Lead Software Engineer

About OZLK IT

OZLK IT is a UK-based technology consultancy delivering high-performance software and cloud solutions across finance, trading, and data-driven platforms. We work with a select group of high-impact clients, helping them build and scale mission-critical systems — from MVP to production.

We are currently leading development for a next-generation fintech platform focused on real-time precious metals pricing and trading. We're looking for a Lead Software Engineer to take ownership of this and similar projects — blending strong technical leadership with hands-on engineering and DevOps expertise.

The Role (English speaking)

As a Lead Software Engineer, you’ll play a pivotal role across product development, team leadership, and DevOps infrastructure. This is a full-spectrum role: you’ll guide architecture, lead a small but talented engineering team, and help scale a live trading platform with zero tolerance for downtime.

We’re looking for someone with a “can-do” attitude who’s comfortable solving complex problems, owning delivery end-to-end, and wearing multiple hats when needed.

What You’ll Be Doing

🧠 Technical Leadership

• Lead and mentor a full-stack team (backend, frontend, mobile, DevOps)
• Architect scalable systems for real-time trading, pricing, and data processing
• Oversee the integration of financial protocols and third-party data feeds
• Ensure best practices through code reviews, design reviews, and architecture decisions
• Troubleshoot and resolve urgent production issues in live environments

⚙️ DevOps & Infrastructure

• Orchestrate container-based deployments using Docker and Coolify
• Manage infrastructure on Linux-based cloud environments (e.g., AWS)
• Build and maintain CI/CD pipelines using GitHub Actions
• Ensure system performance, security, and uptime (99.9%+) for real-time services
• Define and implement disaster recovery, monitoring, and alerting systems

💻 Full-Stack Engineering

• Backend: PHP (Laravel/Symfony), Python, Node.js
• Messaging & Streaming: RabbitMQ, Redis
• APIs: REST, WebSockets for live data feeds
• Databases: MySQL – optimisation, query tuning, and schema design
• Financial protocols: FIX and other market data integrations

📱 Frontend & Mobile

• Web: React (TypeScript), Tailwind, responsive dashboards
• Mobile: Native iOS (Swift), React Native for lightweight tools
• Real-time UI components: charts, live prices, alerts
• Cross-device compatibility and performance tuning

The Tech StackCore Technologies

• Languages: PHP, Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, Swift
• Frameworks: Symfony, Laravel, React, Node.js
• Databases: MySQL, Redis
• Infrastructure: Docker, Coolify, GitHub Actions, Linux
• Protocols: FIX, WebSocket, REST
• Tools: RabbitMQ, SQLAlchemy, Swagger, Sentry, Postman

Who You Are

✅ Required

• 8+ years of hands-on software engineering experience
• 3+ years leading teams or owning technical direction
• Strong experience with full-stack engineering and DevOps
• Proven experience scaling and operating production systems
• Comfortable navigating complex architecture and real-time systems
• Deep ownership mentality with a get-it-done mindset
• Fluent in English speaking and writing

🔥 Bonus Points

• Fintech/trading domain experience
• FIX protocol implementation or similar financial messaging systems
• iOS app development for real-time use cases
• Experience with high-frequency or low-latency environments
• Contributions to open source or technical writing

What You Bring

• A strong can-do attitude and eagerness to tackle hard problems
• Clear communication and the ability to guide others technically
• Resilience under pressure — especially in live system situations
• Passion for clean architecture, automation, and continuous improvement
• Pragmatism — you know when to move fast and when to go deep

Why Work with us?

• Leadership opportunity on high-stakes fintech projects
• Work in a remote-first, async-friendly team with autonomy and ownership
• Collaborate with experienced engineers and founders
• Help shape technical direction, team culture, and DevOps strategy
• Competitive day rates/salary depending on engagement