Overview:
We're looking for a hands-on Engineering Team Lead who enjoys building as much as leading.
This is a hands-on leadership role where you will contribute directly to production code, design scalable backend systems, and tackle complex engineering challenges while guiding a small, high-performing team.
If you're currently a Senior Software Engineer who mentors peers, leads modules, and drives technical decision-making and are ready to step into a formal leadership role without moving away from coding, this role is for you.
What you'll be doing:
- Lead and inspire a team of engineers while staying hands-on with code
- Write clean, high-quality, production-grade code (Python / Java / Go)
- Own critical systems end-to-end from design and capacity planning to deployment, observability, and performance tuning
- Drive proactive re-architecture and optimisation to keep systems scalable, resilient, and future-ready
- Design and build high-performance, scalable backend systems
- Take ownership of architecture and key technical decisions
- Drive features end-to-end from idea to production
- Conduct thoughtful code reviews and uphold strong engineering standards
- Continuously improve system performance, reliability, and scalability
- Collaborate closely with Product, Design, Data & Business teams
- Mentor engineers while continuing to be a strong individual contributor
- Help build a culture of ownership, speed, and technical excellence
What we're looking for:
- 78 years of solid backend engineering experience
- Strong hands-on coding skills in Python, Java, or Go
- Experience owning a major module end-to-end in high-scale systems
- Deep understanding of system design and distributed systems
- Prior experience leading projects or mentoring engineers
- Proven track record of building and scaling production-grade backend systems
- Strong fundamentals in databases (SQL & NoSQL), microservices architecture, API design, performance optimisation, and cloud platforms (AWS/GCP/Azure)
- Experience thriving in fast-paced startups or high-growth environments
- A strong ownership mindset with a bias for action and execution
NOTE: The FRND team operates on alternate Saturdays, with the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month as working days.
About FRND
FRND is redefining the way people connect by building a social platform that's not just engaging but also safe, inclusive, and fun. We're a rapidly growing startup with a bold mission: to transform online interactions into meaningful relationships.
Why FRND
- Impact at Scale: Be part of the next big wave in social connection, shaping experiences for millions across India, LATAM, and MENA.
- Rewarding Journey: Competitive compensation, equity options, and growth that parallels FRND's explosive success.
- Learn with the Best: Collaborate directly with founders and industry pioneers, supported by stellar investors like Krafton, India Quotient, and Elevation Capital.
- Freedom to Thrive: Enjoy an unlimited leave policy and unparalleled ownership of your work.
- Product-Centric Mindset: Work in a company where products take centre stage, solving unique challenges with innovative solutions.
