Lead Engineer

Lead Engineer

Freelance Home office (partial)
Formula.

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the design and development of a cutting-edge API platform using Kafka.
  • Company: Globally scaled tech business with a focus on innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, hybrid work model, and opportunity for hands-on influence.
  • Other info: 3-month rolling contract with excellent growth potential.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of event-driven infrastructure and make a real impact.
  • Qualifications: Deep experience with Kafka and skills in TypeScript, Node.js, and AWS.

A globally scaled technology business is looking for a Lead Engineer to take ownership of its next-generation API platform, with Kafka at the heart of the architecture. Operating at significant scale, this is a hands-on engagement where you'll have real influence over the direction of a critical engineering pillar - designing and building the event-driven infrastructure that the platform depends on.

Key responsibilities as a Lead Engineer:

  • Architecting and evolving a high-throughput, Kafka-driven event streaming platform
  • Designing cloud-native distributed systems built for scale and resilience
  • Leading the development of event-driven microservices and API integrations
  • Owning security, observability, performance, and long-term maintainability
  • Championing TDD, CI/CD, Infrastructure as Code, and automated testing
  • Embedding AI-powered capabilities into engineering workflows

Skills and requirements:

  • Kafka - deep, hands-on experience is essential (topic design, consumer groups, schema registry, Kafka Streams or similar)
  • TypeScript, Node.js
  • AWS (EKS, Lambda, Aurora RDS), Kubernetes
  • GraphQL, Terraform, DataDog
  • Salesforce or enterprise CRM experience is a strong advantage

Contract details:

  • IR35: Outside IR35
  • Rate: Up to £700 per day
  • Contract length: 3 months rolling
  • Location: London (Hybrid)
  • Start date: ASAP

Apply now or reach out directly to find out more. Due to the high volume of applications, not all applicants will receive a response.

Lead Engineer employer: Formula.

Join a globally scaled technology business that values innovation and hands-on engagement, offering Lead Engineers the opportunity to shape the future of its next-generation API platform. With a hybrid work model in London, employees benefit from a collaborative culture that promotes professional growth through cutting-edge projects and a commitment to best practices like TDD and CI/CD. This role not only allows for significant influence over critical engineering decisions but also provides a dynamic environment where your contributions directly impact the company's success.

Formula.

Contact Details:

Formula. Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Engineer

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech industry, especially those who work with Kafka or in similar roles. A personal recommendation can make all the difference when you're vying for that Lead Engineer position.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! If you’ve got a GitHub or portfolio showcasing your work with TypeScript, Node.js, or Kafka, make sure to highlight it during interviews. It’s a great way to demonstrate your hands-on experience and passion for engineering.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of cloud-native systems and event-driven architectures. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented TDD, CI/CD, and Infrastructure as Code in your past projects.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented engineers like you. Plus, it gives you a better chance of standing out in the application process.

We think you need these skills to ace Lead Engineer

Kafka
TypeScript
Node.js
AWS (EKS, Lambda, Aurora RDS)
Kubernetes
GraphQL
Terraform

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience with Kafka and cloud-native systems. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your hands-on experience!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you’re passionate about leading engineering projects and how you can influence our API platform. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.

Showcase Your Technical Skills:We’re looking for deep, hands-on experience with TypeScript, Node.js, and AWS. Make sure to include specific examples of projects where you’ve used these technologies effectively.

Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!

How to prepare for a job interview at Formula.

Know Your Kafka Inside Out

Since Kafka is at the heart of the architecture, make sure you brush up on your Kafka knowledge. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with topic design, consumer groups, and Kafka Streams. Prepare examples of how you've used Kafka in previous projects to demonstrate your expertise.

Showcase Your Cloud-Native Skills

Familiarise yourself with cloud-native distributed systems, especially AWS services like EKS and Lambda. Be prepared to explain how you've designed scalable and resilient systems in the past. Highlight any experience with Terraform or Kubernetes, as these will be key in the role.

Emphasise Your Leadership Experience

As a Lead Engineer, you'll need to show that you can lead development teams effectively. Prepare to discuss your approach to championing TDD, CI/CD, and Infrastructure as Code. Share specific instances where you've successfully led a team through challenges and delivered results.

Prepare for Technical Challenges

Expect technical questions that test your problem-solving skills. Brush up on event-driven microservices and API integrations, and be ready to tackle hypothetical scenarios. Practising coding challenges related to TypeScript and Node.js can also give you an edge during the interview.