Senior Software Engineer / Future Technical Lead

Location: Newcastle upon Tyne (Hybrid)
Company: Software & AI Consultancy
Salary: Competitive + Clear Progression to Technical Lead (Bonus/Equity TBC)

About the Company

We are a growing software and AI consultancy, currently a close-knit team of three, specialising in engineering calculation software, automation solutions and modern cloud applications. Working with a diverse range of clients, we combine technical excellence with practical problem-solving to deliver innovative solutions that create real business value.

With strong growth momentum and a significant enterprise opportunity on the horizon, this is an exciting opportunity to join at an early stage and play a key role in shaping both our technology and our future team.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a hands-on Senior Software Engineer who enjoys solving complex problems, engaging directly with clients and taking ownership of technical delivery. This role offers a clear pathway into a Technical Lead position as the business grows over the next 2-3 years.

You will lead the delivery of software projects, help establish best practices around security and quality, and mentor junior developers while working closely with company leadership to support future growth.

Key Responsibilities

Short-Term Priorities

• Lead and deliver client projects, primarily using .NET, Azure and Python.
• Translate complex or ambiguous business and engineering challenges into clear technical solutions and specifications.
• Take ownership of software security and quality processes, ensuring compliance with client requirements and enterprise-grade security standards.
• Work with external security specialists where required to strengthen and maintain secure development practices.
• Mentor and support a graduate developer, helping to develop technical capability within the team.
• Contribute to architecture, design decisions and technical strategy.

Longer-Term Responsibilities

• Help build and develop the software engineering function.
• Take an increasing leadership role as the team grows.
• Progress into leading the software team and supporting recruitment, technical direction and delivery management.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Approximately 5+ years' experience in software engineering (more experienced candidates are encouraged to apply).
• Strong commercial experience with C#, .NET and Microsoft Azure.
• Solid Python development experience.
• Consultancy or client-facing experience, with the ability to communicate confidently with stakeholders.
• Experience translating business requirements into well-defined technical specifications.
• Practical knowledge of software security and a willingness to take ownership of this area.
• Demonstrable track record of taking initiative, learning quickly and delivering outcomes.
• Eligible for SC Security Clearance.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Degree or background in Engineering, Mathematics or Physics.
• Experience supporting bids, proposals or pre-sales activities.
• Azure certifications and/or Solution Architect certifications.
• Experience working within engineering, manufacturing or technical software environments.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to join a business at an exciting growth stage.
• Significant influence over technical direction and engineering standards.
• Varied and challenging projects across software, automation and AI.
• Direct exposure to clients and strategic business initiatives.
• Clear and realistic progression into a Technical Lead role.
• Supportive, collaborative and entrepreneurial working environment.
• Hybrid working from our Newcastle office.
• Competitive salary with bonus and/or equity opportunities under consideration.

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to join a company at an early stage where your contribution will directly influence our success. You'll work on technically interesting projects, help shape our engineering culture, and be well-positioned to lead a growing software team as we scale.

If you're looking for a role that combines hands-on development, client engagement, technical leadership and genuine career progression, we'd love to hear from you.