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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in delivering innovative cloud and data solutions while shaping architecture.
- Company: Join a mission-driven consultancy making a real-world impact in intelligence and secure data.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £140k+ package, hybrid work, private healthcare, and 25 days holiday.
- Why this job: Be part of a cutting-edge company solving critical security challenges with autonomy and growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Senior/Lead Software Engineer with cloud-native and big data expertise required.
- Other info: Work closely with the CTO and collaborate with diverse specialists in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 84000 - 140000 £ per year.
Hybrid (1–2 days/week in office) | £140k+ Package | Security-Cleared or Security Clearable required
Location: London | Sector: Intelligence, Analytics & Secure Data | Process: 3 stages
Our client is a mission-driven consultancy delivering high-impact intelligence, research, and technical services to governments and private sector clients globally. The brand is well known for making a real-world difference. As we continue to expand, we’re hiring a Lead Software Engineer/Founding Engineer to take the reins of a specialist engineering unit delivering microservice-based cloud and data solutions at scale. This is a hands-on technical leadership role where you will work closely with the CTO, shape architecture and tooling, and directly influence the future of our engineering capability.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Leading a growing team (currently 2 engineers + external partners) across complex data and cloud engineering projects
- Designing and delivering distributed solutions on an AWS-centric stack, with open-source flexibility
- Working with Databricks, Apache Iceberg, and Kubernetes in a cloud-agnostic environment
- Guiding architecture and implementation of large-scale data pipelines for structured and unstructured data
- Steering direction on software stack, best practices, and legacy tech modernisation
- Collaborating with a multidisciplinary group including intelligence analysts, researchers, and domain specialists
- Supporting clients working in highly sensitive and secure environments
Ideal Background:
- Senior/Lead/Founding Software Engineer, startup/hands-on CTO, or Lead Architect experience, ideally in cloud-native or high-scale data environments
- Deep experience with Software Engineering, cloud deployments (especially AWS), and orchestration technologies
- Proven delivery of big data solutions—not necessarily at FAANG scale, but managing high-volume, complex data (structured/unstructured)
- Experience working with Databricks, Apache Iceberg, or similar modern data platforms
- Experience of building software environments from the ground up, setting best practice and standards
- Experience leading and mentoring teams
- Worked in a startup/scaleup background and someone that is adaptable
Tech Stack Snapshot:
- Languages: Python
- Cloud: AWS preferred, cloud-agnostic approach encouraged
- Data: SQL, Databricks, Iceberg, Kubernetes, large-scale data pipelines
- CI/CD & Ops: Open source tools, modern DevOps principles
Why Join Us?
- Impactful Work – Help solve security problems that truly matter
- Ownership & Autonomy – Freedom to shape the stack and drive strategy alongside the CTO
- Growth – A growing company at the cutting edge of data and intelligence
- Flexibility – Hybrid and remote-friendly, with minimal in-office requirements
Compensation & Process:
- £140k base salary with flexibility
- 10% performance-based bonus
- Pension
- Private Healthcare
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- L&D
- Great company culture and socials
- 3-stage interview process (tech test and final stage onsite)
Lead Software Engineer employer: developrec
Contact Detail:
developrec Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Software Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific technologies mentioned in the job description, such as AWS, Databricks, and Kubernetes. Having hands-on experience or projects that showcase your skills with these tools will give you a significant edge during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in mentoring teams. Since this role involves leading a growing team, demonstrating your ability to guide and inspire others will be crucial in the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company’s mission and recent projects they’ve undertaken. Being able to articulate how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their impactful work will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of the company on platforms like LinkedIn. Gaining insights into the company culture and expectations can help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Software Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in software engineering, particularly in cloud-native and high-scale data environments. Emphasise your leadership roles and any experience with AWS, Databricks, or similar technologies.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for impactful work and your ability to lead teams. Mention specific projects where you've successfully delivered big data solutions and how you can contribute to the company's mission.
Highlight Technical Skills: In your application, clearly outline your technical skills, especially in Python, SQL, and cloud technologies. Provide examples of how you've used these skills in previous roles to solve complex problems.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Detail your experience in leading and mentoring teams. Include examples of how you've shaped architecture and best practices in past roles, as this is crucial for the Lead Software Engineer position.
How to prepare for a job interview at developrec
✨Showcase Your Technical Leadership
As a Lead Software Engineer, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor teams. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in guiding engineering projects and how you've influenced architectural decisions.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Tech Stack
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the technologies mentioned in the job description, such as AWS, Databricks, and Kubernetes. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in past projects and how they can be applied to the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in cloud and data engineering projects and how you overcame them, especially in sensitive environments.
✨Emphasise Your Adaptability
Given the startup/scaleup background they're looking for, highlight your adaptability and experience in fast-paced environments. Share examples of how you've successfully navigated change and driven innovation in your previous roles.
