At a Glance
- Tasks: Build innovative features from concept to deployment and shape the product's future.
- Company: Exciting early-stage startup in London with a mission to tackle global inefficiencies.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, meaningful equity, and hybrid work model.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with direct access to founders and no tedious interview processes.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real impact using cutting-edge AI technology.
- Qualifications: 3+ years of full stack experience and a builder mindset.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
I'm working with a well-funded, early-stage startup in London that's just closed a multi-million pound funding round and already has active customers and a live product. They're now hiring Founding Engineers to help scale it. The problem they're solving is massive - we're talking a trillion-dollar global inefficiency that affects every person on the planet. They're using AI agents and modern infrastructure to fix it, and the early traction speaks for itself. Despite being small, this team punches well above its weight. Founded by engineers with deep experience in regulated tech, they move fast, own their work, and care about what they're building. No passengers here.
What you'll be doing:
- Building new features end-to-end, from concept to deployment
- Working directly with founders and customers from day one
- Taking real ownership over technical decisions and architecture
- Helping shape engineering culture and product direction
- Shipping fast and iterating based on real user feedback
The tech:
- React, TypeScript
- AWS, Terraform
- AI agents and durable workflows in production
What's in it for you:
- £100,000 – £150,000 base salary + meaningful founding equity
- Genuine ownership over product and technical direction
- Work directly with experienced, technical founders
- London office (hybrid - 1/2 Days a Week)
- Three-stage interview process - no take-home tests, no work trials
What they're looking for:
- 3+ years of full stack experience shipping real products
- Someone who uses AI tools daily and has opinions on where they actually add value
- Startup or high-growth background - comfortable with ambiguity and moving fast
- A builder with a founder mindset who wants to own things, not just complete tickets
- Bonus if you've shipped AI to production or built 0 to 1 before
Founding Software Engineer employer: HartleyCo
As a leading Fleet-based IT managed service provider and consultancy, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. With a strong focus on professional development, we offer numerous growth opportunities for our team members, alongside the chance to engage with diverse clients and cutting-edge technologies. Our hybrid working model ensures a balanced approach to work-life integration, making us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in IT architecture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Founding Software Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the startup scene, especially those who are already working at companies you’re interested in. A friendly chat can lead to referrals, and we all know how much that helps in landing an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the tech! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with AI tools and your thoughts on their impact. We want to see that you’re not just a coder but someone who genuinely cares about the product and its direction.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the fast-paced environment! Brush up on your full-stack skills and be ready to discuss how you've tackled ambiguity in past projects. We love builders who thrive under pressure and can pivot quickly when needed.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to tackle that trillion-dollar inefficiency!
We think you need these skills to ace Founding Software Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Building:When you're writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for building products from the ground up. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on and how you took ownership of them. We want to know what drives you!
Highlight Your Technical Skills:Make sure to showcase your full stack experience and any relevant tech skills, especially with React, TypeScript, and AWS. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so don’t hold back on your technical prowess!
Emphasise Your Startup Experience:If you've got a background in startups or high-growth environments, shout about it! We love candidates who thrive in fast-paced settings and can navigate ambiguity. Tell us how you've adapted and contributed in such situations.
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, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at HartleyCo
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re well-versed in React, TypeScript, AWS, and Terraform. Brush up on your knowledge of AI agents and durable workflows, as these are crucial for the role. Being able to discuss how you've used these technologies in past projects will show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Show Your Ownership Mindset
This startup is looking for someone who can take real ownership over technical decisions. Prepare examples from your previous work where you’ve taken initiative, made impactful decisions, or shaped a project’s direction. Highlighting your builder mentality will resonate well with the founders.
✨Embrace the Startup Culture
Familiarise yourself with the fast-paced, ambiguous nature of startups. Be ready to discuss how you've thrived in similar environments before. Share stories that demonstrate your adaptability and willingness to tackle challenges head-on, as this will align with their team ethos.
✨Engage with Real User Feedback
Since the role involves iterating based on user feedback, think about how you’ve incorporated user insights into your work. Prepare to discuss specific instances where user feedback led to significant changes or improvements in your projects. This shows you value customer input and are committed to delivering a great product.
