Lead Backend Engineer - C++

Lead Backend Engineer - C++

Location: Solihull - Hybrid (2-3 days per week onsite) Salary: £65,000-£70,000

Are you an experienced C++ Engineer ready to take technical ownership and lead a backend engineering team?

We're working with an established technology business developing sophisticated access control, security and workforce management solutions. They're expanding their R&D function and looking for a Lead Backend Engineer to help shape their backend platform, drive engineering standards and explore how modern AI technologies can enhance both their products and development processes.

This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll remain close to the technology while mentoring engineers and influencing architecture, delivery and technical direction.

What you'll be doing

Leading the development and evolution of scalable backend systems

Taking technical ownership of backend projects from planning through to delivery

Designing, developing and maintaining APIs and backend services

Driving improvements across performance, scalability, reliability and observability

Identifying bottlenecks and optimising database queries and system performance

Evaluating and implementing AI-powered tools and solutions

Working closely with Product, Architecture, Frontend and QA teams

Leading and mentoring backend engineers, promoting strong coding standards and engineering best practice

Supporting sprint planning, technical decision-making and continuous improvement

What we're looking for

You'll be an experienced Backend or Lead Software Engineer with strong technical depth and the confidence to provide leadership within an engineering team.

Key experience includes

Strong commercial C++ development experience

Excellent knowledge of the C++ Standard Library, STL containers and algorithms

Experience leading, mentoring or technically guiding software engineers

Strong understanding of backend architecture, APIs and scalable systems

Knowledge of database systems

Experience developing, integrating or deploying AI/ML-powered solutions

Exposure to LLMs, AI-assisted development tools and modern AI frameworks

What's on offer

Alongside the salary, you'll receive flexible working hours, a company pension, 24 days' annual leave with increases based on service, and 10% of your working time dedicated to your own projects and ideas.

The role operates on a hybrid basis, with 2-3 days per week in the Solihull office.

If you're a strong C++ backend engineer looking for a role that combines hands-on development, technical leadership and the opportunity to work with emerging AI technologies, we'd be keen to hear from you.