Lead Python Software Engineer - £650+ p/d Inside IR35

Lead Python Software Engineer
Contract Type: Inside IR35
Rate: £650+ per day
Location: Hybrid (3 days on site in London/Leatherhead)
Duration: Long-term contract
Clearance: Active and transferable SC clearance required

About the Role
Exalto Consulting is supporting a client delivering complex, business-critical technology solutions and is seeking an experienced Lead Python Software Engineer to join a highly skilled engineering team.

This is an opportunity to work on innovative and technically challenging projects where problem-solving, creativity, and engineering excellence are highly valued. you'll be contributing to the design, development, and evolution of bespoke software solutions, working with modern technologies across cloud, data, and DevOps environments.

The role would suit someone who enjoys tackling complex technical challenges, leading by example, and helping to shape high-quality software delivery within a collaborative engineering culture.

What you'll Be Doing

• Designing, developing, and maintaining scalable Python applications and services.
• Building and supporting data processing pipelines and Back End systems.
• Leading technical delivery across projects and providing guidance to development teams.
• Producing high-quality technical designs, documentation, and architectural artefacts.
• Driving software quality through unit, integration, and end-to-end testing practices.
• Collaborating with DevOps, infrastructure, and platform teams to support cloud-based deployments.
• Identifying opportunities for automation, optimisation, and continuous improvement.
• Mentoring junior engineers and contributing to engineering best practices across the team.
• Working closely with stakeholders to understand requirements and translate them into robust technical solutions.

What you'll Bring
Essential Skills & Experience

• At least 7 years commercial experience developing software with Python.
• Strong understanding of both Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) and functional programming principles.
• Proven experience leading software development teams and mentoring engineers.
• Strong background in software testing, including unit, integration, and end-to-end testing.
• Experience producing technical designs, specifications, and supporting documentation.
• Experience building or supporting data processing pipelines.
• Good understanding of DevOps practices and modern cloud or virtualisation platforms.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think creatively when overcoming technical challenges.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Passion for learning new technologies and driving innovation.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working within AWS environments.
• Exposure to Elasticsearch and Kibana.
• Containerisation experience using technologies such as Docker, Kubernetes, or OpenShift.
• Understanding of security concepts and protocols including PKI, TLS, and secure communications.
• Experience working in highly regulated, secure, or mission-critical environments.

Why Apply?
This role offers the chance to work on challenging projects using modern technologies while contributing to solutions that have real-world impact. you'll be joining a team that values technical excellence, collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.

Whether you re currently working as a Senior Python Engineer, Lead Python Developer, Principal Software Engineer, or Backend Python Engineer, we'd be interested in speaking with you if you re looking for your next contract opportunity.

To find out more, please get in touch with Exalto Consulting.