Lead Backend Engineer (C++, AI) - Hybrid, Leamington Spa

Digital Waffle; Royal Leamington Spa; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Digital Waffle is seeking a Lead Software Engineer to own the backend engineering function and help shape the next phase of the platform. This hands-on leadership role requires deep C++ experience and a blend of technical delivery with mentoring, architecture and AI adoption.

You’ll lead backend systems, work with cross-functional teams, and drive improvements in performance, reliability and development velocity in a hybrid Leamington Spa setting.

Qualifications

• Lead backend ownership and mentoring responsibilities.
• Deep C++ expertise with STL knowledge and algorithms.
• Experience designing scalable backend services and APIs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and evolution of scalable backend systems and APIs.
• Take technical ownership of backend projects from planning through to production delivery.
• Work with Product, Architects and Engineers to define technical requirements.
• Lead and mentor a team of backend engineers.
• Drive improvements across architecture, performance, reliability and observability.
• Identify bottlenecks and optimise queries and system performance.
• Evaluate and implement AI-powered tools to improve productivity and quality.
• Shape adoption of LLMs and AI engineering practices across the team.
• Lead sprint planning, standups and retrospectives with Product and Delivery teams.
• Champion secure coding, testing and code review.

Skills

Leadership

C++ expert

Backend design

Agile

AI familiarity

Tools

C++ STL

APIs

Databases

AI tools

Job description

Digital Waffle is seeking a Lead Software Engineer to own the backend engineering function and help shape the next phase of the platform. This hands-on leadership role requires deep C++ experience and a blend of technical delivery with mentoring, architecture and AI adoption.

You’ll lead backend systems, work with cross-functional teams, and drive improvements in performance, reliability and development velocity in a hybrid Leamington Spa setting.