Jobs, fresher vacancy - Founding Engineer • UK

Company: Navys

UK

Founding Engineer — Legal Tech (Enterprise SaaS)Location: London (4–5 days per week on site)Compensation: £90-100K + substantial equity (depending on salary)Reports to: CEOStage: Pre-seed | Early enterprise rolloutCompany OverviewAbout NavysNavys is a venture backed legal technology company building enterprise workflow software for private capital markets.The platform replaces manual, email driven legal processes with a structured system that enables funds lawyers, GPs and LPs to execute complex transactions more efficiently. Navys is focused on real legal workflows, not generic AI tools or document summarisation, and is designed to support production grade, enterprise use cases.Navys is building core infrastructure for how funds legal work is done, with a strong emphasis on execution, clarity and real-world impact.Traction and Growth TrajectoryThe company has signed its first clients and is in advanced discussions on additional pilot programmes. Early commercial traction includes strong engagement from AmLaw100 firms and leading private equity funds, reflecting clear market demand and validation from top-tier industry participants. The focus now is scaling delivery and execution rather than searching for product market fit.Role SummaryNavys is seeking a Founding Engineer who will take ownership of day-to-day engineering execution and play a pivotal role in building the engineering function from its earliest foundations.This role is intended to be a core member of the founding team. As the most senior technical hire, the Founding Engineer will operate as both a hands-on technical leader and a strategic partner to the CEO, contributing to company direction, technical credibility and external engagement when required.This is not just a delivery role, it is a hands-on technical leadership position responsible for shaping architecture, defining engineering processes and providing technical direction while the company is at a formative stage. The individual will also be expected to represent the technical vision in conversations with clients, partners and investors when appropriate.The ideal candidate is an experienced engineer who can operate close to the technology while also driving technical decision-making, implementing scalable processes and ensuring accountability as the team grows.Technology EnvironmentThe platform is built on a modern full-stack architecture optimised for workflow orchestration and rapid iteration. The Founding Engineer will own development strategy and execution and lead the architectural evolution as scale increases.Current StackFrontend: Next.js, TypeScript, Tailwind CSSBackend & APIs: Python (Quart/Flask/Django)Infrastructure: PostgreSQL, Docker containerisation, AzureDelivery Operations: CI/CD automation, Git-based workflow, Agile executionResponsibilitiesBuild and Lead the Engineering FunctionEstablish engineering processes, standards and ways of working suitable for an early-stage organisationCreate a culture of accountability, ownership and high performanceRecruit, develop and mentor engineering talent as the team expandsAct as a founding technical leader helping shape company direction alongside the CEO and leadership teamTechnical Leadership & Architectural OwnershipDrive architectural decisions and define the technical direction of the platformProvide hands-on guidance, reviewing code and shaping solution designEnsure the system remains scalable, secure and maintainable as it evolvesDelivery Management & Operational ExcellenceOwn sprint planning, prioritisation and release cadenceEnsure predictable, high-quality delivery of product featuresIdentify and remove blockers quickly, maintaining delivery velocityImprove and optimise development workflows, CI/CD practices and QA processesCross-Functional Collaboration & Product AlignmentTranslate product requirements into technical plans and release scopesPartner closely with product, design and commercial teams to ensure alignment on prioritiesSupport early customer deployments and communicate risks, trade-offs and progress clearly to stakeholdersAct as a technical representative in selected client, partner or investor conversations, helping build trust in the platform’s architecture and long-term visionCandidate ProfileEssential RequirementsAt least 3 years’ experience managing software engineering teamsStrong understanding of software engineering management processes in a SaaS environmentFirsthand experience in modern full-stack web developmentHas successfully delivered production grade enterprise software using a SaaS modelSolid understanding of software architecture, with the ability to assess options and explain trade-offs to senior stakeholdersStrong personal network of technologists and engineering talentHighly organised and able to prioritise effectively and deliver at paceStrong communication skills across technical and non-technical teamsComfortable working on-site in London (4–5 days per week)Desirable RequirementsExposure to legal tech or fintechExperience with workflow or transaction-heavy systemsUnderstanding of security, compliance and resilience in software systemsExperience joining an early-stage teamWhat Navys OffersCompetitive salary and meaningful equity participation at early-stage entry pointFounding team role with significant influence over company direction and technical strategyOwnership of engineering processes, architecture and technical directionPotential for expanded leadership responsibilities as the organisation scales