Python Developer
Posted 1 day ago by eTeam
Negotiable
Inside
Hybrid
London Area, United Kingdom
Summary: The Lead Software Engineer role involves designing, developing, and improving software solutions in a secure, government-focused environment. The position requires strong technical leadership and collaboration within multidisciplinary teams, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering scalable, user-centered services while maintaining live service performance. This role demands a minimum of 5 years of experience, particularly in Python and Django.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the design and delivery of scalable software solutions
- Translate user needs into technical outcomes
- Build secure, test-driven, high-quality code
- Support and maintain live services (performance & stability)
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (BA, UCD, Developers)
- Oversee development across multiple workstreams
- Drive continuous improvement of systems and processes
- Ensure integration across complex systems
Key Skills:
- Strong Python and Django experience
- Proven system design capability (end-to-end)
- Strong collaboration and communication skills
- Experience working in agile, multidisciplinary teams
- Ability to contribute to secure, structured environments
- Minimum 5+ years’ experience (ideally 8–10 years)
Salary (Rate): undetermined
City: London
Country: United Kingdom
Working Arrangements: hybrid
IR35 Status: inside IR35
Seniority Level: Senior
Industry: IT
Role: Lead Software Engineer
Contract Length: 12 months
Location: 40% office based p/w – London, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, North East.
IR35: Inside
Role Overview
Senior / Lead Software Engineer (Python, Django)
This role is responsible for the design, development, delivery, and ongoing improvement of soft-ware solutions within a secure, government-focused environment. The successful candidate will contribute to building resilient, scalable, and user-centred services, ensuring compliance with regu-latory standards relating to controlled goods and exports. The position requires strong technical leadership, collaboration within multidisciplinary teams, and ownership of both development and live service performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design and delivery of scalable software solutions
- Translate user needs into technical outcomes
- Build secure, test-driven, high-quality code
- Support and maintain live services (performance & stability)
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (BA, UCD, Developers)
- Oversee development across multiple workstreams
- Drive continuous improvement of systems and processes
- Ensure integration across complex systems
Technical Environment
• Primary Stack: Python, Django
• Backend-focused with full-stack awareness
• Multiple user journeys (~27 frontend journeys)
• Government Digital Service (GDS) aligned delivery
Team Structure
• Total team: ~27 people
• 4 Agile squads (~7 per squad)
• Typical squad includes:
o 3 × Senior Developers
o Business Analyst
o UCD Specialists (Content, Interaction, Design)
Ways of Working
• Agile delivery model
• Daily stand-ups (~10am)
• Ticket-based workflow
• Collaborative problem-solving
• Focus on:
o Clean code
o Engineering standards
o Testing & documentation
Key Requirements
Essential
• Strong Python and Django experience
• Proven system design capability (end-to-end)
• Strong collaboration and communication skills
• Experience working in agile, multidisciplinary teams
• Ability to contribute to secure, structured environments
• Minimum 5+ years’ experience (ideally 8–10 years)
Top 3 Evaluation Criteria
1. Python & Django technical expertise
2. System design and architecture capability
3. Strong communication and teamwork skills
Desirable
• Experience with GDS standards
• Public sector or defence-related experience
• Exposure to secure or regulated environments
Domain Context
• Defence / government environment (e.g. MOD, HMRC)
• Focus on export control systems (weapons, aircraft, sensitive goods)
• Security-focused work contributing to national interest
Candidate Profile
• T-shaped skillset (deep technical + broad system awareness)
• Strong delivery focus and efficiency
• Comfortable taking ownership and leading within squads
• Experience working in structured, governance-heavy environments