At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape a cutting-edge AI-native data platform and tackle complex data challenges.
- Company: Fast-scaling data platform backed by private equity with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive package, direct influence on key decisions, and growth opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and help shape the future of data technology.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working closely with the CTO and senior leadership.
- Qualifications: Experience in building data platforms, strong programming skills, and excellent communication.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 98000 £ per year.
This is a rare opportunity to shape the technical core of a fast-scaling data platform backed by private equity. You will work directly with the CTO to unify multiple data businesses into a single AI-native platform, combining hands-on engineering with strategic influence at board level. If you enjoy solving complex data challenges at scale and building from first principles, this role offers significant scope and impact.
The Company
They are a growing data platform business built through the acquisition of specialist data companies across multiple markets. Backed by a well-established private equity partner, they are scaling quickly and expanding their global footprint. Each business within the group brings unique datasets and capabilities, and the long-term vision is to unify these into one intelligent, AI-driven platform. The organisation combines technical ambition with a pragmatic, commercially focused approach to growth.
The Role
- Act as a technical partner to the CTO, helping to define and deliver a unified data platform across the group.
- Build and lead the development of a centralised, AI-native data platform.
- Design and implement scalable data systems, APIs, and integration layers.
- Lead technical due diligence and post-acquisition integration of new businesses.
- Establish AI engineering standards and best practices across the group.
- Develop and deploy AI-driven tools and agents to improve data quality and velocity.
- Contribute directly to production code while shaping platform architecture.
- Engage with senior stakeholders, including presenting technical strategy at board level.
- Support the gradual growth of a high-performing, small engineering team.
Your Skills & Experience
- Strong commercial experience building and scaling data platforms, APIs, or data products.
- Hands-on programming expertise with Python, SQL, and TypeScript.
- Ability to operate across both engineering delivery and high-level architecture.
- Experience working with large, complex datasets and data pipelines at scale.
- Comfortable navigating hybrid environments including cloud and on-premise systems.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Commercial awareness and an understanding of how data products drive business value.
- Background as a senior individual contributor or technical leader in high-impact environments.
What They Offer
- Opportunity to work directly with senior leadership and influence business-critical decisions.
- Exposure to private equity-backed growth and acquisition strategy.
- Significant scope to build and shape a platform and team from an early stage.
- Benefits package to be confirmed.
How to Apply
If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit your CV to discuss further.
Staff Software Engineer in London employer: Harnham
Join a dynamic and rapidly growing data platform company where you will have the unique opportunity to work closely with the CTO and influence strategic decisions at the highest level. With a strong focus on innovation and collaboration, the company fosters a culture that encourages hands-on engineering and leadership, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Located in a vibrant market, this role offers the chance to shape an AI-native platform while being part of a supportive team dedicated to excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Staff Software Engineer in London
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Harnham or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Harnham.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Harnham.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Harnham that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Staff Software Engineer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Harnham.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Harnham and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harnham
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Harnham uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
