Python/Java Software Developer - Contract - London

Software Engineer – Python/Java - Contract - London

Location: London 
Contract Type: 6-month

Company Overview:

Our client is a global financial services firm providing investment banking, brokerage, and wealth management services across multiple markets. The business operates in a highly dynamic, technology-driven environment supporting trading and operations across multiple asset classes.

Role Overview:

We are seeking a strong generalist software engineer comfortable working across Java and Python in a small, collaborative team. This role will contribute to a new platform focused on securities lending, repo, and delta-1, with objectives to:

• Automate workflows for reconciliation, risk management, and reporting
• Integrate front-to-back processes across the full trading lifecycle

The ideal candidate is pragmatic, hands-on, and comfortable working on both greenfield builds and existing systems.

Responsibilities:

• Develop Python ETL pipelines and Java server-side/UI components
• Build integrations with external vendors and market data providers
• Work directly with traders and operations teams to deliver solutions
• Absorb and contribute to an existing codebase, making small, incremental changes (2–5 lines or more as needed)
• Participate in all stages of software delivery, from design to production

Key Technical Requirements:

• Languages: Strong in either Java or Python, with working proficiency in the other
• Architecture Context:
  • Upstream data feeds handled in Python
  • Downstream systems primarily in Java
• Ability to work on existing applications as well as new development
• Strong SQL skills
• Comfortable working in Linux/Unix environments and via the terminal
• Pragmatic coding – emphasis on effective solutions over “elite” code

Nice to Have:

• Experience building or working with ETL/data pipelines
• Familiarity with version control software (e.g., Git)
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure)
• Exposure to desk interaction or working closely with business users
• Capital markets experience (securities lending, delta-1, repo, derivatives)
• Experience integrating with external/vendor APIs

Candidate Profile:

• Strong problem-solver capable of coding effective solutions
• Comfortable working in a lean, collaborative team
• Ability to quickly absorb an existing codebase and deliver independently
• Demonstrates interest in the business domain and willingness to engage with stakeholders
• Flexible and comfortable working in a fluid, evolving environment

Project Context:

• Contributing to a greenfield platform being established and productionised
• Building a centralised vendor platform
• Mix of new development and enhancement of existing systems
• Small team – candidate must be comfortable taking ownership of tasks and delivering end-to-end solutions