></strong></span></p></li></ol><p><span><strong id="docs-internal-guid-fd8eaea4-7fff-888a-b88b-f70170523ec8">Fast and clear process — typically 1–2 weeks from first call to offer.</strong></span><strong id="docs-internal-guid-fd8eaea4-7fff-888a-b88b-f70170523ec8"><br></strong></p>