Lead Frontend Engineer

Lead Frontend EngineerRemote (UK-based) | Full-TimeAbout UsReactive Markets is the 2026 OTC Trading Platform of the Year (Risk.net). Our network handles over $50 billion in daily trading volumes across FX, Equities, and Cryptocurrency, connecting 40+ of the world's leading liquidity providers.We build trading systems that operate at the edge of what's technically possible - where nanoseconds matter and a dropped message costs real money. Our engineering team is small, senior, and deeply invested in the craft of building cutting edge, reliable, high-performance systems.The RoleWe're looking for a hands-on engineering leader to own our Frontend team - the full-stack application engineers who build the trading platform our clients use.

Despite the "frontend" name, this is not a UI-only role. The team works across the whole application stack in TypeScript and Rust, from the trader-facing interfaces down to the services behind them. It's distinct from our Backend team, who own the low-latency C++/Go trading engine.This is a player-coach role.

You'll still write code, review the work that matters, and make the architectural calls that keep the platform fast and maintainable - while owning the team's delivery, its standards, and the development of the engineers in it. The role only works if you can hold two things at once: hands on the platform (credible to your engineers because you understand the work) and off the critical path (leading with depth and raising the team up, so nothing depends on you alone at the keyboard).You'd be the clear owner of this team - responsibility for it is currently shared informally across our CDO, our Head of Technical Delivery, and the most senior engineer. Part of the job is to take that on, close out the informal cover, and build a team that runs under its own steam.

This is not a role where you write code and throw it over a wall: our engineers own the full lifecycle, and when something breaks, you lead the team that investigates and fixes it.Occasional hours outside the normal working day are required for production releases, scheduled maintenance windows, and Level 3 support during critical incidents. We keep this to a minimum and recognise the commitment - but owning a production trading platform means being there when it matters.What You'll Work OnDriving the technical direction of the frontend application stack - architecture, standards, and the trade-offs that keep the platform fast and maintainableHands-on TypeScript and Rust - building and reviewing the most critical or complex work yourselfReal-time, data-dense trading interfaces across FX, Equities, and Cryptocurrency, and the application services behind themOwning code quality across the team through review, design sessions, and the standards you set and enforceDeveloping the engineers on the team - technical craft and the non-coding skills that let people scaleShaping the roadmap with the CTO, CDO, Technical Delivery, and Client facing teams, and turning priorities into delivered softwareEnsuring the team owns its Level 3 support, observability, and operational readiness - reliability is not optionalWhat We NeedTechnical:Strong full-stack engineering background with deep TypeScript / JavaScript (ES6+) (5+ years, including time leading or setting technical direction for a team)Familiarity with React and reactive state management (RX, MobX, or similar)Working knowledge of Rust, or the clear appetite and ability to get there - it's part of our stackSolid grasp of distributed systems, API design, and real-time data (REST, WebSockets, network protocols) - you understand what it takes to build software that's fast and reliable under loadAble to make and defend architectural decisions, and explain the trade-offs to engineers and non-technical stakeholders alikeExperience in financial services or trading technologyHow you lead:You lead by example. You write code, review designs, and hold the highest standards.

Engineers respect a lead who understands the work, not one who manages it from a distanceYou build strength across the team. You know when to be hands-on and when to step back. You lead with depth and raise the others up, rather than being the single point of failureYou own it.

You take responsibility for the team's delivery, quality, and production reliability - not just your own output. When something breaks, you lead the investigation and fixYou develop people. You invest time in mentoring and growing the team, and you can point to engineers who are better for having worked with youYou're direct and honest.

You give specific, timely feedback, and you hold a quality line without becoming a bottleneckYou communicate. We're a distributed team across multiple time zones. Clear, proactive communication - especially during incidents and in stakeholder updates - is essentialYou embrace AI tooling.

We use AI tools (Claude, Gemini) to amplify our engineering capability - from code review and debugging to incident investigation and documentationWhat You GetReal problems - trading systems where performance is measured in microseconds, not user clicksAn excellent team - senior engineers who care about craft, collaborate openly, and hold each other to high standardsOwnership - small teams, clear accountability, direct impact on the platform and our clientsCompetitive package - up to 30 days leave + bank holidays, private health insurance, pension, life insurance, dental/optical cashback, cycle to work, socials and offsitesRemote-friendly - work from home with flexibility. We trust our people to deliverSustainable pace - we work hard, but we don't burn people out. Balance is how we stay sharpGrowth - career progression to senior roles, performance specialisation, or technical leadership.

We invest in people who invest in usWe believe in transparency, honest feedback, and writing things down. We celebrate delivery, not activity. We frame AI as empowering people - removing toil, amplifying capability, enabling higher-value work.We aim to build systems that don't depend on the heroics of individuals to maintain and support - systems and processes that are resilient, documented, and sustainable.Our Hiring ProcessWe keep our process focused and respectful of your time.

Our process follows three stages.Stage 1: Initial Conversation with Talent AcquisitionFormat: Video call, ~30-45 minutesStage 2: Hiring Manager Conversation with the relevant team lead or hiring managerFormat: Video call, ~60 minutesStage 3: Technical Interview with two members of the relevant engineering teamFormat: Video call, interactive session, ~60 minutesWhat to expect in each stage will be explained by Talent Acquisition if you're invited to interview. Throughout the process, we aim to keep momentum with no unnecessary delays between stages, and feedback typically comes within a few business days.*Please note that depending on availability, Stage 2 and 3 may swap around.

How to Apply

Please apply directly via this job posting - all applications, including those submitted via LinkedIn, are managed through our applicant tracking system, so you'll always land in the same place regardless of where you found this role. Right to Work: Candidates must have the existing right to work in the UK. We are not currently able to offer visa sponsorship for this role.Equal Opportunities: Reactive Markets is an equal opportunities employer.

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.Reasonable Adjustments: If you need any adjustments or support during the application or interview process, please let us know - we're happy to accommodate.Data Protection: By applying, you consent to Reactive Markets processing your personal data for recruitment purposes, in line with our privacy policy.#Hiring #EngineeringLeadership #Frontend #TypeScript #Rust #FinTech #TradingTechnology #RemoteWork #FullStackFind Jobs in United Kingdom on Arbeitnow