Technical Leader

Digital Ties is building the next‑generation mobility platform with a data and integration layer that connects entities across the entire ecosystem. Our solution sits at the intersection of interoperability and sustainability – transforming disconnected mobility systems into a unified, net‑zero ecosystem that delivers a seamless experience for both drivers and cities. We are looking for a Tech Lead who can combine hands‑on engineering, platform architecture, and technical leadership. You will shape the technical direction of our first digital platform, lead and mentor our developers, and work side‑by‑side with product, design, and partners to design and develop a high‑quality MVP and product. This role is perfect for someone who wants to build a platform from the ground up, support the architecture definition, write production code, and play a pivotal leadership role in a company moving at startup speed. What’s in it for you Innovate: Apply agile and design‑thinking practices to build solutions that directly respond to changing user needs. Collaborate: Work closely with product, UX, and partners (from councils to mobility leaders) to bring bold ideas to life. Make an impact: The code you write won’t sit on a shelf – it will transform how drivers and cities interact every day. What Makes This Role Unique You shape the architecture of a national‑scale mobility product. Your code reaches production immediately and impacts real users. You mentor and grow the engineering team from day one. You work directly with mobility partners. You influence major product decisions, not just engineering choices. This role is for a builder, a leader, and a technologist who wants to create something meaningful. Compensation Contractor Rate (negotiable with/without equity). Location UK‑based, ideally London or West London (near Kingston Upon Thames). Hybrid working. If you want to build meaningful tech that makes cities cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable, this role is for you. Key Responsibilities Design and own the end‑to‑end architecture of the digital platform, spanning mobile apps, backend services, data flows, and integrations. Define and document the technology stack (React Native, React, Node.js/Python, AWS, CI/CD pipelines). Create system diagrams, data models, API blueprints, integration patterns, and security frameworks. Ensure scalability, resilience, and cost‑efficient infrastructure decisions. Build front‑end interfaces (React / React Native) and back‑end microservices (Node.js / Python / Java). Implement real‑time data features, user flows, payment orchestration, partner integrations, and identity/authentication. Write clean, maintainable, well‑tested code aligned with best practices. Review requests, set coding standards, and lead by example. Define API‑first architecture for mobility, EV charging, parking and council interoperability. Design a modular API gateway using REST and/or GraphQL. Establish standards for authentication (OAuth2, JWT), API performance, and data security. Support partners in embedding or integrating with the digital platform. Set up CI/CD pipelines, version‑control strategies, and release processes. Define Cloud environments (Dev, Int, Prod) and infrastructure as code (Terraform or CloudFormation). Establish logging, monitoring, alerting, and observability across the stack. Ensure secure handling of payments, personal data, and multi‑party transactions. Mentor junior developer(s) ensuring they have clear tasks, support, and opportunities to grow. Collaborate with Product Director and Delivery Manager to refine requirements, scope technical feasibility, and plan sprints. Translate complex architecture into simple guidance for non‑technical stakeholders. Play a core role in sprint planning, reviews, and roadmap shaping. Quality, Security & Documentation Establish coding standards, testing frameworks, and best engineering practices. Deliver architecture documents, API specs, system diagrams, and technical guides. Prepare the platform for future scaling – more developers, more data, more integrations. Required Qualifications and Experience Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field (or equivalent experience) 5–8+ years of hands‑on full‑stack engineering (React/React Native, Node.js/Python/Java) Experience designing and owning system architecture for cloud‑native platforms (AWS preferred) Strong understanding of API‑first design, microservices, integrations, and data interoperability Experience with CI/CD, infrastructure as code, containers, and DevOps tooling Strong knowledge of security, OAuth2, JWT, GDPR, and secure coding Experience mentoring or technically leading developers Excellent communication and documentation skills Thrives in a fast‑paced, zero‑ego, startup environment Nice‑to‑Have Skills Experience with mobility, transportation, EV charging, parking, or smart cities. Worked with councils or public‑sector data systems. Knowledge of payments or financial integrations. Exposure to AI/ML, optimisation algorithms, or real‑time data platforms. Experience with scalable design systems or mapping technologies. Company Description Digital Ties is a UK‑based technology company on a mission to reshape how people move through cities. We’re building a platform that connects drivers, commuters, service providers, businesses, and local government into a seamless ecosystem – making everyday journeys smarter, easier, and more sustainable. Our goal is to meet the changing needs, expectations, and behaviours of modern travellers, creating solutions that remove friction from parking, charging, public transport, and micromobility. By combining cutting‑edge technology with over 50+ years of experience in innovation and digital transformation, we’re driving the future of connected mobility. We’re at an exciting stage – expanding our team, building and scaling our product, and co‑developing with industry leaders. And as part of the British Parking Association’s AI Taskforce, we’re shaping the future of parking and mobility to solve everyday challenges across the UK, and beyond. Why Join Us Growth potential: opportunity to evolve into CTO or Chief Architect as the company scales. Shape the foundation of one of the UK’s most ambitious connected mobility platforms – at the intersection of tech, transport, and sustainability. Early ownership: work directly with the founders to define the platform and culture from day one. Flexibility and autonomy: hybrid working, flexible structure, and creative freedom to build what you believe in. Impact that matters: help cities, operators, and drivers move toward net‑zero through smarter, interoperable data. Seniority level Mid‑Senior level Employment type Full‑time Job function Engineering and Information Technology Industries Software Development #J-18808-Ljbffr