At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor a small engineering team while driving accountability and delivery.
- Company: Established tech business focused on product and data-driven solutions.
- Benefits: High autonomy, potential for permanent role, and direct access to leadership.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and influence.
- Why this job: Shape the future of engineering and make a meaningful impact from day one.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in leading engineering teams and strong JavaScript expertise.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 75000 £ per year.
We are working with an established product and data-driven technology business looking for a hands-on Head of Engineering to lead a small engineering team through an important period of change and growth. This role needs someone who can bring structure, momentum and strong leadership to the team while remaining technically hands-on and capable of leading from the front when needed. You will need to earn trust quickly, challenge where appropriate, make decisions confidently and keep delivery moving forward. You will work closely with senior leadership and play a key role in shaping engineering standards, improving ways of working and creating better alignment across engineering, product and delivery. This is not a role for someone who wants to sit above the detail. The team needs a leader who can step into difficult conversations, drive accountability and bring focus when priorities or opinions pull in different directions.
The current environment is heavily focused around modern JavaScript and full-stack engineering, including Node.js, API architecture and cloud-native delivery.
The Role
- You will lead a small engineering team across product development, cloud-native services and client-facing solutions.
- The business is looking for someone who can balance leadership with hands-on technical involvement. Leadership will be the larger part of the role, but it is important that you can still contribute technically and demonstrate strong engineering judgement through hands-on involvement where needed. The expectation is roughly a 70:30 or 60:40 split in favour of leadership.
- You will also partner closely with senior stakeholders and help create a stronger operational rhythm across engineering delivery.
Responsibilities
- Lead and mentor a small engineering team.
- Drive accountability and keep delivery moving forward.
- Make clear decisions and bring alignment across the team.
- Gain the respect of the engineering team through both leadership and technical contribution.
- Bring structure and focus to engineering planning and execution.
- Challenge unproductive behaviours and keep teams aligned on priorities.
- Work closely with senior leadership to raise concerns, unblock issues and improve outcomes.
- Provide technical leadership across a modern JavaScript/TypeScript stack.
- Contribute hands-on where needed across architecture, development, APIs and cloud-native services.
- Help shape the future direction of engineering within the business.
- Balance engineering quality with pragmatic delivery outcomes and momentum.
About You
- Proven experience leading engineering teams within product or SaaS environments.
- Deep expertise in JavaScript, ideally including TypeScript.
- Strong full-stack engineering experience, including Node.js and API architecture.
- Comfortable contributing technically within a modern cloud-native environment.
- Comfortable leading difficult conversations and challenging constructively when needed.
- Able to establish trust quickly with both engineers and stakeholders.
- Strong decision-making skills and confidence operating in evolving environments.
- Pragmatic mindset with the ability to balance engineering quality with delivery momentum.
- Process-driven with the ability to create focus and avoid unnecessary tangents.
- Comfortable balancing technical leadership with people leadership.
- Confident operating in technical discussions with senior engineers and stakeholders.
- Comfortable working within small, collaborative teams with minimal hierarchy.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience working closely with founders, CTOs or senior leadership teams.
Nice to Have
- Experience with Google Cloud Platform.
- Experience with modern deployment platforms such as Vercel.
- Exposure to geospatial, GIS or mapping products.
- Interest or experience in open source technologies or communities.
Why Join?
- Opportunity to shape and influence an evolving engineering function.
- High level of autonomy and visibility within the business.
- Chance to make a meaningful impact quickly.
- Collaborative, low-hierarchy environment with direct access to leadership.
- Small team environment where you can influence engineering direction from day one.
- Work closely with experienced founders and senior leadership.
- Strong opportunity to transition into a permanent leadership role.
Head of Engineering in Edinburgh employer: hedgehog lab
Join a forward-thinking technology business as the Head of Engineering, where you will lead a dynamic team through a transformative phase. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and autonomy, this role offers the chance to make a significant impact while working closely with senior leadership in a low-hierarchy environment. Enjoy opportunities for professional growth and the potential for a permanent position, all while contributing to innovative projects in a modern cloud-native setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Engineering in Edinburgh
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Head of Engineering role you’re after at hedgehog lab.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at hedgehog lab a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at hedgehog lab.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Head of Engineering at hedgehog lab, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Engineering in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Head of Engineering, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at hedgehog lab a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to hedgehog lab specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at hedgehog lab
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with hedgehog lab, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like hedgehog lab want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
