Head of Software Engineering in Lancaster

Head of Software Engineering in Lancaster

Lancaster Full-Time 72000 - 88000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Quantum Base Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic engineering team to develop innovative software solutions using cutting-edge technology.
  • Company: Quantum Base, a pioneering tech firm making quantum science practical and accessible.
  • Benefits: 30 days leave, flexible hours, hybrid work, pension, and annual bonuses.
  • Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a collaborative and innovative environment.
  • Why this job: Join us to tackle complex challenges in quantum technology and make a real impact.
  • Qualifications: 8+ years in software engineering with leadership experience and strong technical skills.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 88000 £ per year.

  • Head of Software Engineering
  • £90,000 - £110,000
  • Role: Head of Software Engineering
  • Relocation: Relocation package available
  • Reporting into: Chief Technology Officer
  • Start: ASAP
  • About Quantum Base

Quantum Base exists to make quantum science useful.

Founded at Lancaster University in 2015 by Professor Robert Young, we have spent a decade solving a problem the security industry had accepted as unsolvable: authentication that is impossible to copy, clone or fake, yet simple enough for anyone to use.

Our core technology, Q-ID®, is an authentication fingerprint built on quantum physics that anyone can authenticate in under three seconds with the smartphone already in their pocket.

Impossibly simple.

Atomically secure.

Q-ID® is protected by more than 40 patents, has undergone independent adversarial testing, and is already protecting around two billion products worldwide across tax stamps, pharmaceuticals, alcohol, luxury goods, FMCG, automotive, aerospace, secure documents and more.

We work with printers and brands to make quantum technology practical and accessible for any product, anywhere in the world.

Quantum Base is headquartered in Lancaster and listed on the London Stock Exchange (LON: QUBE) in 2025. See Q-ID® in action: https://www. quantumbase. com/how-q-id-works

About the Role

The Head of Software Engineering will be responsible for leading and managing a multidisciplinary engineering team, with a tech stack spanning (in order of importance):

  • Machine Learning (neural networks, signal processing, computer vision; Python)
  • Advanced algorithm development (Python)
  • Cloud platforms (mainly AWS)
  • Mobile development (i OS & Android)
  • Web App (ASP. Net, Java Script on Azure)
  • Desktop App (Python)

This senior leadership position requires someone who can be hands on and is still in the code day-to-day.

You’ll drive technical excellence, foster innovation, encourage continual improvement and deliver high-quality software solutions.

Including

  • Strategic Leadership
  • Drive the simplification and consolidation of our platform, models and algorithms so the business can scale without proportional engineering growth
  • Define the technical vision and strategy for software development in alignment with business objectives.
  • Oversee the development and deployment of scalable, high-performing applications and platforms.
  • Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the engineering team.
  • Team Management
  • Manage, mentor, and inspire a team that includes engineers, machine learning specialists, mathematicians and physicists.
  • Support talent acquisition, retention, and development to ensure a high-performing team.
  • Technical Oversight
  • Provide hands-on technical guidance for complex software development projects, specifically with the application of machine learning and advanced algorithms.
  • Ensure best practices in software development, including code quality, testing, and documentation.
  • Collaborate with product managers, designers, and other stakeholders to define technical requirements and ensure successful delivery.
  • Key experience
  • Proven experience (8+ years) in software engineering, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
  • Strong quantitative background (physics, mathematics or a closely related discipline)
  • Expertise across our technology stack.
  • Strong engineering fundamentals (testing, design, code quality)
  • Strong understanding of software development methodologies, including Agile and Dev Ops practices.

Benefits

Some of our benefits include

  • 30 days annual leave, plus public holidays.
  • Flexible working hours.
  • Hybrid working.
  • Cycle to Work scheme.
  • Pension.
  • Annual bonus.
  • Participation in the company share scheme.

This is a rare chance to lead software engineering at a company where the hardest problems are physics and mathematics, not process.

If you want to build on that kind of foundation, we want to hear from you.

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Head of Software Engineering in Lancaster employer: Quantum Base Limited

Quantum Base Limited is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and innovative work culture, perfect for creative minds eager to make an impact in mobile app design. With a focus on rapid prototyping and collaboration with engineers and scientists, employees are empowered to grow their skills in a cutting-edge environment while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of London’s Old Street. The company also offers flexible working arrangements and covers travel expenses for occasional trips to Lancaster, making it an attractive opportunity for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.

Quantum Base Limited

Contact Details:

Quantum Base Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Software Engineering in Lancaster

Join Local Tech Meetups

Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Quantum Base Limited or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!

Contribute to Open Source Projects

Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Quantum Base Limited.

Tap into Online Developer Communities

Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Quantum Base Limited.

Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles

Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Quantum Base Limited that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Software Engineering in Lancaster

Machine Learning
Neural Networks
Signal Processing
Computer Vision
Python
Advanced Algorithm Development
Cloud Platforms (AWS)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.

Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Quantum Base Limited.

Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Quantum Base Limited and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!

Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!

How to prepare for a job interview at Quantum Base Limited

Brush Up on Your Coding Skills

For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.

Know Your Tools and Frameworks

Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Quantum Base Limited uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.

Showcase Your Projects

Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.

Prepare for Behavioural Questions

While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.