We’re working with an exciting and fast-growing UK-based technology company building autonomous drone networks to power climate-critical atmospheric data collection. Their systems operate in some of the world’s harshest environments and provide real-time data for partners in science, forecasting, and research.

They’re now seeking a Lead Golang Developer to join their engineering team at a pivotal stage of growth. This is a rare opportunity to lead technically complex, impactful projects in a lean, high-calibre engineering environment.

Location: Leeds, UK (Hybrid)

The Role

As the Lead Golang Developer, you’ll take ownership of the architecture and development of distributed backend systems powering drone control and data pipelines. You'll be 70% hands-on with code, while also taking on a leadership role across architecture, mentorship, and technical direction.

This is a role for someone who thrives on solving complex engineering problems, building scalable infrastructure, and mentoring developers in a mission-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and build distributed systems for real-time control of autonomous drones
• Lead development of high-performance backend systems using Go (Golang) and C++
• Architect and scale cloud-native infrastructure using AWS, Railway, and Kubernetes
• Guide a small team of engineers across disciplines, setting standards and reviewing code
• Lead the development of features such as multi-drone coordination, real-time integrations, and intelligent data pipelines
• Ensure high code quality through test-driven development (TDD) and solid engineering practices

Requirements

• Expert-level Golang development skills
• Strong background in distributed systems, concurrency, and backend architecture
• Experience with C++ and multithreaded systems
• Hands-on experience with AWS, Kubernetes, and cloud orchestration
• Strong computer science fundamentals (data structures, algorithms, systems design)
• Prior experience in a technical leadership role or mentoring developers
• Commitment to clean code, testing, and scalable design

Nice to have

• Familiarity with DJI SDKs (CloudAPI, PSDK, MSDK)
• Experience with MQTT, Kafka, or message-oriented architecture
• Exposure to data pipelines, analytics, or observability tooling
• Frontend familiarity (React / Next.js)
• Knowledge of databases: PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis, Clickhouse
• Background in robotics, control systems, or autonomous platforms

Tech Stack Snapshot

• Languages: Golang, C++
• Cloud: AWS, Railway
• Frontend: React, Next.js
• Messaging: MQTT, Kafka
• Databases: PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis, Clickhouse

Why Apply?

• Work on genuinely innovative tech with real-world environmental impact
• Lead complex, scalable backend systems
• Join a highly skilled, mission-driven engineering team
• Remote-first culture with high flexibility
• Competitive salary and benefits
• Direct ownership and leadership opportunity

Benefits

• Competitive salary (up to £100,000 for exceptional candidates)
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays + company-wide Christmas shutdown
• Company pension scheme
• Flexible remote working (with 1 day per month onsite in Leeds)
• Ownership of critical, high-impact systems