Senior Software Engineer (Python)
Description
About us
At Zego, we know that traditional motor insurance holds good drivers back. It’s too complicated, too expensive, and it doesn't take into account how well you actually drive.
That’s why, since 2016, we’ve been on a mission to change all of that. Our mission at Zego is to offer the lowest priced insurance for good drivers.
From van drivers and gig workers to everyday car drivers, our customers are our driving force — they’re at the heart of everything we do.
We’ve sold tens of millions of policies so far, and raised over $200 million in funding. And we’re only just getting started.
**About the role
**
We are seeking a skilled Software Engineer who brings strong hands-on experience in backend development, with solid foundations in Python and object-oriented programming. You’ll be someone who enjoys solving complex technical problems, writing clean and maintainable code, and working on systems at scale. This role focuses on general programming competence over framework-specific knowledge and is ideal for engineers who thrive in building reliable systems and contributing to architectural decisions.
**What you will be doing
**
Develop, test, and maintain Python code for a variety of applications.
Analyse, troubleshoot, and solve complex programming problems.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather requirements and deliver well-structured solutions.
Write clear, concise, and well-documented code that adheres to industry best practices.
Contribute to code reviews, offering feedback to ensure code quality across the team.
Continuously learn and adapt to new technologies and development practices.
**About you
**
You have strong Python skills (or significant backend experience in another language and are keen to work in Python) and a proven track record of building and maintaining backend systems
Strong understanding of Python fundamentals, including data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented programming.
Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work independently on assigned tasks.
Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git).
Basic knowledge of testing frameworks and a solid approach to debugging and refactoring.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with evolving requirements.
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
Interest in software optimisation and performance tuning.
An understanding of SQL and document databases.
Collaborative mindset with excellent communication skills.
You will be someone who’s actively curious about how AI can enhance your work - keen to experiment, learn quickly, and apply tools that improve productivity, streamline tasks, or unlock new ways of thinking. Whether you’re already hands-on or fast building confidence, you take ownership of staying ahead and working smarter
**What’s it like to work at Zego?
**
Joining Zego is a career-defining move. People go further here, reaching their full potential to achieve extraordinary things.
We’re spread between Portugal and the UK, and united by our drive to get things done. We’re proud of our company and our culture – a friendly and inclusive space where we can lift each other up and celebrate our wins every day.
Together, we’re setting the bar higher, delivering exceptional work that makes a difference. Our people are the most important part of our story, and everyone here plays a role. There’s loads of room to learn and grow, and you’ll get the freedom to steer your career wherever you want.
You’ll work alongside a talented group who embrace each other's differences and aren’t afraid of a challenge. We recognise our achievements, learn from our mistakes, and help each other to be the best we can be. Together, we’re making insurance matter.
**How we work
**
We believe that teams work better when they have time to collaborate and space to get things done. We call it Zego Hybrid. We ask you to spend at least two days a week in our central Lisbon office. We think it’s a good mix of collaborative face time and flexible home-working, setting us up to achieve the right balance between work and life.
**Our approach to AI
**
We believe in the power of AI to meaningfully improve how we work - helping us move faster, think differently, and focus on what matters most. At Zego, we encourage people to stay curious and intentional about how AI is leveraged in their work and teams to drive practical impact every day. This is your chance to do the most meaningful work of your career - and we’ll provide you with the tools, support, and freedom to do it well.
**Benefits
**
We reward our people well. Join us and you’ll get a market-competitive salary, company share options, generous holiday allowance, and a whole lot of wellbeing benefits. We also offer an annual flexible hybrid working contribution, which you can use to support with your travel to the office or towards your own personal development. And that’s just for starters!
We’re an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status.
#LI-Hybrid
#LI-IL1