At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build real-time systems for airport operations using cutting-edge tech.
- Company: Exciting pre-seed AI startup transforming airport ground operations.
- Benefits: Massive ownership as employee #1 and direct impact on aviation efficiency.
- Other info: Join a founding team with expertise from Formula 1 and Lufthansa.
- Why this job: Tackle high-stakes challenges and see your code drive real-world operations.
- 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 in London 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 that is 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 enjoying the unique advantage of working alongside industry veterans from Formula 1 and Lufthansa.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Founding Software Engineer at Pre-seed airport operations AI startup 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 where you can chat with founders and engineers – it’s all about making those connections that could lead to your dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those related to real-time systems or backend development. When you apply through our website, include links to your GitHub or any relevant work that demonstrates your expertise and passion for building complex systems.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on algorithms and system design. Practice coding challenges that focus on event-driven architectures and real-time data processing. We recommend using platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to sharpen your skills before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to discuss your thought process! During interviews, articulate how you approach problem-solving and system design. Share your experiences from past projects, especially those that involved ambiguity and ownership, as this will resonate with the startup vibe and show you’re a perfect fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Founding Software Engineer at Pre-seed airport operations AI startup in London
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-stakes environments like aviation or tech.
Highlight Your Technical Skills:Make sure to showcase your experience with TypeScript, Python, and any relevant technologies. We want to know about your hands-on experience building backend systems and how you’ve contributed to projects that required a strong grasp of algorithms.
Demonstrate Ownership and Initiative:We love candidates who take charge! In your application, mention any side projects or open-source contributions that reflect your ability to own the full lifecycle of a project. Show us how you thrive in ambiguous situations and can drive results.
Tailor Your Application to Us:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to our startup's mission and values. Let us know why you're excited about joining our founding team and how you can 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 of the role.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've tackled complex systems problems. Think about how you've designed algorithms or built backend systems in previous roles. This is your chance to demonstrate your ability to handle high-stakes situations, just like those faced in airport operations.
✨Highlight Your Ownership Experience
Since this role involves a lot of responsibility, be ready to talk about times when you've taken ownership of projects. Share stories about how you’ve moved from architecture to implementation, and how your contributions have made a tangible impact. This will resonate well with the startup culture.
✨Prepare Questions for the Founders
Engage with the founders by preparing thoughtful 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. Plus, it’s a great way to build rapport!
