Head of Development

SkyBound; Southampton; Remote; GBP 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

23 days annual leave

Pension

Training development

Flexible working

Wellbeing support

Employee Assistance Programme

EV charging

Development opportunities

Salary sacrifice benefits

Life assurance

Remote-first

Leadership access

Job summary

SkyBound is seeking a Hands-on Head of Software to lead the engineering effort alongside the CTO, shaping the next phase of growth. You’ll be the most senior developer, escalating complex challenges and mentoring the team while influencing technical direction across products that support critical infrastructure.

This remote-first role offers real impact across the UK, with occasional travel to the Southampton HQ.

Qualifications

• Proven technical authority with track record of building and scaling complex software.
• Experience guiding developers, reviewing architecture, and escalation when needed.
• Ability to influence direction in a fast-moving startup environment.

Responsibilities

• Hands-on technical leadership: write clean, scalable code for core platform features and act as escalation point.
• Define system architecture, tooling choices and engineering standards across the software ecosystem.
• Mentor engineers, review code, drive delivery across multiple projects and assist hiring.
• Collaborate with AI, Remote Operations, and Commercial teams to support autonomous drone deployments.
• Oversee frontend & core languages: React, TypeScript, Node.js; manage cloud infra on AWS.
• Support real-time data streaming, IoT integrations and geospatial technologies.

Skills

Technical leadership

System architecture

Code quality & debugging

Team mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Frontend: React

Backend: Node.js

Cloud: AWS

Geospatial mapping

IoT integrations

Tools

React

TypeScript

Node.js

AWS

Serverless

Microservices

Job description

Location: Remote-first (UK-based, with occasional travel to Southampton HQ to work in person with the CTO and wider team)

Right to work: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK

Build the Technology Behind the Future of Autonomous Operations

SkyBound is at an exciting point in its growth. We're winning new projects, expanding our technology teams, and investing in the software, AI, and autonomous systems at the heart of the business. We're looking for a Hands-on Head of Software to work closely with our CTO and help shape the next phase of that journey.

You'll be the most senior developer in the business and the primary point of escalation for complex technical challenges, while also mentoring and helping lead the engineering team. Expect real influence over technical direction and engineering practice, and a direct hand in products that support critical infrastructure operations across the UK.

About SkyBound

SkyBound delivers automated drone operations for critical national infrastructure, providing real-time aerial intelligence to support safety, security and faster decision-making. We combine software, AI and remote operations, with systems managed from our Southampton-based 24/7 control centre and deployed across the UK in some of the most complex airspaces.

What you'll be doing

• Hands‑on technical leadership: write clean, scalable code for core platform features, and act as the primary escalation point for complex technical, architectural or debugging issues
• Architecture & standards: help define system architecture, tooling choices, and engineering standards across the software ecosystem
• Team guidance & delivery: mentor and develop engineers, review code, drive delivery across multiple concurrent projects, and help recruit strong technical talent
• Cross‑department collaboration: work closely with our AI, Remote Operations, and Commercial teams to make sure our software supports real‑world autonomous drone deployments
• Frontend & core languages: React, TypeScript, Node.js
• Cloud & infrastructure: AWS, serverless services, microservices
• Specialised capabilities: real‑time data streaming, IoT device integrations, AI‑powered applications, geospatial/mapping technologies

What we're looking for

We care more about what you can do than what your job title says. You might be a Head of Software, Lead Engineer, Engineering Manager, Software Director or Principal Architect right now. What matters is that you bring:

• Proven technical authority: you've built and scaled complex software products, set technical direction, and still enjoy getting stuck into hard engineering problems
• Leadership experience: you've guided developers, reviewed architecture, and been the trusted point of escalation when things get difficult
• A fast‑moving mindset: you're comfortable influencing direction, introducing good practice and iterating quickly

Experience in startups, scale‑ups, SaaS, AI, robotics, IoT or autonomous systems is a plus, but a genuine interest in complex, real‑time technology matters more than any particular background.

What can we offer you?

Alongside the opportunity to work with cutting edge technology and a great team, we offer:

• 23 days annual leave plus public holidays
• Enhanced employer pension contribution
• Industry relevant training and development
• Flexible and casual working environment
• Health and wellbeing support
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• EV charging points at the office
• Internal and external development opportunities
• Access to a range of salary sacrifice benefits
• Group Life assurance
• Remote‑first working with flexible hours
• Direct access to company leadership and key decision makers