Senior Python Software Engineer (Contract)
Location: London (Hybrid)
Contract: Initial term until end of year
Client: Consultancy
Overview
We are seeking an experienced Senior Python Software Engineer to join a high-impact consultancy engagement. This is a hands-on, individual contributor role focused on designing and building scalable backend systems that power cutting-edge AI and machine learning solutions within credit risk.
You will play a key role in a newly formed AI-focused team, working at the intersection of advanced analytics, financial risk, and modern software engineering.
The Role
As a Senior Engineer, you will architect, develop, and deploy robust backend systems that automate complex analysis across data, codebases, documentation, and workflow tools. A core focus will be structuring this information into a domain-aware knowledge graph to support Credit Risk decision-making.
You’ll work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver production-grade solutions that are scalable, maintainable, and aligned with enterprise standards.
Team & Project Context
You’ll be embedded within the Credit Risk Technology function, specifically the Optima AI team, which is focused on transforming Counterparty Credit Risk (CCR) analysis through AI.
The broader team develops systems that process large-scale financial datasets—covering trades, collateral, and market data—to calculate key risk metrics such as:
* Pre-Settlement Risk (PSE)
* Exposure at Default (EAD)
* Risk Weighted Assets (RWA)
This role contributes to optimising exposure impact analysis using AI-driven approaches.
Key Responsibilities
* Design and build scalable backend systems using Python and FastAPI
* Contribute to system architecture, design patterns, and engineering best practices
* Develop clean, maintainable, and production-ready code with minimal technical debt
* Implement and manage containerised deployments (e.g. Kubernetes, OpenShift)
* Collaborate across engineering, data, and business teams
* Support CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices
* Contribute to AI-driven solutions, including knowledge graph development
Required Skills & Experience
* Strong expertise in Python and FastAPI
* Deep understanding of software design principles and architectural patterns
* Proven experience building and running enterprise-grade systems
* Experience across the full software development lifecycle
* Strong background in system design, scalability, and reliability
* Experience with containerisation (Kubernetes, OpenShift, or similar)
* Familiarity with DevOps practices, CI/CD, and Agile methodologies
Desirable:
* Experience with Generative AI, LLM frameworks, or prompt engineering
What’s on Offer
* Opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI initiatives within a global financial environment
* Exposure to complex, high-value risk systems and large-scale data platforms
* Collaborative, forward-thinking engineering culture
* Chance to build expertise in AI-driven financial technologies
* Immediate impact on strategic, business-critical projects