Lead Engineer

Lead Engineer - Backend | Node.js / C# | Education Software | up to £80,000 + shares

Our client is a rapidly scaling EdTech/SaaS company redefining digital learning through immersive, interactive content. As they continue strong UK/US expansion, they’re hiring a Lead Backend Engineer to take ownership of backend systems, architecture, and engineering quality across their platform.

The Role:
This is a hands-on role for an experienced backend engineer strong in Node.js and C#. You’ll guide backend engineering standards, shape architecture, deliver complex features, and own service reliability and performance.
You’ll collaborate closely with mobile, Unity and senior developers, while working with the Technical Product Lead to ensure predictable delivery and high engineering discipline. Not people management focused, but strong technical ownership, mentoring and influence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead backend engineering across the platform, ensuring performance, security, and maintainability
• Act as the senior hands-on engineer for Node.js backend development
• Work with C# and Unity teams, providing guidance and high-quality code review
• Own API design and server-side architecture, ensuring scalable and well-documented services
• Drive backend delivery processes, workflow optimisation, CI/CD, and deployment best practices
• Develop integrations with external services, including AI-driven functionality
• Oversee backend cloud environments and data flows, identifying risks and performance issues early
• Support onboarding of future engineers and contribute to longer-term backend strategy

About You

• Strong commercial experience in backend engineering with Node.js and C#
• Confident designing backend architectures and APIs for cloud-native platforms
• Interest or experience in integrating AI-driven services
• Strong communicator who can translate technical detail clearly
• Hands-on, proactive and pragmatic, with high standards for code quality

Salary/Benefits

• £70,000 - £80,000 + Shares (£100k–£112k total package)
• Hybrid working - 3 days onsite in Manchester, 2 days work from home
• 23 days holiday + bank holidays (negotiable)