At a Glance
- Tasks: Build innovative features from concept to deployment and shape the product's future.
- Company: Exciting early-stage startup tackling a trillion-dollar global inefficiency.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity, and genuine ownership over product direction.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with a dynamic environment and fast-paced growth.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real impact with cutting-edge AI technology.
- Qualifications: 3+ years 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 in London employer: HartleyCo
Join a dynamic and innovative early-stage startup in London, where you'll have the opportunity to make a significant impact by tackling a trillion-dollar global inefficiency. With a strong focus on employee ownership and a collaborative work culture, this company offers competitive salaries, meaningful equity, and the chance to work closely with experienced founders in a hybrid environment. Embrace your role as a Founding Software Engineer and help shape the future of technology while enjoying ample growth opportunities in a fast-paced setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Founding Software Engineer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to the startup scene. Attend meetups or tech events in London to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving AI and full-stack development. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for a chat! Prepare for informal interviews or coffee chats with founders or team members. They want to see if you fit into their fast-paced culture, so be yourself and show your passion for building.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining us. Tailor your application to highlight your experience with startups and AI, and let’s get the conversation started!
We think you need these skills to ace Founding Software Engineer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role and the company shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about solving big problems and building something impactful.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your relevant experience, especially in full stack development and AI tools. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we’re doing at StudySmarter, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the Founding Engineer role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at HartleyCo
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, like React and TypeScript. Brush up on your AWS and Terraform knowledge too, as they’ll likely ask you about your experience with these tools during the interview.
✨Show Your Ownership Mindset
This role is all about taking ownership, so be ready to discuss past projects where you’ve made significant technical decisions. Share examples of how you’ve shaped product direction or engineering culture in previous roles to demonstrate that you’re a builder, not just a doer.
✨Be Ready to Discuss AI Tools
Since they’re looking for someone who uses AI tools daily, prepare to talk about your experiences with them. Have specific examples ready that showcase how you’ve leveraged AI to add value in your projects, especially if you’ve shipped AI to production.
✨Embrace the Startup Spirit
They want someone comfortable with ambiguity and fast-paced environments. Be prepared to share stories from your past that highlight your adaptability and how you thrive in startup settings. Show them you’re excited about the challenge of building something impactful from the ground up.
