# Technical Lead > Zaizi · Cheltenham, United Kingdom · — · Posted 2026-10-23 **Workplace:** on_site **Department:** Club Islay ## Description ### **About Zaizi** Zaizi is a digital consultancy specialising in delivering user-centred, secure, and scalable services for complex public sector challenges. We work in highly regulated environments, partnering closely with our clients to design and build modern digital platforms. ### Job Role We are seeking a high-caliber, entrepreneurial Engineering Lead to build and steer high-performing, multi-disciplinary Agile teams. You will be responsible for architecting and delivering innovative solutions to "hard" technical problems within the UK National Security (NatSec) domain. This role requires a blend of hands-on technical excellence, strategic leadership of small engineering squads, and the ability to navigate the unique security and data challenges of the UK defense and intelligence landscape. ### Key Responsibilities - Team Leadership & Delivery: Lead and mentor small, high-velocity engineering teams (4–8 people). You will be responsible for fostering a culture of technical excellence, psychological safety, and rapid delivery using Agile/DevSecOps methodologies. - Architectural Guidance: Serve as the Technical Authority for client projects, bridging the gap between high-level strategy and low-level implementation. You will design resilient, scalable architectures that account for the constraints of high-side/disconnected environments. - AI & Data Engineering: Lead the implementation of the "underpinning tech" for AI, including data pipelines (ETL/ELT), vector databases for RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation), and the deployment of LLMs/ML models within secure infrastructure. - NatSec Stakeholder Management: Act as a trusted advisor to UK Government (HMG) stakeholders. You must understand the nuances of Policy and Assurance (e.g., JSP 440, IS1&2) and how to deliver "Secure by Design" software. Strategy & Roadmapping: Work alongside client engineering communities to develop technical roadmaps that prioritize interoperability, data sovereignty, and the migration from legacy systems to modern cloud-native architectures (AWS/Azure). ## Requirements - Essential: Software Engineering & Leadership - Languages: Expert-level proficiency in Python, GoLang, or Java; with strong TypeScript/Node.js for full-stack/service-layer delivery. - Cloud & Infrastructure: Hands-on AWS or Azure architecture; mastery of Terraform (IaC), Kubernetes (EKS/AKS), and Container Orchestration. - Data Foundations: Deep knowledge of SQL (PostgreSQL) and NoSQL (MongoDB/DynamoDB) with an emphasis on data modeling for high-availability systems. - Engineering Rigour: Proven experience in CI/CD pipeline construction, TDD/BDD, and Micro-services architecture within a GitLab/GitHub environment. - Security & National Security (NatSec): Solid understanding of "Secure by Design" principles, OAuth2/OIDC, and building for UK Sovereign Cloud or disconnected environments. Practical application of BDD/TDD and a "Security First" approach to the software development lifecycle (SDLC). - Desirable: AI & Data Underpinnings - Vector Databases: Experience with high-dimensional data retrieval using Milvus, Weaviate, or Pinecone (essential for RAG architectures). - Data Orchestration: Familiarity with Airflow, Prefect, or Dagster for managing complex data movement and model training pipelines. - Search & Discovery: Advanced ElasticSearch/OpenSearch for semantic search and large-scale indexing. - AI Frameworks: Exposure to LangChain, LlamaIndex, or Hugging Face libraries for integrating Large Language Models (LLMs) into production applications. - Model Ops (MLOps): Understanding the lifecycle of a model—from deployment and monitoring to versioning—using tools like MLflow or Kubeflow. - Desired Experience & Context - UK NatSec Landscape: Proven experience working within the UK National Security community (e.g., MoD, Home Office, or Intelligence Agencies). Familiarity with the Service Manual, GDS standards, and the unique challenges of Cross-Domain Solutions (CDS). - Security Clearance: Applicants must hold eDV. - Coaching: A track record of developing junior and mid-level engineers into future technical leaders. ## Benefits **Compensation** - **Competitive Pay:** Salaries reviewed annually to ensure they reflect your performance and market value. - **Loyalty Pension:** We invest in your future. Starting at a 5% employer contribution, we increase this by 0.5% every year after your third anniversary, up to a **maximum of 8%**. - **Protection:** Comprehensive Group Life Assurance for peace of mind. **Purpose & Culture** - **Real Impact:** Work on mission-critical projects that secure and improve the UK's digital infrastructure. - **Autonomy:** A culture that empowers you to make decisions, prototype rapidly, and iterate towards success. - **Service & Community:** We support those who serve. **10 paid days** for Reservist Military Service. **Work / Life Balance** - **Time Off:** **25 days annual leave** + Bank Holidays, with the flexibility to Buy/Sell additional days to suit your lifestyle. - **Giving back:** 2 paid volunteering days per year. **Development & Growth** - **Master Your Craft:** Fully funded professional certifications (AWS, GCP, Agile, etc.) supported by **5 days paid study leave**. - **Expand Your Horizons:** An additional £500 annual "Personal Choice" fund to learn whatever inspires you—work-related or not. - **Support:** Access to 1-2-1 professional coaching and team training to accelerate your career. **Health & Balance** - **Premium Health:** Vitality Private Medical Insurance (includes Apple Watch, gym discounts, and rewards). - **Flexibility:** Genuine hybrid working with a WFH equipment allowance to perfect your home setup. - **Wellbeing:** Cycle to Work scheme and a commitment to sustainable, healthy working practices. **For further information contact: talentteam@zaizi.com** **Nat Hinds: Head of Talent** ## Apply [Apply at Zaizi](https://apply.workable.com/zaizi/j/21C2E905EE/apply) --- Powered by [Workable](https://www.workable.com)