Software Engineer

About the job

We’re building a new generation of tools to make complex environmental programme data simple, clear, and actionable, to help organisations accelerate nature recovery across the UK.

To do this, we’re looking for a backend-focused engineer, reporting to the Head of Engineering and working closely with the Product Lead and Senior Software Engineer. This role is hands-on and impact-heavy: designing and shipping APIs and services, shaping our data model, and building reliable pipelines that turn messy, multi-source inputs into trusted information. You’ll focus on delivery and execution while keeping a pragmatic 0→1 mindset.

You’ll thrive here if you like owning problems end-to-end, from design doc and prototype to production rollout and iteration. Expect a modern, cloud-first stack (AWS/Cloudflare), strong use of managed/serverless services, and a collaborative culture that values small, fast, well-tested changes.

What you’ll do

• Build the first version of our digital platform. Help build and ship an MVP that users can test, learn from, and help shape

• Lay the technical foundations. Help design and contribute to architectural decisions that works for today’s needs and can scale as we grow.

• Establish a trusted system of record. Integrate, harmonise, and curate internal and external data to power our platform.

• Design and ship backend services and APIs. Implement reliable RESTful services (preferably TypeScript/Node.js with Python), and build secure integrations with third‑party data providers.

• Own our data architecture. Design and iterate on data models and schemas; define data models and relational schemas (PostgreSQL) and support analytics/AI via warehouses/lakes where needed.

• Build event‑driven data pipelines. Create robust ETL/ELT workflows and asynchronous processing using queues/message brokers.

• Operate in the cloud with reliability. Deploy and run services on (primarily on Cloudflare, but also light use of GCP and AWS) using managed/serverless components, with security, monitoring, and cost efficiency baked in.

• Collaborate and raise the bar. Work tightly with Tech/Product and peers, champion code quality, testing, documentation, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Experience: 4+ years of backend or data‑focused software engineering experience delivering production systems in fast‑paced environments, comfortable working in ambiguity, turning ideas into working software.

• Skillset: Proficiency in backend development (preferably TypeScript/Node.js), designing and operating RESTful services and third‑party integrations.

• Data: Strong data modelling and SQL skills with PostgreSQL; experience building end‑to‑end ETL/ELT pipelines and event‑driven processing using queues/brokers.

• Cloud: Hands‑on cloud experience.

• Versatility: Demonstrate versatility and adaptability in a fast-paced startup environment, comfortable managing shifting priorities and contributing to foundational processes that are built to scale.

• Communication: Communicate clearly with product and engineering peers, with the ability to translate business goals and product requirements into technical solutions.

• Passion for sustainability and conservation finance, with a commitment to tackling climate change and biodiversity loss.

• Locality: Based within commuting distance of London, with the ability to work 1-2 days per week from our central office if needed.

• AI Fluency: Demonstrated ability to architect and deliver AI-empowered product features (agents, tool-use, orchestration, evaluation loops), staying current with emerging patterns and model capabilities.

Beneficial Skills

• BSc or similar in Computer Science or equivalent practical experience.

• Knowledge of Domain-Driven Design (DDD) principles.

• Proficiency in a secondary scripting language such as Python

• Familiarity with infrastructure‑as‑code, security fundamentals, monitoring/alerting, and cost‑aware operations.

• Familiarity with Graph Databases and Knowledge Graphs

• Experience with data warehousing solutions and ELTs

Why Join Great Yellow?

• Be part of an innovative start-up that’s breaking new ground in finance and ecological restoration

• Engage in meaningful work with the potential to make a lasting impact on the planet

• Work alongside a passionate and diverse team in an environment that values flexibility, collaboration, autonomy, and growth

• Our culture is built on three principles: All for the Hive (shared leadership and collaboration), Shameless Ambition (raise the bar, speak directly), and Design the Future (think big, learn by doing, own it)

• We’re big believers in flexibility — work where you do your best thinking — but we also value getting together in our office to share ideas (and coffee)