At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a small team, develop Python applications, and shape engineering practices.
- Company: Exciting Bristol-based B2B SaaS company focused on behavioural science and technology.
- Benefits: Up to £100,000 salary, stock options, and training support.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Build your own team and influence product direction while staying hands-on.
- Qualifications: Strong Python and AWS experience, plus leadership in small teams.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 100000 £ per year.
A genuine player/coach opportunity for a hands-on engineer who wants to build more than software. We’re partnering with a growing Bristol-based B2B SaaS business combining behavioural science, data and technology to help consumer brands better understand and engage their audiences. They’re looking for a Tech Lead to take ownership of their engineering capability at a particularly exciting stage of growth.
This isn’t a role where you’ll inherit a large team, attend meetings all day and gradually move away from the code. You’ll help hire the first 2-3 developers, shape how the team operates, set technical standards and remain hands-on building the product alongside them. If you’ve previously led a small engineering team, enjoy solving difficult technical problems and want genuine influence over both the product and the people building it, this could be a compelling next step.
What you’ll own
- Build the initial development team, defining the roles, shaping technical assessments, interviewing candidates and making hiring decisions.
- Remain hands-on developing Python applications, APIs and new SaaS functionality.
- Take ownership of Linux-based environments, AWS infrastructure, deployments and production reliability.
- Guide technical decisions across backend services, databases, data processing and frontend architecture.
- Mentor and onboard engineers, creating a collaborative and high-performing team.
- Work directly with the leadership team to turn product requirements into practical technical solutions.
As the team grows, there’s a clear opportunity for the position to develop into broader engineering leadership.
What we’re looking for
- Strong commercial Python experience, ideally developing web applications and APIs with FastAPI, Django or Flask.
- Confident, hands-on Linux experience across development, deployment and production environments.
- Strong AWS knowledge, including services such as EC2, ECS, S3, DynamoDB, RDS or IAM.
- Experience with modern engineering practices, including Docker, CI/CD, testing and infrastructure ownership.
- Previous responsibility for leading a small development team while continuing to contribute technically.
- Direct involvement in recruiting developers - from defining requirements and interviewing through to selection and onboarding.
- Good understanding of SQL/NoSQL databases, APIs and data-processing workflows.
- Experience with React, Vue, TypeScript, Terraform or data-intensive SaaS platforms would be advantageous.
You don’t need to have managed a large department. In fact, someone who has helped build a small engineering team and enjoys remaining close to the code could be particularly well suited.
Why this opportunity?
- Build your own team. You’ll have meaningful input into who joins, how they’re assessed and how the engineering function develops.
- Stay technical. This is a hands-on leadership position, not a move into full-time people management.
- Own the direction. You’ll influence architecture, engineering practices and product delivery rather than simply executing someone else’s roadmap.
- Work closely with the decision-makers. You’ll have direct access to senior leadership and the opportunity to make an impact without unnecessary layers.
- Share in the growth. The package includes stock options alongside a competitive salary.
Package & working arrangement
- Salary: Up to £100,000
- Equity: Stock options
- Employment: Permanent, full-time
- Development: Training and development support
Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available.
Lead Software 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Software Engineer
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Connect-AI or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Connect-AI.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Connect-AI.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Connect-AI that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Software Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Connect-AI.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Connect-AI and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect-AI
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Connect-AI uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
