At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the engineering team to design and build innovative backend systems for a cutting-edge ride-hailing app.
- Company: Join Wheely, a forward-thinking company focused on privacy and real-time technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of building a new engineering hub in London with a dynamic team.
- Why this job: Shape the future of ride-hailing with your expertise in real-time systems and privacy.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in backend system design and managing engineering teams.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
Requirements
- You have designed backend systems from scratch (not only maintained, scaled, or rewritten what someone else built). We'll spend real time in the interview on the trade-offs you made and why.
- Real-time systems experience at consumer scale.
- Several years of managing engineers, with hiring and firing calls you'd defend in detail. Total headcount matters less to us than the calibre and the outcomes.
What the job involves
- We're rebuilding Wheely to be the fastest and most reliable ride-hailing app on the planet — one where both the passenger app and the driver app stay responsive on a flaky signal in the back of an apartment building, keep working behind censorship firewalls, and don't drop the real-time guarantees a moving car depends on.
- We're also adding something nobody in this category has built seriously: privacy as a product, not a compliance footnote.
- This role owns the core that makes all of that possible: the platform, the infrastructure, the privacy primitives the rest of engineering builds on top of, and the internal agent harness that lets teams across the company automate work that used to need humans.
- You'll inherit a mostly-Go codebase and a small group of strong engineers. You'll also inherit a genuinely open question on most of what matters.
- Is microservices the right end state, or did we default into it? How should a backend look in 2026 when AI has absorbed a large share of routine engineering work, when QA isn't a separate function, and when a small senior team paired with a few unusually strong grads can outship a 2019-style org several times its size?
- Our main engineering hub is in Cyprus. We're now building up London as a second hub, and this role is part of that — you'd be one of the first senior engineering leaders on the ground here, helping shape what London looks like as a location, who we hire into it, and what work belongs where.
- Own the technical direction of the platform end to end — including the architectural questions that haven't been answered yet, like whether to keep moving toward microservices or reconsider.
- Make real-time work, end to end. Driver app especially (location, dispatch, ride state) all of it under adversarial network conditions.
- Lead the privacy story on the engineering side — what's actually different about how data flows through our systems vs. every other ride-hailing company.
- Own and grow the agent harness so other teams can wire AI into workflows that used to need people. Today it's Rust. Tomorrow's shape is yours.
- Help build London as an engineering hub. That means hiring into it, deciding (with the rest of the leadership team) what work makes sense in London vs Cyprus, and setting the culture for a new office while staying tightly coupled to the main hub.
Director of Engineering employer: Wheely
As a Product Manager at our innovative company, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that values collaboration and creativity. We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and ample opportunities for professional growth, all set in a vibrant location that fosters both personal and career development. Join us to make a meaningful impact on user-facing products while working alongside passionate professionals dedicated to excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Engineering
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Wheely, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Wheely specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wheely
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Wheely, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Wheely value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
