Lead Engineer (Specialist) in CBDC PROGRAMME

Overview

The CBDC Directorate is responsible for analysing the opportunities and challenges presented by the development and design for the Digital Pound. The Directorate\’s activities include economic analysis, technical design, engagement with the private sector and international counterparts, and running experiments such as the Digital Pound Lab. The Directorate will also play a role in developing the future of the payments ecosystem in the UK. As a member of the Engineering team you will be developing and maintaining the technology experiments conducted as part of the Digital Pound Lab and the future payments landscape. You will have the opportunity to build proofs-of-concept and prototypes, start new projects, maintain, extend or improve existing investigations, and explore how to integrate different projects together. We are looking for people with an open and adaptable mindset, keen to learn new technologies and solve interesting problems. While collaborating with solution architects, economists, and industry partners, the results of our work will inform the advancement of the UK\’s payments ecosystem.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain technology experiments as part of the Digital Pound Lab and the future payments landscape.
• Build proofs-of-concept and prototypes; start new projects; maintain, extend or improve existing investigations; explore integration of different projects.
• Collaborate with solution architects, economists, and industry partners to inform the advancement of the UK\’s payments ecosystem.

Qualifications

• Degree level qualification in Computer Science, Software Engineering or a related subject, OR comparable professional software development industry experience.
• 5+ years of experience working as Software Engineer or Programmer.
• Proficiency in at least one mainstream general purpose programming language.
• Critical and creative thinking skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues of diverse backgrounds and tackle interdisciplinary challenges.
• Ability to quickly adapt and learn new technologies.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in Banking, Payments or Fintech sectors.
• APIs, technical standards, financial messaging formats.
• Test-Driven Development (TDD).
• DevOps, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), Cloud Platforms.
• Mentoring team members and colleagues with less technical experience.
• Cyber-security practices, standards and tools.
• Database systems.
• Containers and Orchestration systems (e.g. Kubernetes).
• Research and academic writing.

Application guidance

If you are interested in the role and fit the minimum criteria, consider applying even if you do not meet any of the above-listed points. We recognize that strong candidates might have diverse professional and academic experience, and we encourage you to apply if you believe you can contribute meaningfully to our ongoing work.

Application process

1. A review of application questions (answered using your own thoughts and writing).
2. A coding challenge to complete in your own time.
3. A technical interview focused on assessing your programming skills.
4. A general interview focused on your skills and experience required for the role and questions relating to our Bank Behaviours.

Inclusion and flexible working

Our Approach to Inclusion: We value diversity, equity and inclusion and aim to build an inclusive culture. We welcome applications from individuals who work flexibly, including job shares and part-time working patterns, and have partnered with external organisations to support adjustments in recruitment where needed. For most roles, work can be carried out at home, with a minimum of 40% time in the office per month, and we aim for colleagues to spend about half of their time in the office where possible.

Disability Confident Scheme

We are proud to be a member of the Disability Confident Scheme. If you wish to apply under this scheme, you should check the box in the Candidate Personal Information section of the application.

Salary and Benefits

• London salary £80,320-£90,360; Leeds £72,320-£81,360. A comprehensive benefits package is offered.
• Currently a non-contributory, career average pension with options to adjust accrual rates through a flexible benefits programme.
• A discretionary performance award based on a current award pool.
• An 8% benefits allowance with the option to take as salary or exchange for flexible benefits.
• 26 days\’ annual leave with option to buy up to 12 additional days.
• Private medical insurance and income protection.