Lead Backend Engineer

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? Lead Backend Engineer — Climate Tech Nonprofit


? £90-£95k per year

? London Hybrid — 2 days in London / 3 remote

? Python · FastAPI · PostgreSQL · GCP · Docker · Terraform

? Climate impact · Energy-system modelling · Backed by major philanthropic funders


I’m working with a climate-tech nonprofit building software that helps countries plan cleaner, more reliable electricity systems.


This isn’t a standard CRUD backend role.


The team is building Scenario Builder — a platform used for energy-system modelling, grid planning, decarbonisation analysis and long-term infrastructure decisions.


The engineering problems are genuinely interesting: data-heavy backend systems, performance challenges, APIs, infrastructure, modelling workflows and computational problems that have real-world climate impact.


They’re now looking for a Lead Backend Engineer who can stay hands-on with Python while managing a small team of 3–5 engineers.


This is not a big-company Backend Lead IC role. It’s more of a hands-on backend squad lead position where you’ll set technical direction, improve backend systems, coach engineers and help scale the platform behind Scenario Builder.


Could be a strong fit if you:

• 7+ years of experience in back-end software development

• Have strong Python backend experience

• Have worked with FastAPI, Django or Flask

• Are comfortable with PostgreSQL, APIs, cloud infrastructure and CI/CD

• Have some technical leadership or line-management experience

• Enjoy mentoring engineers while still staying close to the code

• Care about climate, energy systems or software with real-world impact

• Can balance strong engineering standards with pragmatic delivery


This is a good opportunity for someone who wants more ownership, a stronger leadership path and engineering work that matters beyond commercial optimisation.


Apply to learn more.