Lead Backend Engineer (Payments Team)

About InvestEngine

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.

About the Role

We're looking for a Lead Backend Engineer to join and lead our Payments Team.

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.

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.

What You'll Do

• Design, develop, and maintain backend services in Python 3.11 using Django / DRF
• Lead technical initiatives across payments infrastructure and integrations
• Drive improvements in system reliability, observability, and operational excellence
• Work closely with Product, Operations, Compliance, and external partners
• Investigate production issues and identify root causes rather than temporary fixes
• Improve legacy systems and reduce technical debt
• Lead architectural discussions and technical decision-making
• Mentor engineers through code reviews, pairing, and technical guidance
• Take ownership of delivery, planning, and execution of complex projects
• Help grow and develop the engineering team

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years of backend development experience
• Strong Python and Django experience
• Experience leading projects or engineering teams
• Strong understanding of distributed systems, integrations, and system reliability
• Experience working with complex legacy systems and technical debt
• Ability to drive clarity in ambiguous situations
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Strong ownership mindset and proactive approach to problem-solving
• English (B2 level or higher) and fluent Russian

Nice to Have

• Experience in fintech, payments, banking, or other highly regulated industries
• Experience with AWS, Docker, MySQL, Redis, RabbitMQ, or Kafka
• Experience leading modernization or system migration initiatives

How We Work

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.

What We Offer

• Direct impact — work on business-critical systems and influence core architecture
• Strategic leadership opportunities — grow into a central technical role as we scale
• Modern tech stack — Python 3.11, Django, MySQL, Redis, AWS, GitHub, TeamCity
• Remote-first and flexible — work from anywhere, on your own schedule
• Unlimited vacation — take the time you need, when you need it
• A supportive, experienced team that values quality, learning, and delivering results

Hiring Process

• Intro call with our Talent team
• Technical interview with the Backend team
• Gamified cognitive assessment to understand how you think and problem-solve
• Final conversation with our CTO

Fast and clear process — typically 1–2 weeks from first call to offer.