Lead Software Engineer

The role

We are looking for an experienced lead software engineer to join our fast-growing technology team. This is a hybrid full stack and team lead role: we are looking for someone who is equally comfortable writing code as they are guiding and mentoring a group of more junior developers. In this role, you will lead the architecture, development, and maintenance of robust, scalable and secure user-focused, data driven-products.

As a lead software engineer, you’ll be a core member of our Alma X team, a team composed of software developers and data scientists working alongside our research team to develop innovative solutions to society’s most important social issues.

The ideal candidate for this role is an ambitious full stack software engineer, who is looking for the opportunity to grow and mentor a team of more junior software engineers, while still having the opportunity to stay close to and write code. We’re looking for an effective communicator who can inspire and motivate their team. You can set a clear vision, delegate tasks effectively and provide guidance when needed. You can also work effectively with other departments and stakeholders to ensure that projects are completed successfully on time and on budget.

We have an ambitious product development pipeline and are looking for a lead software engineer to lead the full software development lifecycle: from planning and design to implementation, testing and deployment. 

Our core tech stack is written in Django and React.js, and we use Heroku and Google Cloud to deploy and manage applications.  

Who we want to work with

  • Accountable: you take on ownership.

  • Vocal: you like to challenge but will commit once a decision is reached.

  • Innovative: you are always looking to improve and simplify our products and processes.

  • Curious: you love to learn and are actively interested in upskilling.

  • Respectful: you have a positive attitude and are a team player.

  • Purpose-driven: you want to work on stuff that matters.

Requirements

  • 5+ years of software engineering experience as a full stack developer with a focus on both front-end and back-end technologies.

  • Strong working knowledge of React.js, Django and databases.

  • Strong understanding of API designs, RESTful patterns and standards.

  • In-depth knowledge of web application accessibility and security best practices and ability to develop secure, reliable and scalable software solutions.

  • Experience with at least one Cloud provider (preferably Google Cloud) and serverless deployment of containerised applications.

  • Proven experience leading a team of developers. However, we would welcome applications from ambitious developers who are interested in leading a team in their next role.

  • Fluent in English.

Key responsibilities

  • Lead the architecture and development of robust, scalable and secure full-stack solutions.

  • Lead and provide guidance to a team of junior developers, helping unblock technical issues and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

  • Implement best practices and keep abreast of emerging technologies to enhance product delivery and performance.

  • Manage the full software development lifecycle, including architecture design, implementation, testing, deployment and maintenance.

Desirable skills

  • Additional experience with Typescript, CSS (including Tailwind) and React Query will be considered a plus.  

Working arrangements

Alma Economics is a friendly and informal place, and our offices are designed for both work and play. We enjoy working from the office as we foster a strong culture within modern and fun spaces, allowing for casual catch ups, mentoring, brainstorming and teambuilding.

We do not have a one-size-fits-all WfH policy. Most staff members work from home for one or two days during a typical week, while it is also possible to arrange to WfH for more extended periods (e.g., 2-4 weeks) to visit family or travel.

While most staff work 5-day weeks, for most full-time positions we also offer the option of a 4-day working week, either from day one or as an arrangement employees can transition into later in their Alma career.

Our offices are disabled-accessible, and we are committed to providing all necessary support to colleagues that require it, but we are also happy to consider remote working arrangements for applicants with disabilities or health conditions that prevent them from working on-site.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and ensure that no one receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, gender, sexual orientation, disability or physical condition, marital status, race, or religion.

Check out more employment opportunities at Alma Economics and our tips for applicants here: www.almaeconomics.com/tips-for-applicants