At a Glance
- Tasks: Build a mobile-first mental health platform for elite athletes using AI technology.
- Company: Exciting Tech for Good startup led by an elite athlete founder.
- Benefits: Equity ownership, potential pathway to CTO, and impactful work in mental health.
- Why this job: Shape the future of sports tech while making a real difference in mental health.
- Qualifications: Senior full-stack engineer with React Native experience and startup mindset.
- Other info: Part-time role transitioning to full-time; remote work with occasional travel.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
This is one of the most exciting opportunities I have worked on for a long time and, for the right person, could be career-defining. I’m currently partnered with an early-stage Tech for Good startup building a preventative mental health & performance platform for elite sporting professionals. The Founder is a well-known elite athlete with deep credibility across professional sport, but they’re non-technical, which means this role is truly foundational. You’d be working side-by-side with the Founder, acting as their technical partner, helping shape not just the product, but the technical vision of the business as a whole.
The product is mobile-first, AI-enabled, and designed to support athletes and organisations before problems arise, not after. The business is already in active conversations with professional clubs and senior sporting organisations, backed by a seriously impressive advisory network. What’s being built here has the potential to genuinely change lives, and you’d play a huge role in making that happen.
What makes this opportunity so exciting:
- Founding-level ownership – real influence & autonomy from day one
- Build a mobile-first product from scratch (iOS first, Android to follow)
- AI at the core – shaping how intelligent insights are embedded into the platform
- Work directly with an elite athlete founder, investors, and senior sporting stakeholders
- Clear long-term pathway into a Head of Engineering / CTO role
- Tech for Good impact in mental health and elite sport
This role will start as a part-time, equity-only position, moving into a full-time salaried role once funding is secured (targeting the coming months). This is a long-term opportunity, and is not intended as a short term contract.
Role responsibilities:
- Building and shipping a mobile-first platform (iOS primary)
- Architecting a headless, scalable SaaS platform with multiple user types
- Designing secure APIs and systems that can scale with elite organisations
- Translating product vision into shipped features
- Acting as the technical decision-maker in the early stages
- Communicating technical ideas clearly to non-technical stakeholders
- Supporting the Founder in technical conversations with partners, advisors, and investors
Requirements:
- Senior-level full-stack engineer with a strong front-end / mobile bias
- Deep experience with React Native (or similar) and iOS
- Experience building scalable SaaS platforms and APIs
- Early-stage startup experience and comfort building from scratch
- Strong communicator – confident explaining technical decisions and helping articulate the product externally
- Evidence of personal projects and genuine passion for building outside of day-to-day work
- UK-based (remote initially, with occasional travel expected as the business grows)
If you’re an engineer who wants more than “just another role”, I’d love to speak with you. Please click apply or send me a direct message for more details.
Founding Engineer employer: Forward Role Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Forward Role Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Founding Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to the startup scene. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about sliding into DMs. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects, especially anything related to mobile platforms or AI. This is your chance to demonstrate your technical prowess and passion for building innovative solutions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by understanding the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their tech vision and make a real impact in the mental health space.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining us on this exciting journey to change lives through technology.
We think you need these skills to ace Founding Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for tech and mental health shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in the world, especially in elite sports.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience with mobile-first platforms and AI. We’re looking for someone who can build from scratch, so don’t be shy about showcasing your past projects that align with our mission.
Communicate Clearly: Remember, you’ll be working closely with non-technical stakeholders. Use your application to demonstrate how you can explain complex technical ideas in a way that’s easy to understand. This is key for us!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own channels!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forward Role Recruitment
✨Know the Product Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand the mental health and performance platform being developed. Familiarise yourself with its features, target audience, and how it aims to support athletes. This will help you articulate how your technical skills can contribute to building this impactful product.
✨Showcase Your Technical Vision
As a Founding Engineer, you'll be shaping the technical direction of the startup. Be prepared to discuss your ideas on mobile-first architecture, AI integration, and scalable SaaS platforms. Share examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to innovate and solve complex problems.
✨Communicate Clearly with Non-Technical Stakeholders
Since you'll be working closely with a non-technical founder, practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms. Think about how you can bridge the gap between technology and business, ensuring everyone is on the same page. This skill will be crucial in gaining trust and making informed decisions together.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Tech for Good
This role is all about making a positive impact through technology. Share your personal projects or experiences that reflect your commitment to using tech for good, especially in mental health or sports. Showing genuine enthusiasm for the mission will resonate well with the founder and the team.