Senior Backend Software Engineer

<h3><strong>Who are we?</strong></h3><h3><strong>Smarkets: Predicting the Future of Betting</strong></h3><p style="min-height:1.5em">Smarkets runs one of the world’s most sophisticated prediction markets, handling over £29 billion in volume since 2010 and engaging 200,000+ traders globally. We’re a technology company that happens to revolutionise betting - from sports to political markets, to delivering the sharpest prices and the fairest odds.</p><p style="min-height:1.5em">Our stack is designed for scale, reliability, and speed: Linux, Kafka, Postgres, Kubernetes, with Python 3, Rust, C++17, and React powering our platform. We build infrastructure that institutions trust while keeping trading accessible to everyone. Our edge? We’ve thrived through every market cycle, competitor, and industry revolution.</p><p style="min-height:1.5em">At the heart of our success are our people. We create a high-performance environment where exceptional talent can thrive, blending deep business experience with a commercial mindset to drive strategic growth.</p><p style="min-height:1.5em">If you’re ready to help shape the future of prediction markets with cutting-edge technology and a customer-first philosophy, Smarkets is where you belong.</p><p style="min-height:1.5em"></p><h3>Responsibilities</h3><ul style="min-height:1.5em"><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Lead the design, development, and optimisation of backend services written in Python and Rust</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Architect and build scalable, distributed systems to meet the evolving needs of the platform</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Enhance system reliability through robust monitoring and alerting systems</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Drive and enforce best practices in code quality, testing, and continuous integration/delivery (CI/CD)</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Collaborate with product managers and engineering teams to define and deliver complex, high-impact projects</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Mentor and guide engineers across the team, fostering a culture of technical excellence and growth</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Drive technical decision-making and contribute to the evolution of our backend architecture</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Ensure the performance and stability of critical services by implementing improvements with a forward-looking mindset</p></li></ul><h3>Role Requirements</h3><ul style="min-height:1.5em"><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">6+ years of experience in software engineering, with a focus on backend systems</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Familiarity with Python or at least one compiled language (Java, C++, Rust, Go) and are keen on learning Rust</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Proven experience designing and building distributed systems in modern cloud environments (AWS, GCP, or similar)</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Deep knowledge of DevOps practices and tools, including GitLab and Kubernetes (K8S)</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Strong experience with message queuing systems (e.g., Apache Kafka) and relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL)</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Previous experience in Sports Betting or Finance industries is a plus</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Excellent communication skills, with a proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Demonstrated leadership in driving complex technical projects to successful completion</p></li></ul><h3><strong>Our Values</strong></h3><p style="min-height:1.5em">Our values are at the heart of everything we do - guiding how we work, collaborate, and innovate. They reflect what we expect of ourselves and each other to deliver the best results, while fostering a positive, high-performing environment:</p><ul style="min-height:1.5em"><li><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>Push to Win: </strong>We set ambitious goals and relentlessly pursue them, always striving for excellence.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>Make Others Better</strong>: We lift each other up, share knowledge, and celebrate team success over individual achievement.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>Give a Shit: </strong>We care deeply about our work, our users, and the impact we make.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>Be a Pro</strong>: We take ownership, act with integrity, and consistently deliver to a high standard.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>Bring the Energy</strong>: We bring positivity, curiosity, and enthusiasm to everything we do, inspiring those around us.</p></li></ul><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>Culture Fit:</strong> These values define how we succeed as a team. If this <em>isn’t</em> you, this may not be the right place. We hire people who thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative, and ambitious environment.</p><div style="min-height:1.2em;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0"> </div><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>Perks &amp; Benefits</strong><br />We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, alongside a dynamic, collaborative environment where your work truly makes an impact and your voice is heard. Our team is diverse, driven, and ambitious - united by a strong work ethic and a hunger to innovate and win.</p><p style="min-height:1.5em">Our benefits are designed around Health, Wealth, and Development, supporting you both professionally and personally.</p><p style="min-height:1.5em">These include:</p><ul style="min-height:1.5em"><li><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>Stock Options</strong>: Vest over 4 years, your success is our success.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>Pension Scheme:</strong> Competitive plan via Aviva, with up to 6% matched contributions if you opt in.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>Health Insurance:</strong> Comprehensive coverage to keep you and your family healthy.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>Enhanced Parental Leave</strong>: Enhanced maternity and paternity leave to support you through life’s most important moments.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>Stay Fuelled: </strong>Enjoy fresh, chef-made breakfast and lunch every day, plus a constant supply of fruit, snacks, tea, coffee and soft drinks, because great work starts with great food.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>Cycle-to-Work Scheme</strong>: Support for sustainable commuting and staying active.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>Learning &amp; Development</strong>: £1,000 annual education budget for courses, conferences, books, or training.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>Holiday:</strong> 25 days paid leave + bank holidays, with the option to carry over 5 days.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>Flexible Working: </strong>Hybrid model with 3 days in the office and 2 days from home to fit your lifestyle.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>Global Working: </strong>Work from anywhere in the world for up to 20 days a year.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>Team Energy:</strong> Regular socials, hackathons, and events — because collaboration and fun go hand-in-hand.</p></li></ul><div style="min-height:1.2em;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0"> </div><h3>What happens next​</h3><p style="min-height:1.5em">We aim to have a simple and speedy hiring process, and we want to make sure that we are right for you as much as the other way around.</p><ul style="min-height:1.5em"><li><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>CV application review:</strong> We will review it as quickly as possible</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>Let’s chat</strong>: Quick chat with our team about your experience and the role</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>Technical Interview:</strong> Live Coding + System Design </p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>Experience and Mindset Chat</strong>: with an Engineering Manager</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>In Office Interview</strong>: Lunch with other colleagues in the team + LT chat</p><div style="min-height:1.2em;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0"> </div></li></ul><h3><strong>Diversity &amp; Inclusion</strong></h3><p style="min-height:1.5em">We’re an equal opportunities employer and celebrate diversity in all its forms. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know — we’re happy to accommodate your needs.</p><p>Find <a href="https://www.arbeitnow.co.uk">Jobs in United Kingdom</a> on Arbeitnow</a>