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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the evolution of an AI-driven product and enhance user experience.
- Company: Early-stage, mission-led software business with a strong market presence.
- Benefits: Founding-level opportunity, equity package, and hybrid working in Manchester.
- Other info: Direct access to founders and a chance to influence product direction.
- Why this job: Join at a pivotal moment to shape an innovative AI-native product.
- Qualifications: Strong software engineering background and experience in startup environments.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Founding Engineer Manchester (Hybrid) AI Product / Mobile / SaaS
The Opportunity
We are working with an early-stage, mission-led software business looking to hire a Founding Engineer to play a key role in the next evolution of their product. The business already has a live platform and strong market relevance; the next phase is about rebuilding and improving the product for the AI era, with a particular focus on user experience, intelligent workflows, and mobile-first product thinking. This is a rare opportunity to join at a genuinely influential stage, working directly with the founders to help shape what gets built, how it gets built, and where the product goes next. If you’re the kind of engineer who enjoys owning product problems, building in ambiguity, and turning ideas into shipped features, this is a very interesting role.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Taking a hands-on role in the evolution of the core product and mobile experience
- Building and shipping features using modern AI tooling, including LLMs, prompt engineering, and agent-based workflows
- Improving and shaping the user experience through better product thinking, architecture, and delivery
- Working closely with the founders to turn product ideas into scalable, high-quality software
- Identifying where AI can genuinely improve customer outcomes – not just where it looks good on a roadmap
- Making practical decisions around architecture, integrations, tooling, and technical direction
- Helping establish the foundations for the future engineering roadmap and team
What We’re Looking For
- Strong hands-on software engineering background
- Experience building and shipping real product in startup, scale-up, or high-ownership environments
- Experience working on customer-facing applications, ideally with some exposure to mobile/app-led products
- Practical experience using AI in production, including areas like: LLMs, prompt engineering, AI-assisted workflows, agent-based functionality
- Comfortable working across product, engineering, and technical problem-solving
- A strong builder mindset – someone who enjoys getting things live, improving products, and solving meaningful user problems
- Comfortable in a fast-moving, founder-led environment
Nice to Have
- Experience with consumer products, engagement-led products, or behaviour-driven applications
- Exposure to open banking, fintech, or data-led products
- Experience working as an early technical hire or in a Founding Engineer/first product engineer type role
- Interest in helping shape technical direction as the business grows
Why Join
- Founding-level opportunity with genuine ownership
- Direct access to founders and product direction
- Opportunity to help shape an AI-native product in a meaningful way
- High-impact role where you can influence both what gets built and how it gets built
- Hybrid working in Manchester
- Equity opportunity as part of the package
Lead Software Engineer in Manchester employer: Your Prime Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Your Prime Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Software Engineer in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work at companies you're interested in. A friendly chat can lead to insider info and even referrals, which can give you a leg up in the hiring process.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects, especially those that highlight your experience with AI and mobile applications. This gives potential employers a tangible look at what you can do.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to product development and engineering challenges. Think about how you've tackled ambiguity in past roles and be ready to share those stories!
✨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 are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Software Engineer in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Lead Software Engineer role. Highlight your experience with AI, mobile products, and any hands-on projects that showcase your ability to build and ship features. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, share specific examples of how you've tackled product challenges in the past. We love engineers who can own problems and turn ideas into reality, so let us know how you've done this in your previous roles.
Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who fits well in a fast-moving, founder-led environment, so show us what makes you unique and why you’re passionate about this opportunity!
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 don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our own channels!
How to prepare for a job interview at Your Prime Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your software engineering fundamentals, especially around AI tooling and mobile-first product thinking. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with customer-facing applications and how you've tackled real product challenges in the past.
✨Showcase Your Builder Mindset
This role is all about ownership and getting things live. Prepare examples of how you've taken ideas from concept to execution, particularly in fast-paced environments. Highlight any instances where you've improved user experiences or solved meaningful problems.
✨Understand the Company’s Mission
Since this is a mission-led business, take some time to understand their goals and values. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their vision for an AI-native product.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the company's direction and the role itself. Inquire about their approach to integrating AI into their products and how they envision the evolution of their platform.