At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and development of a scalable payments platform using modern technologies.
- Company: Exciting London-based fintech start-up with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity potential, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Join a high-growth team with opportunities for leadership and mentorship.
- Why this job: Shape the future of payments while working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in React Native, Node.js, and AWS infrastructure.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 105000 € per year.
We’re partnering with an ambitious London-based payments start-up looking to hire a hands-on Lead Software Engineer to help shape the next generation of their platform as they scale. This is a high-impact opportunity for a senior engineering leader who enjoys operating across architecture, platform engineering, product delivery, and technical strategy in a fast-moving environment.
You’ll play a key role in defining engineering standards, influencing product direction, and building scalable systems capable of supporting rapid growth within a modern payments ecosystem.
The Opportunity
Joining at an exciting stage of growth, you’ll work closely with founders, product teams, and engineers to design and deliver a highly scalable payments platform using modern cloud-native technologies. This role combines hands-on engineering, technical leadership, architecture ownership, and mentoring responsibilities. You’ll be expected to remain close to the code while driving best practice across the wider engineering function.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and evolve platform architecture across mobile, backend, and cloud infrastructure
- Lead engineering design decisions and establish scalable development standards
- Build and optimise high-performance backend services using Node.js
- Drive mobile architecture and delivery using React Native
- Own AWS infrastructure strategy, scalability, reliability, and security
- Work closely with product and leadership teams to shape technical roadmap
- Champion engineering excellence, DevOps culture, CI/CD, and automation
- Explore and implement modern AI-assisted engineering tooling and workflows
Required Experience
We’re looking for a strong technical leader with experience building scalable products within start-up or high-growth environments.
Essential Skills
- Strong experience with React Native
- Deep backend engineering expertise using Node.js
- Strong knowledge of AWS infrastructure and cloud-native architecture
- Experience working with PostgreSQL and scalable data design
- Proven experience operating at Technical Architect, Principal Engineer, or Staff Engineer level
- Experience building scalable distributed systems and APIs
- Strong understanding of modern software engineering best practices
Desirable Experience
- Payments, fintech, or regulated environment experience
- Exposure to AI-assisted development tooling such as Claude, GitHub Copilot, Cursor, or similar
- DevOps and infrastructure-as-code experience
What’s on Offer
- Opportunity to shape architecture from an early stage
- High ownership and autonomy
- Modern engineering environment
- Fast-growing fintech business with strong leadership backing
- Competitive salary + equity potential
- Hybrid working in London
Lead Software Engineer in London employer: Franklin Bates
Join a dynamic and innovative payments start-up in London, where you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of their platform as a Lead Software Engineer. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will enjoy high ownership and autonomy in a modern engineering environment, alongside competitive salary and equity potential. The collaborative work culture encourages technical leadership and mentorship, making it an excellent place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the fintech space.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Software Engineer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech industry, especially those in fintech. A personal introduction can make all the difference when you're aiming for that Lead Software Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving Node.js and React Native. This is your chance to demonstrate your hands-on engineering experience and technical leadership.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of AWS and scalable systems. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced product direction and defined engineering standards in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team and shaping the future of payments technology together.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Software Engineer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Lead Software Engineer role. Highlight your hands-on engineering experience, especially with Node.js and React Native, as well as any leadership roles you've had in past projects.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're excited about this opportunity. Share specific examples of how you've shaped platform architecture or led teams in a fast-paced environment, and don’t forget to mention your passion for fintech!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, be sure to include any relevant projects or achievements that demonstrate your expertise in AWS, scalable systems, and modern software engineering practices. We love seeing real-world applications of your skills!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to join our growing team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Franklin Bates
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, especially Node.js and React Native. Brush up on your AWS knowledge too, as you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of cloud-native architecture during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Software Engineer, you'll be expected to lead and mentor others. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or influenced product direction. This will show that you can handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to dive deep into technical discussions. Be ready to explain your approach to building scalable systems and optimising backend services. Practise coding challenges or system design questions that reflect the high-performance standards they’re looking for.
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Research the payments start-up and understand their mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to shaping their platform as they scale. This shows genuine interest and helps you stand out.
