CreatePay - Software Engineer

Software Engineer is needed in Milton keynes, United Kingdom.

Client: CreatePay

Location: Milton keynes, MIK, gb

Contract: Freelance

Job Description

This is a remote position at CreatePay, which is building its Payment Facilitator (PayFac)/Acquiring platform. We are looking for a hands-on, experienced Software Engineer to take full ownership across design, build, and delivery. This role involves working directly alongside the CTO as a technical peer to shape the core platform architecture and make decisive calls. You will define problems, shape solutions, and execute independently within a fast-paced payments and fintech environment. As the key voice in defining the technical domain from day one, your experience will drive outcomes without dependence on external product managers, focusing on end-to-end delivery across distributed systems, integrations, data, and infrastructure.

Requirements

We prioritize deep, proven engineering experience over academic qualifications. The ideal candidate should:

• Have a track record of building and owning complex systems.
• Be comfortable across backend, data, integration, and infrastructure domains with a product instinct to define scope and prioritize independently.
• Have payments or fintech exposure, with a focus on designing reliable and scalable systems.
• Possess a generalist mindset to deliver in key areas, learn others, and collaborate with 3rd parties.

This role is the first hire in a dedicated engineering function, offering a chance to create and shape a modern technology operation, including working with 3rd party teams for architecture and infrastructure/DevOps.

Core Responsibilities

• **Systems Design & Architecture:**Design and build distributed systems on AWS using serverless-first principles.
• Liaise with 3rd Party Engineering teams.
• Architect for high availability, fault tolerance, and resilience.
• Validate 3rd Party deliverables and troubleshoot issues.
• Design scalable data approaches and reporting structures.
• Define infrastructure strategies including backup and lifecycle management.
• **End-to-End Delivery:**Own the delivery lifecycle from requirements definition to ongoing support.
• Act as de facto product owner to define scope and prioritize work.
• Ensure production-ready outputs from day one.
• Apply AI and automation to enhance development and operations.
• **Integrations & API Development:**Integrate third-party services like payment processors and fraud platforms.
• Build and maintain robust API layers.
• Implement secure designs aligned with payments industry standards.
• **Data & Infrastructure:**Design and maintain data pipelines using AWS native tooling.
• Apply high availability patterns across all infrastructure.
• Ensure maintainability of codebases and infrastructure.

Technology Environment

• AWS (primary platform)
• Node.js
• API Gateway, Aurora PostgreSQL
• AWS Data Tooling
• Infrastructure patterns focused on high availability and resilience.

Key Requirements

The following experience is essential:

• A substantial engineering background with complex system design and delivery.
• Exposure to card payments process and related technologies.
• Ability to operate across multiple domains with minimal oversight.
• Strong experience in API design and external integrations.
• Experience with event-driven and serverless architectures on AWS.
• Solid understanding of data modeling and relational databases like PostgreSQL.
• Ability to design for scale, security, and reliability, including PCI compliance.
• Use of AI and automation tools to enhance delivery speed.

The following experience is advantageous but not essential:

• Familiarity with PayFac, ISO, or payment gateway architecture.

Operating Model

• Works directly alongside the CTO as a trusted technical partner.
• Independent mindset with minimal oversight and high accountability.
• Bias toward execution and delivery over process.

Output Expectations

• Systems that are secure, scalable, observable, and cost-efficient.
• Codebases that are maintainable and transferable across engineers.
• Infrastructure and data models designed for long-term extensibility.
• Measurable impact on delivery speed through automation and tooling.

Benefits

• £50,000 – £70,000 base salary, depending on experience.
• Equity/options for a stake in the business.
• Significant growth opportunities within the role.
• Hybrid working scheme (likely 1 day a week in-office in Milton Keynes).

Additional Information

Please note, this position is suitable only for candidates who currently live in and are eligible to work in the UK. CreatePay is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates with non-traditional career paths where relevant experience is demonstrable.