Backend Engineer - PostgreSQL, AWS, Python.

Role Overview

The Senior Backend Engineer designs, delivers, and supports this transport - tech customers cloud platforms, with a strong focus on high-performance PostgreSQL databases and resilient AWS-native backend systems. The role spans full lifecycle delivery, from requirements and design to implementation, testing, and ongoing support.

This may seem like a lot, within a big organisation it would often be two separate roles. But that’s part of the opportunity – instead of being stuck doing a narrow set of tasks you’re able to drive all aspects of a solution – so more rewarding and interesting.

Key Responsibilities

Core

• PostgreSQL Architecture & Performance – Design, optimise, and maintain high-performance, reliable, and supportable PostgreSQL databases.
• Advanced SQL – Develop and refine complex, performant SQL and database objects.
• Backend Engineering – Build and enhance backend services (primarily Python), ensuring strong coding, testing, and documentation practices.
• AWS Delivery – Create and evolve solutions using RDS Aurora, Lambda, API Gateway, SNS/SQS, DynamoDB, and other serverless components.
• Reliability & Observability – Build robust, resilient systems aligned with best-practice operations.
• Infrastructure as Code – Implement automated deployments using Git, Bitbucket, and CloudFormation.
• End-to-End Delivery – Own technical delivery from discovery to production rollout and support.

Additional

• Collaborate directly with customers to translate requirements into technical solutions.
• Take ownership of components, identifying risks and opportunities for improvement.
• Work effectively across teams (frontend, operations, security).
• Maintain high engineering standards and documentation.
• Support incident investigation, root cause analysis, and preventative fixes.

Key Experience

• 5+ years’ hands-on development delivering production systems.
• Deep PostgreSQL design, optimisation, and performance tuning expertise.
• Strong AWS experience, including RDS Aurora and serverless architectures.
• Proficiency in at least one backend language (preferably Python).
• Experience with Git, automated deployments, and IaC (CloudFormation).
• Collaboration across distributed/offshore teams.
• Working knowledge of frontend technologies (React is a plus).
• Proven track record across full delivery lifecycles.

Key Behaviours

• Proactive & independent, taking ownership of solutions.
• Analytical, balancing performance, reliability, and maintainability.
• Customer-focused, translating needs into effective designs.
• Clear communicator, to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Collaborative, contributing positively to team outcomes.
• Results-driven, delivering high-quality, production-ready systems.