At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering efforts, build products, and design systems for cutting-edge cyber security.
- Company: Join a VC-backed startup on a mission to revolutionise cyber security.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, meaningful equity, and a hybrid work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic startup culture with opportunities for rapid career growth.
- Why this job: Be a founding engineer and shape the future of AI in cyber security.
- Qualifications: 6+ years in production systems, strong architectural opinions, and team leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
CodeWall is building the future of cyber security and on a mission to create the world's best AI super hackers. We are VC-backed by some of the best and just closed our $4M pre-seed round, the largest ever for a cyber startup in the UK. Read our manifesto for why we built it, and our research for what it's already found.
About the role
The first senior engineering hire. You'll own how we build — the architecture, the conventions, the bar for what we ship. You wear many hats: you build products, design systems, and fine tune models. You might tackle moonshots or polish a feature. You do what it takes to fulfill our mission. This is a soft-offered role with meaningful equity for the right person.
What you'll do:
- Set the engineering bar — architecture, code review, what "good" looks like.
- Own critical platform paths end-to-end: from intake through agent execution to reporting.
- Build and operate the infrastructure the agents run on (multi-target, multi-tenant, scaling).
- Pair with research and AI to translate offensive patterns into shipped code.
- Hire the next five engineers — write the JDs, run the loops, set the rubric.
- Carry the on-call when prod breaks (which it will).
What we're looking for:
- 6+ years building production systems that other engineers depend on.
- Strong opinions on architecture, weakly held — you've watched your own designs rot in prod.
- Comfort across the stack: backend services, frontend, infrastructure, async / agent orchestration.
- A history of shipping fast in early-stage environments where the requirements moved daily (0-1).
- Python preferred (our core).
- Comfortable owning hiring — you've built or led a team before.
Bonus:
- Security or offensive-tooling background.
- Built agent / LLM-orchestration systems in production.
- Open-source projects of substance.
Logistics:
- Location: London, Hybrid with 3/4 days a week in the office.
- Interview process: 40-min intro chat with the founder → 10 minute chat with advisor → in person coffee and offer with the founder.
- Compensation: Competitive, plus meaningful early-hire equity. Specifics in the first call.
If parts of this don't fit but you think you'd be dangerous here anyway — apply and tell us why.
Founding Engineer in Derby employer: CodeWall
At CodeWall, we are not just building cutting-edge cyber security solutions; we are fostering a dynamic and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to take ownership of their projects and drive meaningful change. As a founding engineer, you will have the unique opportunity to shape the future of our technology while enjoying competitive compensation and significant equity in a rapidly growing startup environment located in the heart of London. Join us in our mission to hack the planet and be part of a team that values creativity, collaboration, and continuous growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Founding Engineer in Derby
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including CodeWall, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through CodeWall
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at CodeWall. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Founding Engineer in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at CodeWall insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to CodeWall that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at CodeWall
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at CodeWall to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at CodeWall.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.
