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.