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# Lead Software Engineer | Hands-on Technical Leadership

- **Company:** Understanding Recruitment
- **Location:** Greater London, UK
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), C++ (Programming Language), Python (Programming Language), PostgreSQL, Machine Learning, Software Architecture, Software Engineering, TypeScript, Rust (Programming Language), SC Clearance, Kubernetes
- **Published:** October 22, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.understandingrecruitment.com/job/lead-software-engineer--hands-on-technical-leadership/

## About the Role

* Strong software engineering fundamentals and system design expertise
 * Depth in C++, Rust, Java, Python or TypeScript
 * Experience building and owning complex, production-grade systems
 * A track record of technical leadership, not just managing delivery
 * Someone who enjoys difficult technical problems and raising the engineering bar

Experience with Kubernetes, PostgreSQL, embedded systems, ML or security is a bonus.

## Description

Lead Software Engineer | Hands-on Technical Leadership

C++ / Rust / Java / Python / TypeScript | Salary + Equity

Are you the engineer people turn to when the technical problems get difficult?

I'm working on an opportunity for a Lead Software Engineer who wants to solve genuinely challenging engineering problems, make important architectural decisions and lead technically without stepping away from coding.

This isn't a people management role disguised as engineering leadership. You'll be expected to design, build and own complex systems, while setting the technical standard for the engineers around you.

Why it's interesting:

 * Own architecture and technical direction for a core product area
 * Solve challenging problems across systems, infrastructure and software engineering
 * Stay deeply hands-on while mentoring strong engineers
 * Influence engineering standards, tooling and AI-assisted development
 * Have genuine autonomy over important technical decisions

What we're looking for:

 * Strong software engineering fundamentals and system design expertise
 * Depth in C++, Rust, Java, Python or TypeScript
 * Experience building and owning complex, production-grade systems
 * A track record of technical leadership, not just managing delivery
 * Someone who enjoys difficult technical problems and raising the engineering bar

Experience with Kubernetes, PostgreSQL, embedded systems, ML or security is a bonus.

Competitive salary + equity | 7% pension | Private healthcare | Free daily meals

UK right to work and eligibility for SC clearance required.