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Founding Lead Engineer

United Kingdom, Manchester 70000.00 - 110000.00 GBP / Year · Job Posted March 26, 2026
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Job Description

Our client is building an AI and data-driven consumer platform. They are looking for a hands-on Founding Lead Engineer to join from day one. This is a true zero-to-one role combining coding, architecture and team leadership, including managing an offshore engineering team.

Job Responsibility

  • Work directly with the founders to design, build and launch the product
  • Own both the technical architecture and delivery
  • Combine coding, architecture and team leadership
  • Manage an offshore engineering team

Requirements

  • Strong full stack engineer with experience building and launching products
  • Comfortable designing scalable systems from scratch
  • Experience leading or coordinating engineering teams
  • Able to move quickly and solve complex problems
  • Experience integrating third-party platforms
  • Startup or early-stage build experience preferred
  • Actively using AI tools like Cursor, Copilot or Claude in development workflows

Nice to have

Interest in fitness or wellbeing is a plus

What we offer

  • Founding role with real ownership
  • Shape the product and technical direction from day one
  • Meaningful equity alongside salary

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