Lead Backend Engineer at Zego

Language

Compensation

€70,000 – €90,000/yr

Setup: Remote - Portugal, Hybrid
Type: Full-time
Level: Lead
Posted: Feb 18, 2026

Description

Zego is seeking a Lead Backend Engineer to join their team in Portugal. The successful candidate will leverage their deep backend expertise to drive delivery, influence architecture, and mentor others. They will be responsible for designing, building, and owning Python microservices for the insurance platform, championing engineering excellence, and collaborating with various stakeholders to deliver user and business value. The role involves continuously improving processes, embracing AI-driven enhancements, and contributing to a dynamic, inclusive work environment.

Required Skills

Backend Expertise
Cloud-Native Microservices
Python
Data Structures
Algorithms
System Design
Distributed Architectures
Performance Tuning
Observability
CI/CD Pipelines
Incident Response
AI

Additional Information

Preferred Qualifications: Strong backend engineer with hands-on experience building cloud-native microservices (Python preferred, but open to strong experience in other languages); deep knowledge of programming fundamentals—data structures, algorithms, system design.
Built systems at scale and understand distributed architectures, performance tuning and observability; leads by example through mentoring, clear communication, and a collaborative mindset.
Tenacious and resourceful—knows how to find a way forward, even through ambiguity or tough technical challenges; has a calm, pragmatic mindset and consistently uncovers solutions that balance speed, simplicity, and scalability.
Strives for simplicity—builds systems that are easy to understand, test, and maintain, avoiding unnecessary complexity; proactive by nature, stepping in to address issues early and engage the right people to align on paths forward.
Comfortable engaging stakeholders beyond engineering and explaining technical decisions to non-technical stakeholders; understands trade-offs and applies judgment to choose the right approach for the problem.
Excited by the opportunity to shape a product that impacts thousands of drivers daily; actively curious about how AI can enhance work, eager to experiment, learn quickly, and apply tools that improve productivity, streamline tasks, or unlock new ways of thinking.

About Zego

Zego

InsuranceLondon, United Kingdom

Zego makes insurance simple for drivers and businesses, with flexible cover and telematics that reward safer habits - trusted by over half a million UK drivers.

Open roles: 80
Founded: 2016

Customers and case studies

See customers and case studies