Lead Engineer

Engineering Lead (Contract) Python | TypeScript | React | AWS | PostgreSQL £600 per day Outside IR35 OR £700 per day Inside IR35 (all-in) We’re supporting a fast-growing tech business as they scale their engineering function and are looking for an experienced Engineering Lead to join on a contract basis. This is a hands-on leadership role within a modern product engineering environment, ideal for someone who thrives in a startup or scale-up setting and enjoys balancing architecture, delivery, and team enablement. The Role • Lead one of the engineering squads (4–6 engineers) • 70% hands-on in the code - This is not a pure management role • Contribute heavily to backend and full-stack development • Make architectural decisions across a modern cloud-native stack • Perform code reviews and uphold engineering best practices • Partner closely with Product and Design (shared PM + Designer model) • Report directly into the Director of Engineering • Drive delivery while improving engineering standards and velocity Tech Stack • Python • TypeScript • React • AWS • PostgreSQL (relational databases) • Experience across the full stack is highly desirable. What We’re Looking For • Strong background as a senior/lead engineer in high-growth environments • Previous experience as an Engineering Lead or hands-on Engineering Manager • Comfortable making architectural decisions in a fast-moving product team • Strong experience building scalable backend systems (Python preferred) • Solid understanding of cloud infrastructure (AWS) • Confident reviewing code and mentoring engineers • Experience working within cross-functional squads This would suit someone who enjoys being close to the code while shaping technical direction and enabling a high-performing team.