Overview

Staff Software Engineer - Engine by Starling. Engine is Starling's software-as-a-service (SaaS) business that powers Starling and now serves banks and financial institutions worldwide. Engine enables innovative digital features and efficient back-office processes. Engine is an engineering-led company with values: Listen, Keep It Simple, Do The Right Thing, Own It, and Aim For Greatness. We have a Hybrid working approach; ideally located within a commutable distance of our offices for in-person collaboration.

We are looking for Backend Software Engineers to work on the Engine Platform and build features for banks around the world, including new features not yet released in the UK market. Engineers of all levels are welcome, with a focus on customer impact, code quality, and cross-team collaboration.

Responsibilities

• As a Staff Engineer: lead multiple complex projects from inception through to run, act as a technical leader, own critical technical challenges, identify and deliver tooling/process improvements, collaborate with clients, solution architects, product owners, and engineers to meet client goals, gain broad understanding of how banks operate globally, shape Engine’s future capabilities (approach, tooling, automation, architecture), and lead by example in the codebase.
• As an Engineer: contribute to the platform and internal tooling, build new features and products in a configurable way, share knowledge to foster a learning culture, own projects in small cross-bank teams, and strive for excellence with curiosity.

Requirements

• Open to varied experience; emphasis on aptitude and attitude over specific qualifications. Proficiency in Java is common, but not required to be an expert on joining. Commitment to clean coding, automated testing, and continuous deployment.
• Experience delivering changes to critical systems in distributed environments; high standard of technical and coding excellence; good understanding of DevOps practices; ability to deliver complex outcomes across domains and teams.
• Experience working cross-functionally with technologists and non-technical stakeholders; coaching/mentoring; leading technical delivery on large-scale projects.
• Backend tech stack includes Java; cloud-native with AWS/GCP; microservices; Kubernetes (EKS); CI/CD with TeamCity; Terraform and Grafana. Not all candidates will have experience in all areas; however, familiarity is advantageous.

Benefits

• 33 days holiday (including public holidays)
• Extra day off for your birthday
• Leave length-based entitlement increases with service; option to buy/sell up to five additional days
• 16 hours paid volunteering time per year
• Salary sacrifice, enhanced pension, life insurance, group income protection
• Private Medical Insurance with VitalityHealth (mental health support and cancer care); partner discounts
• Family-friendly policies; refer-a-friend incentives; Perkbox discounts and wellness platform
• Cycle to Work, Gym partnerships, EV leasing options, and related programs

About Us

Engine by Starling is an equal opportunity employer. We foster diversity and inclusion and consider applicants without regard to race, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, disability, military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We may collect personal data for recruiting and related purposes in accordance with our Privacy Notice.

Engine by Starling is on a mission to radically reshape banking. We welcome applicants who are excited to work with us and are open to discussion about flexible working arrangements.