Principal Full Stack JavaScript Engineer - Contract
Posted 1 day ago by hedgehog lab
Negotiable
Outside
Hybrid
Manchester, England, United Kingdom
Summary: The Principal Full Stack JavaScript Engineer role is a full-time contract position focused on transforming a monolithic JavaScript platform into modern components. The position requires hands-on leadership in full-stack engineering, emphasizing architecture and problem-solving. The successful candidate will collaborate with senior engineers and contribute to the modernization of deployment and authentication processes. This role is ideal for a pragmatic individual who thrives in a collaborative environment and can deliver outcomes efficiently.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead (hands-on) full-stack engineering across a JavaScript platform, focusing on architecture and problem-solving.
- Break down an existing monolithic system into well-structured components and services.
- Work closely with senior client engineers, influencing technical direction through evidence and collaboration.
- Support a move from Vercel-hosted deployment towards a Google Cloud future, improving deployment and operational readiness.
- Contribute to authentication modernization by integrating an identity platform.
- Deliver value quickly by understanding the domain, codebase, and priorities.
Key Skills:
- Deep expertise in JavaScript (TypeScript a plus).
- Strong full-stack experience, including Node.js and API architecture.
- A pragmatic mindset focused on quality and outcomes.
- Confident communicator in technical discussions with senior engineers.
- Comfortable working in small, flat teams with collaboration.
- Experience with Google Cloud and modern web deployment platforms is a plus.
- Interest or experience in open source communities or geospatial/GIS/mapping products.
Salary (Rate): undetermined
City: Manchester
Country: United Kingdom
Working Arrangements: hybrid
IR35 Status: outside IR35
Seniority Level: undetermined
Industry: IT
Type: Full-time, Contract (outside IR35) Location: UK-based (flexible home, office, or hybrid working) Office locations: Newcastle and Leeds Hub locations: Edinburgh, Manchester, London
We’re growing our Engineering team to strengthen our ability to deliver world-class digital products for our clients. As a Principal Full Stack JavaScript Engineer, you’ll join a small, highly technical group tackling a complex transformation: breaking down a monolithic JavaScript platform into clearer, modern components. This is an individual contributor role for someone who thrives on problem-solving, can ramp up quickly, and can collaborate confidently with other very strong engineers. You’ll be hands-on from day one, helping modernise architecture, improve maintainability, and set the foundations for future technology decisions, all while staying pragmatic and delivery-focused.
What you'll do
- Lead (hands-on) full-stack engineering across a JavaScript platform, with a strong focus on architecture and problem-solving.
- Break down an existing monolithic system into well-structured components and services.
- Work closely with senior client engineers, ask the right questions, and influence technical direction through evidence and collaboration.
- Support a move from Vercel-hosted deployment towards a Google Cloud future, improving deployment and operational readiness.
- Contribute to authentication modernisation by integrating an identity platform rather than maintaining bespoke authentication.
- Deliver value quickly by quickly understanding the domain, codebase, and priorities.
Who is hedgehog lab
hedgehog lab is a digital product consultancy with 20 years of experience. Based in Northern England, we help global brands craft better digital experiences through technical excellence and human-first collaboration.
What we’re looking for
- Deep expertise in JavaScript (TypeScript a plus).
- Strong full-stack experience, including Node.js and API architecture.
- A pragmatic mindset: you care about quality, but you also deliver outcomes and keep momentum.
- Confident communicator who can hold their own in technical discussions with senior engineers.
- Comfortable working in small, flat teams with little hierarchy and lots of collaboration.
Nice to have
- Experience with Google Cloud (especially identity or auth-related services).
- Experience with Vercel or modern web deployment platforms.
- Interest or experience in open source communities or open source strategy.
- Exposure to geospatial/GIS/mapping products or highly interactive map UIs.
Ready to apply? Submit your application below. Please note that we’re unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.