Software Architect & Tech Lead
Role details
Job location
Tech stack
Job description
architecture, moving us from a robust data tool to an AI-augmented powerhouse.The Opportunity: The Best of Both WorldsLabstep was founded to build user-centric software that accelerates scientific discovery. Recently, we joined forces with STARLIMS, a global leader in Informatics.What this means for you: You get the high-impact, fast-moving "Day 1" culture of a startup where you own the entire tech stack, backed by the job security, comprehensive healthcare, and professional benefits of a major global organization.Complete Technical Autonomy: You own the AWS-based stack (Pulumi, ECS, Fargate). You decide the "how" and the "when" for every major architectural shift.Lead the AI Roadmap: You will architect our AI Search and Natural Language Agent. We want a pragmatic engineer who can lead the implementation of LLMs and Vector Databases to help scientists automate complex tasks.Mentorship & Team Lead: You will work closely with a Technical Product Manager and mentor a Junior Developer, Role : Lead Engineer (I) Reporting To : Chief Technology Officer Salary : £100,000 - £120,000 dependent on experience Working Location : Hybrid/ London (2 days a week on site at our Old Street office) Increase your chances of an interview by reading the following...
Requirements
setting the standard for engineering excellence and clean code.DevOps Excellence: Managing our infrastructure via Pulumi to ensure the high-availability and security standards required by global research institutions.The Tech Stack:We believe in using the right tool for the job. You will manage the current foundation while evolving it:Current Core: PHP 8 / Symfony / Doctrine API, React / TypeScript Frontend.Cloud/Infra: AWS (Fargate, ECS, Lambda), Pulumi (IaC), MySQL.The Frontier: This is your domain. You will lead our transition into Vector Search, Hybrid Search Engines, and AI Orchestration.Who You Are:A Technical Owner: You've scaled production web apps and are comfortable across the full stack and infrastructure.Pragmatic AI Enthusiast: You don't need a background in AI, but you are excited to build production-ready AI features (RAG, Agents) that solve real problems.Empathetic Mentor: You enjoy leveling up junior talent and collaborating deeply with product peers.Mission-Driven: You want your work to help scientists cure diseases and solve global challenges.Skills Required:5+ years of leading development teams5+ years of leading architect5+ Years of AWS DevOps experienceExperience coding with the following languages/technical solutions - PHP 8 / Symfony / Doctrine API, React / TypeScript FrontendWhy Labstep & STARLIMS?Impact: Your code directly supports the world's leading scientists and researchers.Stability & Perks: Enjoy the comprehensive benefits package of a large corporation-including private healthcare, pension, and enhanced job security-without the corporate red tape.The "Startup" Feel: We remain a small, agile team that moves fast, experiments often, and values your voice.Work-Life Balance: Remote-first flexibility with meaningful monthly in-person collaboration in London.STARLIMS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race