Lead Engineer - Backend | Node.js / C# | Education Software | up to £80,000 + shares

Our client is a rapidly scaling EdTech/SaaS company redefining digital learning through immersive, interactive content. As they continue strong UK/US expansion, they're hiring a Lead Backend Engineer to take ownership of backend systems, architecture, and engineering quality across their platform.

The Role:
This is a hands-on role for an experienced backend engineer strong in Node.js and C#. You'll guide backend engineering standards, shape architecture, deliver complex features, and own service reliability and performance.
You'll collaborate closely with mobile, Unity and senior developers, while working with the Technical Product Lead to ensure predictable delivery and high engineering discipline. Not people management focused, but strong technical ownership, mentoring and influence.

Key Responsibilities
Lead backend engineering across the platform, ensuring performance, security, and maintainability
Act as the senior hands-on engineer for Node.js backend development
Work with C# and Unity teams, providing guidance and high-quality code review
Own API design and server-side architecture, ensuring scalable and well-documented services
Drive backend delivery processes, workflow optimisation, CI/CD, and deployment best practices
Develop integrations with external services, including AI-driven functionality
Oversee backend cloud environments and data flows, identifying risks and performance issues early
Support onboarding of future engineers and contribute to longer-term backend strategyAbout You
Strong commercial experience in backend engineering with Node.js and C#
Confident designing backend architectures and APIs for cloud-native platforms
Interest or experience in integrating AI-driven services
Strong communicator who can translate technical detail clearly
Hands-on, proactive and pragmatic, with high standards for code qualitySalary/Benefits
£70,000 - £80,000 + Shares (£100k-£112k total package)
Hybrid working - 3 days onsite in Manchester, 2 days work from home
23 days holiday + bank holidays (negotiable)