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- Tasks: Build a mobile-first mental health platform and shape the technical vision.
- 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: Make a real difference in athletes' lives while building innovative tech.
- 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.
They’re now looking for a Founding Engineer (Mobile & Platform) to help build the product from the ground up and become the technical heartbeat of the business.
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 in Manchester employer: Forward Role Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Forward Role Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Founding Engineer in Manchester
✨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 or AI. This is your chance to demonstrate your technical prowess and passion for building impactful products.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for conversations with the founder. Research their background and the startup’s mission. Be ready to discuss how your skills can help shape the product and the company’s vision. This shows you’re not just looking for a job, but are genuinely invested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little persistence can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Founding Engineer in Manchester
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’re genuinely excited about building something impactful and that you care about the mission behind our startup.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in mobile development and SaaS platforms. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so connect your past projects to what we’re doing here at StudySmarter.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to technical details. Remember, you’ll be communicating with non-technical stakeholders, so show us you can break down complex ideas.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 build from scratch.
✨Communicate Clearly with Non-Technical Stakeholders
Since you'll be working closely with a non-technical founder, practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. Think of ways to bridge the gap between technical jargon and everyday language, so you can effectively communicate your ideas and decisions during the interview.
✨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 interviewers.