At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us to build and launch innovative products for the trades industry.
- Company: Checkatrade is the UK's leading platform for finding trusted tradespeople.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, startup-like speed, and AI-powered tools.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values rapid innovation and real-world impact.
- Qualifications: Strong full-stack skills in TypeScript, Node.js, and React are essential.
- Other info: Ideal for those aspiring to be tech co-founders or startup leaders.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Senior Engineer - Checkatrade Labs
Hybrid role, three days a week at our office in King's Cross.
Revolutionise the Trades Industry with Cutting-Edge Tech. Checkatrade Labs is not your typical engineering team. We are the high-velocity innovation hub within Checkatrade, operating like a startup inside an established, industry-leading company. Our mission? To rapidly experiment, build, and launch game-changing products that digitise the UK trades market.
If you’re the kind of engineer who thrives in fast-paced environments, loves solving real-world problems with AI, and wants to see the tangible impact of your work in production from day one, this is the team for you.
Why Join Checkatrade Labs?
- Move at Startup Speed – We launch MVPs in weeks, not months. Work in small, autonomous teams that make decisions fast.
- AI-First Engineering – We harness the power of AI tools and APIs in production from day one, accelerating development and enhancing product capabilities.
- Build Zero-to-One Products – Experience the thrill of taking an idea from concept to a fully operational product.
- Data-Driven Decisions – We prioritise instrumentation, analytics, and rapid experimentation to validate ideas.
- Hands-On Innovation – Work directly with users, founders, and stakeholders to shape products that disrupt the home improvement industry.
What You'll Be Doing
- Build & Launch Fast – Create and deploy MVPs in weeks, not months.
- Own Technical Direction – Make key architectural decisions that balance speed with scalability.
- Experiment Rapidly – Prototype, test, and iterate quickly while maintaining high standards of data collection.
- Work Autonomously – Collaborate with product entrepreneurs and take ownership of engineering decisions.
- Be Empowered with AI – Leverage AI-powered development tools to move faster and smarter.
Who You Are
- A builder at heart – You love crafting new products from scratch.
- Passionate about startups and zero-to-one development.
- Comfortable navigating ambiguity and rapid decision-making.
- Self-directed with strong entrepreneurial instincts.
- Excited to wear multiple hats and work across the full stack.
- Interested in eventually becoming a tech co-founder or startup CTO.
Your Tech Superpowers
- Strong full-stack engineering skills with experience in rapid prototyping.
- Proficiency in TypeScript, Node.js, React, and cloud platforms.
- A data-driven mindset with experience in metrics-based development.
- A track record of shipping in fast-paced environments.
- Hands-on experience with API development and modern software engineering practices.
Our Tech Stack
- Frontend: React, TypeScript
- Backend: Node.js, TypeScript
- Cloud: Google Cloud Platform (Cloud Run, Cloud Functions, Firestore)
- AI: Claude/GPT, Clinebot, Devin
- Tools: Retool for MVPs, PERN Stack for durable applications
If you’ve ever dreamed of being a technical co-founder or want to experience the thrill of startup-style innovation with the resources and stability of a leading company, this is your chance. Join Checkatrade Labs and help us shape the future of home improvement services through rapid innovation, AI-powered engineering, and industry-first solutions.
About us
We’re Checkatrade – the UK’s leading platform for finding a tradesperson. With more than 50,000 trades listed and over 6 million reviews, we help homeowners get jobs done right and help tradespeople grow their business.
We’re growing fast, with big plans to become the go-to brand for home improvements. If you care about great work, take pride in the details, and want to make an impact, you’ll fit right in.
Senior Software Engineer - LABs employer: Checkatrade
Contact Detail:
Checkatrade Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Software Engineer - LABs
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in AI and how they can be applied to software engineering. Being able to discuss specific AI tools and their impact on product development during your interview will show that you're not just technically skilled, but also forward-thinking.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to demonstrate your rapid prototyping skills. Consider bringing a portfolio of projects where you've taken an idea from concept to MVP quickly. This will highlight your ability to work in fast-paced environments, which is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience with full-stack development by discussing specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them. This will illustrate your problem-solving abilities and your comfort with ambiguity, both of which are key traits for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with the Checkatrade Labs community online. Follow their updates, participate in discussions, and connect with current employees on platforms like LinkedIn. This will not only give you insights into their culture but also help you make a memorable impression during your application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Software Engineer - LABs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your full-stack engineering skills, particularly in TypeScript, Node.js, and React. Emphasise any experience you have with rapid prototyping and shipping products in fast-paced environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for startups and zero-to-one development. Share specific examples of how you've navigated ambiguity and made rapid decisions in previous roles.
Showcase Your Projects: Include links to your portfolio or GitHub where you can showcase projects that demonstrate your ability to build and launch MVPs quickly. Highlight any AI-powered tools you've used in your development process.
Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss your technical direction and architectural decisions in past projects. Prepare to explain how you balance speed with scalability and your approach to data-driven decision-making.
How to prepare for a job interview at Checkatrade
✨Showcase Your Prototyping Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with rapid prototyping and how you've successfully built MVPs in the past. Highlight specific projects where you took an idea from concept to deployment, as this aligns perfectly with the role's focus on fast-paced innovation.
✨Demonstrate Your AI Knowledge
Since the role emphasises AI-first engineering, make sure to showcase your familiarity with AI tools and APIs. Discuss any relevant projects where you've integrated AI into your work, and be ready to explain how you can leverage these technologies to enhance product capabilities.
✨Emphasise Your Full-Stack Experience
The position requires strong full-stack engineering skills, so be ready to talk about your proficiency in TypeScript, Node.js, and React. Prepare examples of how you've worked across the full stack and how this versatility can benefit the team at Checkatrade Labs.
✨Prepare for Ambiguity
Given the startup-like environment, it's crucial to demonstrate your comfort with ambiguity and rapid decision-making. Share experiences where you've navigated uncertain situations effectively, showcasing your entrepreneurial instincts and ability to thrive under pressure.