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- Tasks: Lead the development of a groundbreaking national security software platform.
- Company: Mission-driven London startup focused on critical infrastructure.
- Benefits: Equity options, full ownership of projects, and a chance to shape the future.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and tackle complex challenges in a high-stakes environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in national security while owning your work from day one.
- Qualifications: 5-10 years in engineering with strong skills in system architecture.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
Mission-driven London startup building national security and critical infrastructure software.
As the first technical hire, you will architect and build a modular, interoperable platform to detect and respond to cross-domain security threats. You will design a system that synthesizes signals from cyber, physical, and information domains, translating complex real-world national resilience problems into robust, production-ready software for high-consequence environments.
Location: London, UK
Why this role is remarkable:
- Full technical ownership of a mission-critical platform from a completely blank slate, with direct influence on the company's product direction.
- Opportunity to build foundational technology for national security and defense, tackling complex problems that existing siloed systems cannot solve.
- Meaningful equity is available, offering a co-founder level stake or early employee options for a truly vested interest in the mission.
What You Will Do:
- Design and implement a scalable system architecture that integrates multiple external SME technologies and disparate data sources.
- Work directly with the CEO to prototype and build the synthesis layer that produces decision-ready intelligence for government clients.
- Own the entire engineering lifecycle, from selecting the tech stack and tooling to hands-on development and future team building.
The ideal candidate:
- 5–10 years of experience in hands-on engineering with strong architectural judgment in integration-heavy or distributed systems.
- Proven ability to build robust software from first principles, staying deep in the code while navigating high-level product ambiguity.
- Strong motivation for mission-driven work in national resilience, with the existing legal right to work in the UK.
Technical Lead / CTO (+ Equity) at London startup building national security software employer: Jack & Jill
Contact Detail:
Jack & Jill Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Lead / CTO (+ Equity) at London startup building national security software
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech and national security sectors. Attend meetups, webinars, or even casual coffee chats. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can refer you directly to hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your past projects, especially those related to system architecture and integration-heavy solutions. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table, especially for a role as impactful as Technical Lead or CTO.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your coding skills and system design principles. Practice explaining your thought process clearly and concisely. Remember, they want to see how you tackle complex problems, so be ready to dive deep into your approach!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re all about making connections with passionate individuals who are eager to make a difference in national security. Your application will stand out when it comes directly to us, and we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Lead / CTO (+ Equity) at London startup building national security software
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for national security and mission-driven work shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about making a difference in this field.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in hands-on engineering and system architecture. We’re looking for someone who can build robust software from scratch, so don’t be shy about showcasing your past projects and achievements that align with this role.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your skills and experiences are easy to understand. This will help us see how you fit into our mission without getting lost in the details.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jack & Jill
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies and methodologies relevant to the role. Brush up on system architecture, integration-heavy systems, and any specific tools mentioned in the job description. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience with these technologies will show that you’re not just a theorist but someone who can get into the code.
✨Understand the Mission
This role is all about national security and resilience, so take some time to understand the current challenges in this field. Familiarise yourself with recent developments and how technology plays a role in addressing these issues. Showing genuine interest and knowledge about the mission will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for High-Level Discussions
As a Technical Lead or CTO, you’ll need to navigate both technical and strategic conversations. Prepare to discuss how you would approach building a modular platform and integrating various data sources. Think about how you would communicate complex ideas simply, as you may need to explain them to non-technical stakeholders.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since you’ll be owning the entire engineering lifecycle, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Be ready to share examples of how you’ve built teams, mentored others, or made critical decisions in past roles. Highlighting your ability to lead in high-consequence environments will set you apart.