Senior Backend Engineer

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 combine 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 highly skilled Senior Backend Engineer to join our growing technology department. In this role, you will play a critical 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 be at the heart of our technical vision. 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 Senior 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 an experienced backend engineer with strong Python skills and expertise in modern software development tools. This is more than a technical specialist role - it’s an opportunity to shape Alma’s tech culture and product portfolio. We’re looking for someone who can effectively communicate technical concepts, review and scope tasks, and foster a culture of technical excellence. Someone with a passion for 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, build tools that simplify complexity and empower end-users. Join us if you’re ready to lead, innovate, and make a difference in a team that thrives on tackling big challenges.

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

·        Substantial experience in a similar role as a backend engineer.

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

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

·        Expertise with relational databases, especially Postgres, and ORM tools.

·        Proficiency with Docker and modern DevOps workflows using Git/GitHub.

·        Experience with cloud platforms, particularly Google Cloud.

·        Proven ability to scope, oversee, and review the work of other engineers effectively.

·        Experience communicating technical tasks and mentoring team members.

·        Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

·        Fluent in English.

Desirable Skills

·        Familiarity with frontend frameworks like React and TypeScript.

·        Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and container orchestration tools like Kubernetes.

·        Experience with testing frameworks (unit, integration, and end-to-end testing).

·        Exposure to non-relational databases and 3rd-party authentication platforms.

·        Interest or experience in LLM training and productisation.

·        Working knowledge of modern tools like TypeScript, Vertex AI, and other cloud technologies.

Key Responsibilities

·        Spearhead the design, development, and deployment of backend systems using Python, Django, and DRF.

·        Design and implement robust, scalable, and secure REST APIs.

·        Manage databases (primarily Postgres) and optimise ORM tools for performance.

·        Enhance cloud infrastructure, particularly leveraging Google Cloud and Cloud Run.

·        Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful, user-centered solutions.

·        Scope, oversee, and review engineering projects, ensuring adherence to high-quality standards.

·        Mentor junior engineers and promote a culture of technical excellence.

·        Contribute to the development of our DevOps and testing capabilities

Working arrangements

Alma Economics is a friendly and informal place, and our offices are designed for both work and play. We enjoy working from the office as we foster a strong culture within modern and fun spaces, allowing for casual catch ups, mentoring, brainstorming and teambuilding.

We do not have a one-size-fits-all WfH policy. Most staff members work from home for one or two days during a typical week, while it is also possible to arrange to WfH for more extended periods (e.g., 2-4 weeks) to visit family or travel.

While most staff work 5-day weeks, for most full-time positions we also offer the option of a 4-day working week, either from day one or as an arrangement employees can transition into later in their Alma career.

Our offices are disabled-accessible, and we are committed to providing all necessary support to colleagues that require it, but we are also happy to consider remote working arrangements for applicants with disabilities or health conditions that prevent them from working on-site.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and ensure that no one receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, gender, sexual orientation, disability or physical condition, 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