At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of a privacy-first mobile app using Flutter and shape its technical direction.
- Company: An early-stage startup focused on building trusted digital communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, remote work, and a chance to influence product development.
- Other info: Fully remote role for UK/European developers with excellent growth potential.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team creating meaningful tech that prioritises user privacy.
- Qualifications: 6+ years in mobile development, strong Flutter and Dart skills, and experience with codebase improvement.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Please note: We are not open to contact from recruitment agencies or consultants for this role. We are also only considering UK or European-based developers — please do not apply if you are based outside this region.
About us
Hi, I'm Pete Winter, CTO for the company hiring this role. I'm hiring on behalf of an early-stage startup building infrastructure for member-owned digital communities - trusted, validated online spaces that don't monetise their members' data or attention. We believe the next generation of online communities won't be built on advertising or engagement extraction, but on validated membership, private interaction, and shared governance. Our first product is a private messaging service for a specific professional community, launching in the UK and expanding internationally. Further details about the company and product will be shared under NDA during the interview process.
The role
You'll be taking over lead control of our mobile codebase from the external development agency that built the initial version. Your first job is to get under the hood - analyse what's there, identify what's solid and what needs rework, and set the technical direction from here on. From there, you'll work with the CTO to lead the architecture and ongoing development of our flagship mobile app - and set the technical foundations for every product that follows on our infrastructure. You'll own the mobile codebase end-to-end, work directly with the founders on product decisions, and shape how a privacy-first messaging product gets built on Flutter. You'll be working on a product where trust is the entire proposition. Identity validation, private messaging, member data sovereignty, and a credentialed user base mean the technical bar is high and the stakes are real.
Location
This role is fully remote, and we're looking for a UK / European-based developer.
What you'll do
- Take over the existing Flutter codebase from our development agency, audit its architecture, code quality, and technical debt, and produce a clear plan for what to keep, refactor, or rebuild.
- Lead all subsequent architecture and delivery of the mobile app on Flutter, targeting iOS and Android from a single codebase.
- Make the core technical decisions on state management, real-time messaging, offline behaviour, and the encryption/privacy stack.
- Continue to build on our integration with our backend services, which are managed through a Python/Django administration system, for identity validation, registration, and messaging.
- Integrate third-party APIs and AI/LLM models to enrich and improve our database and member experience.
- Establish engineering practices — CI/CD, testing, release processes, code review — that will scale as the team grows.
- Partner closely with the CTO, founders, designers, and backend team on product and infrastructure decisions.
- Lay the groundwork for a multi-product architecture where the first app is one of several to be built on shared infrastructure.
What we're looking for
- 6+ years building production mobile applications, with at least 3 years shipping Flutter apps to the App Store and Google Play.
- Strong Dart fundamentals and deep familiarity with Flutter's rendering, animation, and platform channel layers.
- Demonstrable experience inheriting and improving existing codebases — auditing, refactoring, and bringing engineering standards up without rewriting from scratch unnecessarily.
- Solid grasp of mobile security, secure storage, and at least working knowledge of end-to-end encryption patterns.
- Experience integrating real-time messaging (WebSockets, push notifications, background sync).
- Experience consuming REST and/or GraphQL APIs from a Python/Django backend.
- Strong understanding of working with third-party APIs, and practical experience integrating AI/LLM models (OpenAI, Anthropic, or similar) into production applications.
- Comfort owning a codebase end-to-end, including testing, CI/CD, and release management.
- Native iOS or Android experience is a strong plus — you'll occasionally need to drop into platform code.
- Excellent written communication.
- Available to commit to the role full-time.
What we offer
- Competitive salary, benchmarked to your location.
- A great opportunity to join a company at an early stage, with big plans for future development both in the UK and globally.
- A genuinely meaningful product with real users who need it.
- Direct ownership of architectural decisions, not implementing someone else's spec.
Lead Flutter Developer (Remote, Full-time, Early-stage mobile lead) employer: petewinter.com
Join an innovative early-stage startup that prioritises privacy and community, offering a unique opportunity to lead the development of a cutting-edge mobile app. With a fully remote work culture, competitive salary, and direct involvement in architectural decisions, you'll play a crucial role in shaping a product that truly values user trust and data sovereignty. This is not just a job; it's a chance to make a meaningful impact in the digital landscape while growing alongside a passionate team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Flutter Developer (Remote, Full-time, Early-stage mobile lead)
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those who might know Pete or the team. A personal connection can make all the difference when you're trying to land that lead Flutter developer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best Flutter projects. Highlight any experience with mobile security and real-time messaging, as these are key for the role. We want to see what you can do!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about your approach to codebases. They’ll want to know how you handle audits and refactoring. Brush up on your Dart fundamentals and be prepared to discuss your past experiences in detail.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to build trusted online communities.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Flutter Developer (Remote, Full-time, Early-stage mobile lead)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Privacy:When writing your application, let us know why you're excited about building a privacy-first messaging product. Share your thoughts on the importance of data sovereignty and how it aligns with your values.
Highlight Your Flutter Experience:Make sure to showcase your experience with Flutter in your application. We want to see specific examples of apps you've built, especially those that demonstrate your ability to manage and improve existing codebases.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role. Remember, we’re looking for excellent written communication!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at petewinter.com
✨Know Your Codebase Inside Out
Before the interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with Flutter and Dart. Be prepared to discuss your experience with existing codebases, especially how you've audited and improved them in the past. This will show that you can hit the ground running and take ownership of the mobile codebase.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Think of specific examples where you've tackled technical challenges, particularly around mobile security and real-time messaging. Be ready to explain your thought process and the decisions you made. This will demonstrate your ability to lead the architecture and development of their app.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Since you'll be working closely with the CTO and founders, strong communication skills are a must. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. This will help you convey your ideas clearly and show that you can collaborate effectively with non-technical team members.
✨Align with Their Vision
Research the company's mission around privacy-first messaging and member-owned communities. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to building a product that prioritises user trust and data sovereignty. This will show your genuine interest in the role and the company.
