Full stack Senior & Lead Software Engineer

Hybrid | Full time | Manchester

£50,000-£90,000

Overview

We are hiring across both Senior and Lead Full Stack Software Engineer levels to join high-performing engineering teams delivering complex digital transformation programmes across public sector projects.

These roles offer the opportunity to work on large-scale, cloud-based systems where you will help shape architecture, lead delivery, and build services that have real-world impact.

Both roles are hands-on engineering positions, with increasing levels of technical ownership, leadership, and architectural responsibility depending on level.

Senior vs Lead Senior Software Engineer

• Own delivery of key services or components across the full lifecycle
• Contribute to architecture and design within a wider technical team
• Build and deliver scalable cloud-based applications
• Support planning, estimation, and technical problem solving
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to team capability
• Strong hands-on engineering focus with growing technical leadership

Lead Software Engineer

• Own end-to-end architecture and delivery of complex services or systems
• Define technical direction and engineering standards
• Take accountability for system design, scalability, security, and performance
• Lead technical decision-making across teams or workstreams
• Provide technical assurance and guide engineering delivery quality
• Engage with stakeholders on technical solutions and strategy

Core Responsibilities (Both Levels)

• Design and deliver scalable, secure cloud-based systems
• Work across .NET, Java, Python, Node.js, and modern JavaScript frameworks
• Build microservices and serverless architectures
• Implement and improve CI/CD pipelines
• Work in Agile environments (Scrum, Kanban, TDD)
• Support continuous improvement of engineering standards
• Mentor and support engineers across the team
• Contribute to planning, estimation, and risk management

About YouEssential Experience

• Strong Full Stack Engineering background (5+ years)
• Experience delivering complex, scalable digital services
• Cloud experience
• Strong understanding of microservices and modern architecture patterns
• Experience working in Agile delivery environments
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• CI/CD experience (Jenkins, Terraform)
• Experience mentoring or leading others (level dependent)