The Role
We're looking for a highly experienced Lead Full-Stack Engineer to play a key role in the development of a brand-new platform. While this is a full-stack position, the primary focus will be on designing and building scalable backend services, with occasional involvement in mobile application development.
You'll take ownership of features from design through to deployment, working closely with engineering and product teams to deliver secure, high-performance solutions. This role requires someone who is comfortable operating within a complex enterprise environment, influencing technical direction, and collaborating with multiple teams across different technology stacks.
What You'll Be Doing
- Designing, developing, and maintaining scalable backend services using NestJS, Node.js, and TypeScript
- Taking ownership of technical design, architecture decisions, and implementation of new features
- Building and integrating mobile application functionality using React Native and Expo
- Implementing secure authentication and authorisation solutions using Auth0
- Creating and maintaining CI/CD pipelines to support efficient and reliable deployments
- Designing and optimising PostgreSQL database schemas and queries
- Leveraging Redis for caching, session management, and performance improvements
- Containerising applications with Docker and managing deployments within AWS ECS
- Collaborating with engineers, architects, and platform teams to ensure alignment across systems and services
- Promoting engineering best practices including automated testing, code quality, and scalable system design
Knowledge Skills & Abilities
- Extensive experience as a Senior or Lead Engineer delivering complex, production-grade applications
- Expert knowledge of Node.js, TypeScript, and NestJS
- Strong experience designing and optimising solutions with PostgreSQL and Redis
- Proven track record of deploying and managing containerised applications using Docker and AWS ECS
- Solid understanding of software architecture, design patterns, and distributed systems
- Experience delivering full-stack solutions, including hands-on work with React Native and Expo
- Strong knowledge of authentication and identity management, ideally with Auth0
- Passion for automated testing, including unit, integration, and end-to-end testing
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence technical decisions and collaborate across multiple teams
Behaviours
- An open and genuine communicator
- Able to take responsibility for your actions
- Always learning and wanting to improve
- Takes responsibility for own development
- Love what you do
- Value and support your team
- Embrace who you are
- Open minded and willing to explore new ideas
What We Offer
We value our team and to attract exceptional people, we offer an excellent package! In 2023, 2024 and 2025 we were recognised as one of the Best Workplaces in Tech by Great Place To Work UK, the global authority on workplace culture.
As a Leighton employee you can look forward to:
- A competitive salary this will be dependent on experience.
- A contributory pension scheme
- Private healthcare
- 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and the opportunity to buy or sell holiday
- A flexible approach to working hours
- Continuous personal development, career path and training
- And more....
Lead Full-Stack Engineer in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Leighton
Leighton is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for a Principal Solutions Architect to thrive. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer extensive training and development opportunities, alongside a supportive work environment that values diverse perspectives. Located in a vibrant area, our team enjoys a dynamic workplace that encourages creativity and engagement in shaping the future of finance technology.
