Senior Python Developer – AI & Back-End Engineering
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced Senior Python Developer to join a fast-paced development team.
The role requires a strong back-end Python engineer who has some exposure to AI development or AI-enabled applications. You do not need to be an AI/ML specialist; the priority is excellent core Python engineering skills combined with an interest in applying AI technologies to real-world solutions.
Previous experience within banking or financial services is highly desirable, particularly within regulated environments.
The role is London-based with three days per week onsite.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop and maintain robust, scalable back-end applications and services using Python.
- Contribute to the development of an AI-enabled Proof of Concept (PoC) within a regulated environment.
- Integrate AI capabilities, models and APIs into existing and new back-end applications.
- Work alongside technical, business and AI teams to identify and develop practical AI use cases.
- Prototype and evaluate new AI-enabled functionality before progressing solutions towards production.
- Design and develop APIs, microservices and data integrations to support application functionality.
- Integrate third-party APIs, internal services and relevant data sources.
- Ensure applications are performant, scalable, maintainable and secure.
- Apply appropriate development controls and security practices when working within a regulated environment.
- Troubleshoot, debug and enhance existing applications and services.
- Participate in code reviews, testing and continuous improvement of development standards.
- Produce and maintain clear technical documentation.
- Work proactively within a fast-paced environment, taking ownership of development tasks and technical challenges.
Required Experience & Skills
- 5+ years' commercial Python development experience, ideally within back-end software engineering.
- Strong core Python programming and software engineering skills.
- Experience designing and developing back-end applications, services and APIs.
- Previous exposure to AI development, AI-enabled applications or AI-related PoCs.
- Understanding of how AI/ML capabilities can be integrated into software applications.
- Experience working with RESTful APIs and microservices architectures.
- Strong SQL skills and experience working with relational databases such as PostgreSQL or MySQL.
- Experience with Git or similar version control systems.
- Strong understanding of software development best practices, testing and maintainable code.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Proactive mindset with the ability to operate effectively within a fast-paced development environment.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Preferred Experience
- Previous experience within banking or financial services.
- Experience delivering software within regulated or highly controlled environments.
- Practical experience integrating AI/ML models, LLMs or AI APIs into applications.
- Experience contributing to AI-focused prototypes or Proofs of Concept.
- Exposure to cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure or Google Cloud.
- Experience with distributed systems and cloud-native architectures.
- Familiarity with additional programming languages such as Java or C++.
- Understanding of financial markets, trading or regulatory technology would be advantageous but is not essential.
Ideal Profile
You will be a strong Python engineer first, rather than a niche AI specialist. You should be comfortable picking up new technologies quickly, experimenting with AI capabilities and applying them within robust back-end applications.
Experience within banking would be a significant advantage, but we are particularly interested in developers who can combine strong Python engineering, some practical AI exposure and a proactive approach to problem-solving.