Technical Lead - (Back-End Engineering)

Leonardo.Ai; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading AI technology company in the United Kingdom is looking for a Back End-focused Technical Lead to guide their backend engineering team. The role involves mentoring staff, shaping API strategies, and contributing to seamless backend systems. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience with Node.js and TypeScript, and they should be comfortable navigating complex challenges while fostering a supportive environment. This position offers flexible work arrangements and comprehensive benefits to ensure professional growth and well-being.

Benefits

Reward package including equity

Parental leave policy (18 weeks paid)

Annual Vibe & Thrive allowance

Flexible leave options

Professional development support

Company events (virtual and in-person)

20 days annual leave

Novated car leasing

Qualifications

• Experience leading backend engineering teams.
• Proficiency in building scalable backend systems.
• Ability to mentor and guide junior engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of backend engineers and guide API strategy.
• Support significant code-related decisions.
• Foster growth through regular check-ins and career conversations.
• Shape project delivery rhythms and priorities.

Skills

NodeJS

TypeScript

API design (REST or GraphQL)

NestJS

PostgreSQL

AWS

Azure

GCP

Debugging skills

Cross-functional teamwork

Mentoring abilities

Job description

At Leonardo.Ai, we’re building creative tools that power imagination. With over 30 million creators using our platform and Canva now part of our journey, we’re scaling fast and thoughtfully. Our engineering function sits at the core of this transformation, enabling enterprise, growth, and creator experiences to flourish.

We’re now looking for a Back End-focused Technical Lead with experience using Node.js. You'll join our supportive, high-performing engineering team. If you love leading with empathy, growing others, and building elegant systems at scale, we’d love to meet you

The Role

This is a thoughtful blend of technical leadership and people care. You’ll lead a small group of backend engineers, guide our API strategy, and help shape the systems that power Leonardo’s creative platform. While you won’t be on the critical path for hands-on development, you’ll stay close enough to the code to support significant decisions and meaningful progress.

Our API team solves exciting problems at the heart of our product. From designing performant systems to balancing fast-paced growth, you’ll help us build backend foundations that feel seamless for our users and joyful to maintain.

This is a great fit for someone who enjoys mentoring, communicating effectively across teams, and creating an environment that allows others to do their best work.

How You’ll Lead

• Team Care & Growth: You’ll foster growth through regular check-ins, career conversations, and a culture where your team feels safe, heard, and supported.

• Project Stewardship: With a calm and steady approach, you’ll shape delivery rhythms, prioritise work thoughtfully, and guide each release with intention and care.

• Inclusive Team Building: You’ll play an active role in building a diverse, welcoming team, hiring with equity in mind and creating space where everyone can do their best work.

• Craft & Quality: Drawing on your technical depth, you’ll help navigate complex backend challenges while encouraging clarity, quality, and leadership in others.

Skills we love:

• Strong experience building modern backend systems using NodeJS and TypeScript

• Skilled in designing and maintaining scalable APIs (REST or GraphQL)

• Familiarity with NestJS and relational databases like PostgreSQL

• Experience working with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP

• A thoughtful approach to debugging and problem-solving

• Comfort working in cross-functional teams with kindness and clarity

• A passion for guiding others and nurturing technical craft

Our Culture

• Inclusive Culture: We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered. At Leonardo AI, we welcome and value your unique perspectives and experiences, as they are essential to our success.

• Flexible Work Environment: We recognise the importance of maintaining a work-life balance. Enjoy the flexibility to work remotely or from our vibrant offices. We have employees across Australia, ensuring you can thrive both personally and professionally.

• Empowering Growth: Your development is our priority. We offer continuous learning opportunities and career growth tailored to your goals. You’ll be encouraged to grow and excel in your career at Leonardo AI.

• Impactful Work: Join us in shaping the future of AI. You'll work on innovative projects that have a meaningful impact, and your contributions will help drive advancements in AI creativity.

What's in it for you?

A range of benefits to set you up for every success in and outside of work. Here's a taste of what's on offer:

• Impact the future of AI

• Reward package including equity - we want our success to be yours too

• Inclusive parental leave policy that supports all parents & carers with 18 weeks paid leave

• An annual Vibe & Thrive allowance to support your wellbeing, social connection, office setup & more

• Flexible leave options that empower you to be a force for good, take time to recharge and support you personally, including remote working abroad

• Support with your professional development

• Fun and engaging company events, both virtual and in-person

• 20 days annual leave

• Novated car leasing