Bristol | 3 days onsite | Up to £100k + Stock Options
I’m working with a growing B2B SaaS company in Bristol that is building its software engineering function properly from the ground up.
They’re looking for a Tech Lead who wants more than inheriting an established team and maintaining someone else’s roadmap.
You’ll join as a genuine player/coach: initially staying close to the code while hiring the first 2–3 engineers, setting engineering standards and owning technical delivery. As the team grows, the role will naturally evolve into leading the engineering function full-time.
What you’ll own
- Build the initial engineering team — defining the hires you need, designing technical assessments, interviewing and making hiring decisions.
- Lead delivery of the company’s Python-based SaaS products.
- Turn product requirements into pragmatic technical designs.
- Own engineering standards, development practices and workflows.
- Take responsibility for the frontend architecture and overall product quality.
- Own the Linux-based infrastructure and deployment strategy.
- Work closely with the CEO, Product/ML Lead and Head of Engineering on roadmap, architecture and delivery.
What they’re looking for
You’ll ideally have already operated as a Tech Lead or senior engineer leading a small team, with direct experience hiring and onboarding developers. Early‑stage or startup experience is particularly valuable.
Technically, the strongest fit will bring:
- Strong Python across backend applications, APIs, automation and data processing.
- Strong Linux experience across development, testing and deployment.
- Good hands‑on experience with AWS.
- Strong understanding of SQL / NoSQL databases.
- Experience with Docker/containerisation, REST APIs, Git and modern DevOps practices.
- Modern frontend experience with React or Vue would be a major plus.
Bonus points for experience with
pandas/numpy/geopandas, high-volume data processing, Terraform/CloudFormation, MongoDB/DuckDB, visualisation libraries or data‑heavy SaaS products
Why this one is interesting
This isn’t a role where you’ll disappear into an established engineering hierarchy.
You’ll have the opportunity to shape the team, choose how engineering operates, influence architecture and still build meaningful product yourself.
The company has already reached the point where engineering needs to become a dedicated function — this hire will play a major part in deciding what that function looks like.
Package:
up to £100k + stock options
Location:
Bristol, 3 days per week in the office
Right to work:
UK right to work required; unfortunately sponsorship isn’t available.
If you’re a hands‑on Tech Lead who still enjoys solving problems in Python/Linux, but also wants the opportunity to build and lead a team around you, I’d love to speak.
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Lead Engineer employer: Connect-AI
Connect-AI in Warminster is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets purpose. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, team members are encouraged to enhance their skills while contributing to mission-critical projects that impact defense and public safety. The hybrid work model promotes a healthy work-life balance, making it an attractive place for talented engineers looking to make a meaningful difference.
