Founding / Lead AI Engineer (Mental Health Tech) - Hybrid in London!

Location: Hybrid in London
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