Principal Full Stack JavaScript Engineer - Contract Engineering ·

Hedgehoglab; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading digital product consultancy in the UK is seeking a skilled full-stack engineer to lead engineering initiatives across a JavaScript platform. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in JavaScript and strong experience with Node.js and API architecture. Responsibilities include breaking down monolithic systems into structured components and supporting the transition to cloud-based solutions. The role offers flexible working options with offices in Newcastle and Leeds, and hub locations in Edinburgh, Manchester, and London.

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in JavaScript (TypeScript a plus).
• Strong full-stack experience, including Node.js and API architecture.
• Pragmatic mindset to deliver outcomes while maintaining quality.

Responsibilities

• Lead full-stack engineering across a JavaScript platform.
• Break down monolithic system into structured components.
• Support transition to Google Cloud and improve deployment readiness.

Skills

JavaScript

Node.js

API architecture

TypeScript

Communication

Tools

Google Cloud

Vercel

Job description

Job Details

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.

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.