Backend Engineer

The deadline for applications is the 23rd of February

What we do

Alma Economics combines unparalleled analytical expertise with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.

We are a team of economists, social researchers, data scientists, developers and creatives working together on critical issues facing our society today. Our work spans multiple policy areas, including education, health and social care, housing and homelessness, the environment, public finance, and international development, among others.

Our diverse staff combines decades of experience in economic and social research at the highest levels with the ability to develop state-of-the-art tech tools and powerful communications.

We work with some of the most forward-thinking organisations in the voluntary, public, and private sectors. Our clients include most UK government departments, the Welsh Government, the Scottish Government, councils across the country, arms-length bodies, and several leading charities.

Internationally, we work with major supranational organisations including the World Bank, UNICEF, the WHO, the OECD, and the European Commission, as well as a number of national governments in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

The role

At Alma, we believe in building technology that solves real-world problems. We are looking for a skilled Backend Engineer to join our growing technology department. In this role, you will play an important part in designing, building, and maintaining the backbone of our cutting-edge products. From scalable cloud-based architectures to secure and efficient data pipelines, you’ll contribute to our technical vision while gaining valuable experience. You will work on developing robust, scalable, and secure backend systems, with a primary focus on REST APIs, database management, and cloud-based architectures.

As a Backend Engineer, you will be a core member of our Alma X team - a team composed of software developers and data scientists collaborating with our policy experts to create innovative solutions to some of society’s most pressing challenges.

The ideal candidate for this role is a backend engineer with strong Python skills and familiarity with modern software development tools. This is a hands-on technical role with an opportunity to contribute to Alma’s tech culture and product portfolio. We’re looking for someone who can effectively collaborate with team members, implement technical tasks, and write clean, maintainable code. Someone with a passion for learning, clean code and software craftsmanship, and a keen interest in building impactful products.

Our backend systems are primarily built with Django, DRF, Postgres, and Docker, and we rely on Google Cloud for deployment and management. With an entrepreneurial spirit and a user-first approach, you’ll help us enhance our products and build tools that simplify complexity and empower end-users. Join us if you’re ready to contribute, innovate, and make a difference in a team that thrives on tackling big challenges.

Find out more about what we’re building:

Who we want to work with

·        Accountable: You take full ownership of your work and decisions.

·        Vocal: You challenge ideas constructively and commit to a direction once a decision is made.

·        Innovative: You are always looking to improve and expand our AI/ML capabilities.

·        Curious: You have a passion for learning and advancing your technical skills.

·        Respectful: You have a collaborative attitude and excel at working in a team environment.

·        Purpose-driven: You want your work to have a meaningful impact.

Requirements

·        Relevant experience in a backend engineering role within professional environment.

·        Proficiency in Python, Django, and Django REST Framework (DRF).

·        Hands-on experience with REST API design and implementation.

·        Experience with relational databases like Postgres and ORM tools.

·        Familiarity with Docker and basic DevOps workflows using Git/GitHub.

·        Experience with at least one cloud platform (e.g., Google Cloud, AWS, or Azure).

·        Strong problem-solving skills and a willingness to collaborate with teammates.

·        Good communication skills, able to explain technical concepts clearly.

·        Fluent in English.

Desirable skills

·        Familiarity with frontend frameworks like React or TypeScript.

·        Exposure to CI/CD pipelines and container orchestration tools like Kubernetes.

·        Understanding of testing frameworks (unit, integration, or end-to-end testing).

·        Interest in or exposure to AI/ML concepts like LLM training or deployment.

·       Experience with modern tools like Vertex AI and other cloud technologies.

Key responsibilities

·        Design, develop, and maintain backend systems using Python, Django, and DRF.

·        Build and optimize robust REST APIs to support product features.

·        Work with relational databases (primarily Postgres) and ensure efficient data handling.

·        Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver user-focused solutions.

·        Support DevOps workflows and infrastructure on Google Cloud or similar platforms.

·        Write clean, well-documented code and contribute to code reviews.

·        Proactively engage in discussions to solve technical challenges as part of a team.

Working arrangements

Alma Economics is a friendly and informal workplace, and our offices are designed for both productivity and collaboration. We enjoy coming together in the office to foster a strong culture within modern, engaging spaces. These settings support casual catch-ups, mentoring, brainstorming, and team-building activities.

We do not follow a one-size-fits-all remote working policy. While most staff work from home one or two days a week, we can accommodate longer remote periods (e.g., 2–4 weeks) for those visiting family or traveling.

For full-time roles, we also offer the option of a 4-day working week, either from the start of your Alma career or as a transition later on.

Our offices are fully accessible, and we are committed to supporting colleagues with disabilities or health conditions. We also welcome applications from candidates seeking fully remote roles due to accessibility needs.

We celebrate diversity and ensure all candidates are treated fairly, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, race, or religion.

Check out more employment opportunities at Alma Economics and our tips for applicants here: www.almaeconomics.com/tips-for-applicants