Lead Engineer (Contract)

Lead Engineer (Contract)

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Stealth Startup

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the development of a cutting-edge fintech platform and drive innovative features.
  • Company: Join an early-stage B2B fintech revolutionising credit management in Europe.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, potential for permanent role with equity, and flexible working arrangements.
  • Other info: Dynamic startup environment with significant growth opportunities and hands-on leadership.
  • Why this job: Be at the forefront of fintech innovation and make a real impact on the industry.
  • Qualifications: 8+ years in engineering, strong backend skills, and experience with TypeScript.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

This is initially a rolling contract engagement. For the right person, there is a potential path to a permanent role with equity.

About the company

We're an early-stage B2B fintech building verification and credit management infrastructure for the UK and European markets. Our platform replaces a slow, manual onboarding process with an automated workflow that brings together company, credit, banking, and compliance data into a single credit decision.

About the role

We're looking for a senior engineer to take ownership of the platform and drive it forward, working directly with the founder. This is a hands-on, full-stack role weighted heavily toward the backend, building on an established codebase rather than starting from scratch. There is a lot still to build. The core platform is taking shape, and the roadmap ahead is substantial, spanning deeper verification and fraud tooling, post-onboarding monitoring, ERP integrations, and new markets. You'd be central to building it.

What you'll do

  • Own the technical direction and architecture of the platform and ship features end to end
  • Build and maintain integrations with external data providers, handling inconsistent formats, rate limits, and failures
  • Build new product features end to end, from the backend through to the interface
  • Ensure the platform handles sensitive data securely and in line with GDPR and other regulatory requirements
  • Keep the codebase clean, typed, and well-tested as it grows

What we're looking for

  • 8+ years of production engineering experience, with deep backend expertise and full-stack capability
  • Strong command of TypeScript and relational databases (schema design, transactions, migrations)
  • A track record of integrating third-party APIs in production and handling the messiness that comes with them
  • Comfort working independently and making sound architectural decisions with minimal oversight
  • Experience reading and extending a large, well-structured codebase

Nice to have

  • Background in fintech, regtech, or compliance
  • Experience with Open Banking, credit data, or company registry integrations
  • Early-stage or founding engineering experience

Details

Stack: TypeScript, PostgreSQL, serverless infrastructure

Competitive hourly or day rate, depending on experience

Start: immediate

Lead Engineer (Contract) employer: Stealth Startup

As an early-stage B2B fintech, we offer a dynamic and innovative work environment where you can take ownership of your projects and directly influence the platform's development. Our culture fosters collaboration and growth, providing opportunities for meaningful contributions and potential pathways to permanent roles with equity. Located in the heart of the UK fintech scene, we are at the forefront of transforming credit management infrastructure, making this an exciting place to advance your career.

Stealth Startup

Contact Details:

Stealth Startup Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Engineer (Contract)

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fintech space and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that Lead Engineer role.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your past projects, especially those involving TypeScript and backend integrations. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, especially around handling sensitive data and integrating third-party APIs.

Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Lead Engineer (Contract)

Backend Development
Full-Stack Development
TypeScript
Relational Databases
API Integration
Data Security
GDPR Compliance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Fintech:When writing your application, let us know why you're excited about the fintech space. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your interest in building innovative solutions, especially in verification and credit management.

Highlight Your Technical Skills:Make sure to showcase your backend expertise and full-stack capabilities clearly. Mention your experience with TypeScript, relational databases, and integrating third-party APIs. We want to see how your skills align with our tech stack!

Demonstrate Ownership and Initiative:We’re looking for someone who can take charge of the platform. In your application, share examples of past projects where you’ve owned the technical direction and made impactful architectural decisions. Show us you can drive things forward!

Keep It Clean and Professional:While we love a bit of personality, make sure your application is well-structured and free of errors. A clean, professional presentation reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for maintaining our codebase. Apply through our website to get started!

How to prepare for a job interview at Stealth Startup

Know Your Tech Stack Inside Out

Make sure you’re well-versed in TypeScript and PostgreSQL, as these are crucial for the role. Brush up on your knowledge of relational databases, schema design, and how to handle third-party API integrations. Being able to discuss specific challenges you've faced with these technologies will show your depth of experience.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex engineering problems in the past. Think about situations where you had to deal with inconsistent data formats or rate limits when integrating external APIs. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and adapt to challenges, which is key for this role.

Understand the Company’s Vision

Familiarise yourself with the company’s mission in the fintech space. Be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to building their verification and credit management infrastructure. Showing that you align with their goals will make a strong impression.

Prepare Questions About the Role

Have thoughtful questions ready about the technical direction and architecture of the platform. Ask about the roadmap ahead and how you can contribute to building new features. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and your proactive approach to taking ownership.