Founding / Lead AI Engineer (Mental Health Tech) - UK only!
£80k - £100k GBP
Location: Remote (UK/Europe preferred)
Type: Full-time
About our Client
Our client is building cutting-edge AI solutions in the mental health space, focused on creating impactful, scalable, and clinically meaningful products. Our mission is to develop technology that can make a real difference in people's lives through innovative, AI-powered experiences.
We are at the early stages of launching a major new product initiative with significant long-term potential and global impact.
The Role
We are looking for a Founding / Lead Engineer to take ownership of a new AI-driven product from the ground up. This is a high-impact role where you will lead both the technical direction and early product shaping, working closely with clinical and product stakeholders.
You will not only build—but also define, scope, and drive the project forward.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the development of a new AI-powered mental health product (initially audio-focused)
Take full ownership of the project from early-stage scoping through execution
Collaborate with clinicians, designers, and product stakeholders to shape the solution
Architect and build scalable backend systems and APIs
Contribute to (and potentially lead) frontend/mobile application development
Establish engineering best practices, including AI-native workflows
Make key technical and product decisions in an ambiguous, fast-moving environment
Mentor and help build the team as the project scales
Tech Stack
Backend: Node.js, tRPC
Database: PostgreSQL
Infrastructure: Redis (queues, async processing)
Frontend (likely): React / Next.js
Product: AI-driven (audio-first, with potential web/mobile interfaces)
What We’re Looking For
Core Requirements
Strong experience with Node.js and TypeScript
Experience building production-grade systems (backend-focused, fullstack is a plus)
Solid understanding of system design and architecture
Experience working in early-stage startups or high-ownership roles
Ability to lead projects end-to-end, not just execute tasks
AI & Modern Development
Experience working with AI-powered products or features
Comfortable using AI tools as part of your development workflow (“AI-native” mindset)
Strong understanding of how to guide AI tools effectively, not just rely on them blindly
Profile We Value
Entrepreneurial mindset (founder-like ownership)
Comfortable with ambiguity and evolving requirements
Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
Product-oriented thinking (not just technical execution)
Passion for building impactful solutions in mental health
Nice to Have
Experience with audio-based applications or processing
Experience in healthtech or regulated environments
Background as a founder or early startup employee
Exposure to mobile app development
Location & Working Style
Fully remote
Preference for candidates in the UK or Europe (for timezone overlap)
No onsite requirement
Compensation
Competitive salary based on location (aligned with local market benchmarks)
Typical ranges:
Europe: ~€80K+
UK: ~£80K–£100K
Equity/options included as part of the compensation package
Why Join our Client?
Work on a mission-driven product with real-world impact in mental health
Be part of a foundational team shaping a major new initiative
High ownership and influence over both product and technology
Opportunity to build something groundbreaking at scale