Senior Backend Software Engineer

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.

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.

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.

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.

• Lead the design, development, and optimisation of backend services written in Python and Rust

• Architect and build scalable, distributed systems to meet the evolving needs of the platform

• Enhance system reliability through robust monitoring and alerting systems

• Drive and enforce best practices in code quality, testing, and continuous integration/delivery (CI/CD)

• Collaborate with product managers and engineering teams to define and deliver complex, high-impact projects

• Mentor and guide engineers across the team, fostering a culture of technical excellence and growth

• Drive technical decision-making and contribute to the evolution of our backend architecture

• Ensure the performance and stability of critical services by implementing improvements with a forward-looking mindset

• 6+ years of experience in software engineering, with a focus on backend systems

• Familiarity with Python or at least one compiled language (Java, C++, Rust, Go) and are keen on learning Rust

• Proven experience designing and building distributed systems in modern cloud environments (AWS, GCP, or similar)

• Deep knowledge of DevOps practices and tools, including GitLab and Kubernetes (K8S)

• Strong experience with message queuing systems (e.g., Apache Kafka) and relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL)

• Previous experience in Sports Betting or Finance industries is a plus

• Excellent communication skills, with a proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams

• Demonstrated leadership in driving complex technical projects to successful completion

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:

• Push to Win: We set ambitious goals and relentlessly pursue them, always striving for excellence.

• Make Others Better: We lift each other up, share knowledge, and celebrate team success over individual achievement.

• Give a Shit: We care deeply about our work, our users, and the impact we make.

• Be a Pro: We take ownership, act with integrity, and consistently deliver to a high standard.

• Bring the Energy: We bring positivity, curiosity, and enthusiasm to everything we do, inspiring those around us.

Culture Fit: These values define how we succeed as a team. If this isn’t you, this may not be the right place. We hire people who thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative, and ambitious environment.

Perks & Benefits
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.

Our benefits are designed around Health, Wealth, and Development, supporting you both professionally and personally.

These include:

• Stock Options: Vest over 4 years, your success is our success.

• Pension Scheme: Competitive plan via Aviva, with up to 6% matched contributions if you opt in.

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage to keep you and your family healthy.

• Enhanced Parental Leave: Enhanced maternity and paternity leave to support you through life’s most important moments.

• Stay Fuelled: 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.

• Cycle-to-Work Scheme: Support for sustainable commuting and staying active.

• Learning & Development: £1,000 annual education budget for courses, conferences, books, or training.

• Holiday: 25 days paid leave + bank holidays, with the option to carry over 5 days.

• Flexible Working: Hybrid model with 3 days in the office and 2 days from home to fit your lifestyle.

• Global Working: Work from anywhere in the world for up to 20 days a year.

• Team Energy: Regular socials, hackathons, and events — because collaboration and fun go hand-in-hand.

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.

• CV application review: We will review it as quickly as possible

• Let’s chat: Quick chat with our team about your experience and the role

• Technical Interview: Live Coding + System Design

• Experience and Mindset Chat: with an Engineering Manager

• In Office Interview: Lunch with other colleagues in the team + LT chat

   

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.