Backend Engineer
Hays · London, England ·
Reference: 4805987Job ID: 5400116Posted: 2026-06-18Closing date: 2026-09-16Location: United KingdomSalary: 77k – 92k (per annum)Job type: PermanentWorking pattern: Full timeIndustry: Scientific and R&D / Software DevelopmentCompany: HaysConsultant: Edward MarshallHays office: Cambridge — 1st Floor, Terrington House, 13 - 15 Hills RoadPhone: 01223791201Email: edward.marshall@hays.comStaff Software Engineer – AI-Enabled Backend PlatformsLocation: UK (Remote)Salary: 77,000 – 92,000The OpportunityWe're partnering with an innovative organisation building scalable, data-driven platforms at the forefront of modern engineering.
They're looking for a hands-on Staff Software Engineer—someone who combines strong system design and architecture expertise with active involvement in production development. This role focusses on building high-performance distributed systems, with a growing emphasis on AI-enabled engineering workflows.
What You'll Be DoingDesigning and developing scalable backend systems using Java/KotlinBuilding and optimising event-driven architectures (Kafka or similar)Working hands-on to improve performance, reliability, and scalabilityContributing to system design and technical direction at Staff levelUsing AI tools (e.g.
LLMs, Copilot) to enhance coding and deliveryCollaborating across teams to deliver robust, production-grade platformsWhat We're Looking ForCore ExperienceOperating at Staff Engineer level (or equivalent)Strong system design and distributed systems experienceHands-on expertise in: Java / KotlinMicroservicesEvent-driven systems (Kafka, messaging platforms)Experience building high-scale, data-heavy systemsA proactive, ownership-driven mindsetKey Requirement: AI in EngineeringActive use of AI tools in day-to-day developmentExperience using AI to:accelerate deliveryimprove productivityenhance engineering workflowsThis is a core requirement, not a "nice to have"Nice to HaveExperience with data platforms or analytics systemsExposure to large-scale or columnar databasesCloud-native experience (AWS, Kubernetes, Docker)Why This Role?
True hands-on Staff position (not management-heavy)Work on high-impact, scalable systemsJoin a team embracing AI-enhanced engineeringStrong ownership and influence over architecture and delivery If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career. #4805987 - Edward Marshall