At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering teams and tackle complex defence projects with cutting-edge technology.
- Company: High-growth defence tech start-up with a focus on innovation and problem-solving.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, private healthcare, pension, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Join top engineers in solving unique challenges and making a real impact in defence.
- Qualifications: Strong software engineering background and leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 € per year.
A high-growth technology consultancy is seeking Technical Leads to support delivery across complex, high-impact defence programmes. They're building teams across application (C#, Java, Python), low-level/embedded (C/C++, Rust), Data, AI/ML, and DevOps skillsets. They are deliberately setting a very high bar, hiring engineers from top universities who are among the strongest technically in their field. The work is very problem-solving focused, small teams tackling complex systems, often working on completely new challenges every few months. You'll genuinely be working alongside some of the best engineers/teams in the country, solving problems no one else has before.
They’re hiring for, and value, people who:
- Enjoy working on challenging systems
- Are friendly
- Truly understand problem-solving, from first principles
- Enjoy variety
- Are adaptable and articulate
As the Technical Lead, you will combine hands-on engineering with leadership responsibilities, guiding multi-disciplinary teams in demanding and often ambiguous environments.
Technical Lead Responsibilities include:
- Leading engineering teams and setting technical direction
- Defining architecture, standards, and engineering trade-offs
- Mentoring engineers across varying levels of experience
- Conducting code and design reviews
- Engaging directly with clients to shape requirements and manage expectations
- Planning delivery, estimation, and prioritisation
- Managing technical debt while balancing delivery pressures
Technical Lead Requirements:
- Strong software engineering background with leadership experience
- Experience in Application, or Low-Level/Embedded, or AI/ML, or DevOps, or Data Tech: e.g. C#, Python, C++, Rust, Typescript, C, Java, AI/ML tools, LLMs/RAG, SQL, multi-cloud etc...
- Proven ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
- Experience working in client-facing or consulting environments, or at least the attributes to thrive in these environments
- Familiarity with modern engineering practices (CI/CD, IaC, containers, testing)
- Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, ambiguous environments
Additional Criteria:
- STEM Degree (2:1 or 1st) from a leading university
- Eligibility for UK SC-level security clearance
- Interest, or experience, in defence, national security, or similar sectors is advantageous (but not required)
Technical Lead Benefits:
- Target based Bonus (~10%)
- Private healthcare
- Pension
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
Technical Lead | Defence Start-up employer: Switch Tech Talent
Join a dynamic defence tech start-up in Newcastle, where you'll be part of a high-growth technology consultancy that values innovation and problem-solving. With a strong emphasis on employee development, you will have the opportunity to lead talented teams while working on cutting-edge projects that make a real impact. Enjoy a supportive work culture, competitive salary, and benefits including private healthcare and a target-based bonus, all while collaborating with some of the brightest minds in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Lead | Defence Start-up
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the defence tech space. Attend meetups, conferences, or even online webinars. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects, especially those that align with the technical lead role. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do and how you tackle complex problems.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your problem-solving skills. Expect to face technical challenges that require you to think on your feet. Practise explaining your thought process clearly, as communication is key in client-facing roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who fit the bill. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people in our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Lead | Defence Start-up
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Technical Lead role. Highlight your experience in leading engineering teams and working with the specific technologies mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about defence tech and how your problem-solving skills can contribute to our projects. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through!
Showcase Your Leadership Experience:As a Technical Lead, you'll be guiding teams, so make sure to showcase any leadership experience you have. Whether it's mentoring engineers or managing projects, let us know how you've successfully led teams in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Switch Tech Talent
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specific technologies mentioned in the job description, like C#, Python, or Rust. Brush up on your problem-solving skills and be ready to discuss how you've tackled complex systems in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Technical Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to guide teams. Prepare examples of how you've mentored others, led projects, or made tough architectural decisions. Highlight your experience in managing technical debt while balancing delivery pressures.
✨Communicate Clearly with Non-Techies
You’ll often need to explain complex concepts to clients who may not have a technical background. Practice simplifying your explanations and think of examples where you’ve successfully communicated technical ideas to non-technical stakeholders.
✨Be Ready for Ambiguity
The role involves working in fast-paced and often ambiguous environments. Prepare to discuss how you handle uncertainty and adapt to changing requirements. Share stories that illustrate your flexibility and problem-solving mindset.
