Lead Software Engineer

Job description

Lead Software Engineer

Contract to Permanent

Hybrid (London)

Rates negotiable

Most streaming platforms struggle to scale backend systems properly you’ve seen it.

This role is about building the infrastructure that actually holds up under real-world production demand.

Why This Role

• Leading major media/streaming end client
• Real ownership of backend systems at scale
• Solving complex distributed systems problems in a high-traffic environment

The Company / Product

You’ll be working on a large-scale streaming platform powering millions of users, building and scaling backend systems that support critical services across the ecosystem.

What You’ll Be Working On

• Designing and delivering scalable APIs and microservices
• Building backend systems using Python + AWS (Lambda, API Gateway, S3, DynamoDB)
• Handling event-driven architectures (Kafka, SNS/SQS, etc.)
• Driving system design decisions across distributed systems
• Improving observability, reliability, and performance in production
• Debugging complex issues and leading resolution across teams
• Staying hands-on while setting technical direction and standards

Tech Stack

• Python
• AWS (Lambda, API Gateway, S3, DynamoDB, IAM)
• Event-driven systems (Kafka, SNS/SQS)
• CI/CD (Concourse, Git workflows)
• Databases (Postgres, DynamoDB, Couchbase)
• Observability (Prometheus, Grafana, CloudWatch)

What You’ll Bring

• Strong backend engineering experience (Python preferred)
• Proven experience building distributed systems at scale
• Deep understanding of microservices + event-driven architecture
• Experience debugging complex production environments
• Ability to lead technically while staying hands-on

Ideal Profiles

• Senior Backend Engineers stepping into technical leadership
• Existing Tech Leads / Engineering Leads in high-scale environments
• Engineers from streaming, media, or high-traffic platforms

(Not a pure management role — this is hands-on, delivery-focused leadership)

No CV needed to start - just reach out and we’ll take it from there.

If you want to move quickly, I can get you in front of the team this week.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

London Area

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

22-04-2026

Profession type

ICT

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English