At a Glance
- Tasks: Build a real-time orchestration platform for airport operations using cutting-edge tech.
- Company: Exciting pre-seed AI startup transforming airport ground operations.
- Benefits: Massive ownership, work directly with founders, and shape the future of aviation.
- Other info: Join a founding team with expertise from Formula 1 and Lufthansa.
- Why this job: Tackle high-stakes problems and see your code make a real-world impact.
- Qualifications: 2-3 years in startups, strong algorithms knowledge, and a passion for building.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Pre‑seed airport operations AI startup backed by Entrepreneur First (EF).
As the first engineering hire, you will build the technical core of a real‑time orchestration platform for airport ground operations. You will design systems that reconcile noisy live signals into a canonical operational state, automating complex resource allocation and conflict resolution to prevent the cascading delays that cost the aviation industry billions annually.
Location: London, UK
Why this role is remarkable:
- Solve high‑stakes systems problems like real‑time state machines and dependency‑aware recomputation for live airport environments rather than building generic CRUD apps.
- Join a founding team with deep operational expertise from Formula 1, the FIA, and Lufthansa, backed by the EF Fall 2025 cohort.
- Gain massive employee #1 ownership, working directly with founders to move from architecture to implementation while seeing your code drive physical operations on the airport ramp.
What You Will Do:
- Design and implement real‑time data processing pipelines and conflict detection state machines using TypeScript, Python, and Convex.
- Build deterministic allocation and assignment logic that continuously recomputes the best use of staff and equipment under volatile real‑world constraints.
- Develop causal graph orchestration systems to handle delay propagation and multi‑tenant operational logic across complex task windows.
The Ideal Candidate:
- Has 2–3 years of experience in high‑growth startups building correctness‑sensitive backend systems, event‑driven architectures, or workflow engines.
- Demonstrates a strong grasp of algorithms and invariants, with the ability to own the full lifecycle of complex systems from architecture to production debugging.
- Is a prolific builder with a portfolio of side projects or open‑source contributions who thrives in ambiguous, founder‑level ownership environments.
Founding Software Engineer at Pre-seed airport operations AI startup employer: Jack & Jill
As a founding Software Engineer at our pre-seed airport operations AI startup in London, you will be part of an innovative team dedicated to revolutionising the aviation industry. We offer a dynamic work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration, with significant opportunities for personal and professional growth as you take ownership of critical projects from inception to implementation. Join us to make a tangible impact in a high-stakes environment while working alongside experts from Formula 1 and Lufthansa, all within the vibrant tech ecosystem of London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Founding Software Engineer at Pre-seed airport operations AI startup
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the aviation and tech industries, especially those connected to startups. Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with founders or engineers at similar companies and ask for insights or advice.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best projects, especially those related to real-time systems or backend development. Make sure to include any open-source contributions; it’s a great way to demonstrate your coding chops.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on algorithms and system design. Practice coding challenges that focus on real-time data processing and conflict resolution. We recommend using platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to sharpen your skills.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Founding Software Engineer at Pre-seed airport operations AI startup
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Problem-Solving:When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for tackling complex systems problems. Share examples of how you've solved tricky challenges in the past, especially in high-pressure environments like aviation or tech.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to emphasise your experience with backend systems and event-driven architectures. We want to know about your hands-on work with TypeScript, Python, or similar technologies, so don’t hold back on those details!
Demonstrate Ownership and Initiative:We love candidates who take charge! Include any side projects or open-source contributions that showcase your ability to own a project from start to finish. This will help us see your proactive nature and commitment to building great systems.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application. Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with our startup's mission. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can fit into our unique culture and contribute to our vision!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jack & Jill
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re well-versed in TypeScript, Python, and Convex. Brush up on your knowledge of real-time data processing and event-driven architectures. Being able to discuss your experience with these technologies will show that you're ready to dive into the technical challenges headfirst.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've tackled complex systems problems. Think about how you’ve approached conflict resolution or resource allocation in previous roles. This is your chance to demonstrate your ability to think critically and creatively under pressure.
✨Highlight Your Ownership Experience
Since this role involves a lot of responsibility, be ready to talk about times when you took ownership of a project from start to finish. Share your experiences in high-growth startups and how you navigated ambiguity. This will help the interviewers see you as a proactive and capable candidate.
✨Prepare Questions for the Founders
Engage with the founders by preparing insightful questions about their vision for the company and the technology stack. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the startup environment aligns with your career goals.
