Lead Engineer

83zero; Guildford; Hybrid; GBP 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

83zero is seeking a hands-on Lead Engineer to own the architecture of a mission-critical tech stack and drive long-term platform evolution. You will set standards, modernise legacy components and collaborate with the CTO.

The role is hybrid in Guildford (or Manchester) with 2–3 days onsite, offering genuine technical ownership from day one and direct exposure to senior leaders. Competitive £120k base plus benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience leading complex technology environments.
• Ability to define and implement modern software architecture.
• Experience driving APIs, integrations and data flows.

Responsibilities

• Own and evolve the architecture of a business-critical technology stack.
• Shape a modular technology landscape with integrations and automation.
• Establish engineering standards across development, testing, deployment, security and reliability.
• Lead and develop engineers, distributing technical ownership and decision-making.
• Collaborate with the CTO and senior leaders on technology direction.
• Remain hands-on, contributing to architecture, design and implementation.

Skills

Technical leadership

Architecture design

APIs & integrations

Azure

Python

JavaScript

Event-driven architecture

AI-assisted development

Tools

Azure

Job description

Lead Engineer | Up to £120,000 Base | Guildford or Manchester | Hybrid (2–3 Days Onsite)

I'm working with an established, profitable UK business.

They're investing in their technology capability and looking for a hands-on Lead Engineer to take genuine ownership of their engineering architecture, technical standards and long-term platform evolution.

This isn't a role where you'll simply inherit a team and keep the lights on.

It's an opportunity to help shape how engineering operates, modernise business-critical systems and influence technology investment alongside the CTO.

The opportunity:

• Own and evolve the architecture of a business-critical technology stack.
• Shape a more modular technology landscape, integrating existing platforms, third-party systems, data and automation.
• Establish engineering standards across development, testing, deployment, security and reliability.
• Lead and develop engineers, distributing technical ownership and decision-making across the team.
• Work closely with the CTO and senior Data and Technology Operations leaders.
• Remain technically hands-on, contributing to architecture, design and implementation.

What we're looking for:

Someone currently operating as a Lead, Principal or Staff Engineer who has experience taking ownership of complex technology environments.

You'll understand modern software architecture, APIs, integrations and the challenges of evolving legacy systems without disrupting business operations.

Experience in regulated environments would be particularly interesting.

Technology exposure of interest:

• Microsoft Azure
• Python (backend)
• JavaScript (frontend)
• Event-driven architecture / event sourcing
• AI-assisted software development

These are desirable rather than mandatory technologies.

Why consider it?

• Up to £120,000 basic salary
• Genuine technical ownership from day one
• Direct access to the CTO and business leadership
• Opportunity to shape a developing engineering function
• Influence over architecture, investment and technical direction
• Stable, profitable organisation with long-term ambitions

Location: Guildford

Hybrid: 2–3 days per week onsite

Salary: Up to £120,000 base + benefits

Permanent position