Founding Software Engineer

Founding Software EngineerLocation: Hertfordshire- HybridSalary: £125,000-£150,000Our client is a well-established, successful organisation embarking on a significant technology transformation. It is seeking an exceptional Founding Software Engineer to lead the creation of its engineering and AI capability.This is a rare opportunity to join an established business at a pivotal point in its evolution. Backed by senior leadership and long-term investment, the successful candidate will take ownership of software engineering, technical architecture, AI adoption and technology delivery across the organisation.Unlike many founding engineering opportunities, this role combines genuine ownership and influence with the stability, resources and commercial maturity of an established company.The successful candidate will define the engineering strategy, establish development standards and processes, drive AI-first ways of working and build the foundations of a scalable engineering function. They will also remain hands-on, leading the design and delivery of modern software platforms that support critical business objectives.The OpportunityAs the organisation’s most senior engineering hire, you will:Own and shape the software engineering function from the ground upEstablish and lead the company’s AI-first development strategyDefine architecture, tooling, engineering standards and delivery processesLead the development of business-critical software products and platformsDrive the adoption of modern AI-assisted engineering practicesPartner directly with senior stakeholders to translate business needs into technical solutionsBuild the foundations for future engineering team growthAct as the principal technical authority across the organisationThis is a highly visible role with significant autonomy and influence, offering the opportunity to shape the future technology direction of a growing business.Key ResponsibilitiesEngineering LeadershipLead the design and delivery of scalable, secure and high-quality software systemsDefine architectural principles, technical standards and development best practicesMake strategic technology decisions that balance speed, scalability and maintainabilityRemain hands-on with software development, technical design and code reviewsChampion engineering excellence across the software lifecycleAI and Technology TransformationEstablish an AI-first engineering culture and operating modelEvaluate, implement and govern AI-assisted development tools and workflowsImprove productivity, quality, testing and delivery through the effective use of AIIdentify opportunities to leverage AI across engineering and wider business processesDelivery and OwnershipTake end-to-end ownership of major technology initiativesDeliver resilient, production-ready software solutionsManage technical risk, dependencies and delivery prioritiesWork closely with stakeholders to align technology delivery with business goalsBuilding CapabilityCreate the foundations of a scalable engineering organisationMentor future team members and contribute to hiring activitiesEstablish processes that support long-term growth and operational excellenceCandidate ProfileWe are interested in speaking with experienced software engineering leaders who combine strong technical depth with a builder’s mindset.You will likely have:Significant experience delivering complex software systems in production environmentsStrong expertise in one or more modern languages, such as TypeScript, JavaScript, Python, Java or C#A deep understanding of software architecture, APIs, cloud-native systems and scalable application designExperience working with AWS, Azure or GCPStrong DevOps, CI/CD, automation and engineering operations experienceA track record of leading technical projects and influencing engineering strategyExcellent stakeholder management and communication skillsExperience operating in fast-moving, high-growth or transformational environmentsExperience building teams, establishing engineering functions or driving technology transformation programmes would be particularly valuable.What the Role OffersThis role offers a unique combination of:Genuine ownership of an entire engineering and AI functionSignificant influence over technology strategy and deliveryExecutive-level visibility and supportThe opportunity to build something lasting from the ground upThe backing, stability and resources of an established organisationThe chance to define how AI is embedded within a modern engineering capabilityFor ambitious engineering leaders seeking broad ownership and the opportunity to make a lasting impact, this represents a genuinely exceptional opportunity.