Founding Software Engineer

Burns Sheehan; England; Hybrid; GBP 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous stock options

Job summary

A stealth-mode startup based in London is seeking a Founding Software Engineer focused on backend systems. This role involves designing and building an AI-powered platform, collaborating in a small team, and iterating products based on user feedback. Strong experience in C#.Net Core and modern AI tools is required. The position is full-time with competitive compensation and stock options.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in building scalable backend systems.
• Experienced in launching products from scratch and iterating based on user feedback.
• Comfortable using AI tools and focused on customer needs.

Responsibilities

• Design and build the alpha version of the AI-powered platform.
• Craft scalable and reliable backend solutions.
• Collaborate with cofounders in a mission-driven team.

Skills

Backend systems development

C#.Net Core

Modern AI tools

Python

Go

Rust

Job description

Overview

Founding Software Engineer – Consumer AI (Stealth Mode) at Burns Sheehan – London, with 2-3 days a week in the office. Up to £120,000 plus generous stock options.

The role is for a Backend-focused Software Engineer to help build a radically new AI and consumer tech product in a stealth-mode startup backed by top-tier US and European VCs. The team is small, mission-driven, and focused on a product that personalizes shopping using AI agents that understand user needs, habits, and social circles.

Responsibilities

• Design and build the alpha version of the AI-powered platform from the ground up.
• Design, prototype and ship fast backend solutions to underpin customer-validated features.
• Craft scalable and reliable solutions while experimenting with GenAI tooling to enhance workflow and product capabilities.
• Collaborate closely with cofounders in a small, high-trust, mission-driven team.

What they’re looking for

• Strong experience building polished and scalable backend systems, ideally with C#.Net Core or another OO language (polyglot acceptable).
• A 0→1 mindset: launched from scratch, in startups or independently, with fast iteration, direct user feedback, and high ownership.
• Comfort using modern AI tools and platforms in your workflow.
• Customer-obsessed, fast-learning engineer who cares about real-world impact.

They are pragmatic about tool choice and primarily rely on the Microsoft stack, but they actively consider Python for data-heavy tasks, Go for microservices, or Rust where performance matters. GenAI toolkit includes Cursor, CLINE, Windsurf, with ongoing evolution.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Information Technology

Industries

• Software Development and Technology
• Information and Media