Lead Front End Software Engineer - Contract

Hedgehog Lab; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading product consultancy in the UK is seeking a Lead Front End Software Engineer on a contract basis. You will be the technical lead for a focused product team, making crucial architectural decisions and mentoring fellow engineers. The role offers autonomy in a modern, cross-functional environment, focusing on building a next-generation energy modelling platform. Strong experience with React and TypeScript is required, with flexible working arrangements available.

Qualifications

• Significant experience as a senior or lead engineer.
• Strong background with React and TypeScript.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical direction, making architectural decisions.
• Work hands-on across the stack to build software.
• Mentor other engineers through pairing and code reviews.

Skills

React

TypeScript

Technical leadership

Architectural decision-making

Tools

AWS

Python

PHP

Job description

Job title: Lead Front End Software Engineer - Contract

Type: Full-time, Contract

Location:UK, with flexible home, office, or hybrid working

What you'll do

You will act as the technical lead for a small, focused product team building a next-generation energy modelling platform. You will guide architectural decisions, support engineers day-to-day, and help the team deliver high-quality features at pace.

In this role, you will:

• Lead technical direction, making pragmatic architectural decisions that balance rapid progress with long-term maintainability.
• Work hands‑on across the stack to turn prototypes and product flows into robust, production‑ready software.
• Partner with designers, product managers and data specialists to refine requirements and translate complex concepts into workable solutions.
• Provide mentorship and support to other engineers through pairing, code reviews and clear technical guidance.

Why this role

• This is a key role within a strategic product team working on a complex, high‑visibility platform. You will have real influence over how the product is built and the engineering standards it is built on.
• Own the technical approach for a new product as it moves from prototype to full‑scale build.
• Work in a modern, cross‑functional environment with autonomy and the opportunity to take on technical leadership.
• Solve interesting challenges that blend UI, business logic, modelling and AI‑driven behaviour.
• Enjoy the stability of a permanent role while contributing to a long‑term, impactful product initiative.

Who is hedgehog lab

We’re an outcome‑driven product consultancy where product, design and research sit side by side.

You’ll join a team that values curiosity, collaboration and impact, building products that truly matter.

Our tech stack

We're tech‑agnostic; however, these are our specialisms:

• Front‑end: React, Next.js, TypeScript
• Backend: Python, PHP
• Cloud and infrastructure: AWS

What we are looking for

• Significant experience as a senior or lead engineer
• Strong background with React and TypeScript

Ready to apply?

Submit your application below. Please note that we’re unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.