Software Engineer (AI, React, Typescript, AWS Lambda, Microservices, IaC)

First, a bit about EM Code

We are EM Code, formerly Code Computerlove. We are a Customer Experience, AI and Innovation Agency in Manchester.

Since our inception in 1999, we have navigated substantial industry transformations and consistently adapted our attitudes, beliefs, and approaches to stay ahead.

For over 25 years, EM Code has helped shape some of the UK’s leading brands and businesses. We are renowned for our human-centred thinking, digital design excellence, and modern engineering practices. Our eclectic client base includes big organisations like the BBC, fast-moving start-ups like LightSpeed Broadband, and local heroes like Manchester Pride. We even launched a global number-one app, The Higher Lower Game.

Recognising the need for constant evolution, our agency is structured always to help our clients and partners adapt to rapidly changing customer and market needs. Our approach is agile, collaborative, and flexible. We start where we can deliver the biggest results, then test, learn, and improve before moving on to the next goal.

We are officially recognised as a Great Place to Work, with 98% of our team saying the working environment is welcoming, friendly, and fun, and 98% agreeing that people are treated fairly regardless of race, age, or sexual orientation. EM Code is full of talented, passionate individuals who love collaborating and helping each other out, and our client partners trust us to do world-class work.

As an equal-opportunity employer, we are committed to promoting inclusivity and diversity at EM Code. We actively encourage applications from black and ethnic minority groups.

We're part of something bigger

Since 2017, we have been part of EssenceMediacom North. Together, we reside at the vibrant WPP Manchester Campus, located in the heart of Spinningfields. Here, we collaborate with over 500 talented creatives and marketers, all contributing to WPP's esteemed global advertising and media network.

Being part of EssenceMediacom North provides us with access to world-leading enterprise tools and resources. This enhances our extensive capabilities in communications, media, insights, customer experience, AI, and cutting-edge technology, allowing us to craft truly integrated solutions.

Who we're looking for

In 2024, EM Code created a suite of internal AI-powered tools and services to support the tens of thousands of employees across our group of companies around the world (EssenceMediacom & WPP) to be able to leverage the power and efficiency of AI. We are continuing to build out these tools, and are looking for up to 3x Software Engineers with strong AI experience to continue the development and rollout of our AI tooling.

You will have demonstrable experience of working with AI models & API's (OpenAI, Gemini or similar), along with solid chops in Typescript, React, Javascript/RxJS, Zustand/Redux, AWS Lambda, MicroFrontends, Microservices, Infrastructure as Code, Document Databases, SQS, Git/Monorepo...

You'll be passionate about creating responsive, accessible, and performant experiences through core front end skills like HTML, CSS/SCSS, JavaScript (vanilla), supported by capabilities Jest Unit Testing, plus comfortable working with Design Systems/Figma.

You are pragmatic in your approach, balancing technical and product needs to deliver quality, testable, adaptable, high-quality software as part of a continuously improving product team.

Who you'll work with

We have multiple product delivery teams at EM Code, each team is a multi-disciplined mix of Digital experts across Product Strategy, Delivery Management, UX Research & Design, Software Engineering, Front End Engineering, DevOps, Agile Test Analyst, Content & Optimisation, who are all responsible for driving and delivering against the product roadmap for their client partners.

You will also be part of EM Code's engineering discipline/community with specialists from other product teams at EM Code, inputting to the direction of software engineering, driving best practices and re-use around the business.

You must have a strong desire to improve yourself and learn from others, whilst also getting involved in the culture of learning & sharing. You will have support from our ‘Best in Industry’ talent, so you can keep progressing your own skills and career.

Requirements

Your skills and experience

Essential

• 4 years or more minimum commercial experience as a modern Software Engineer
• Demonstrable experience in AI Models (OpenAI, Gemini or other)
• AWS Lambda, Microservices, API Gateway, S3, Document Databases (DynamoDB, MongoDB, Elastic or similar)
• Infrastructure as Code (Serverless, Cloudformation, Terraform or similar) - DevOps mindset
• A solid working understanding of automation, CI & deployment tooling such as Git & Actions
• 2-4 years experience with frameworks and languages: React, Typescript, State Management (Zustand/Redux)
• Highly competent across core front-end skillsets: HTML, CSS/SCSS, JavaScript (Vanilla) etc
• You are already Unit Testing with Jest or React-Testing-LIbrary
• You are aware of the impact of performance & accessibility and understand techniques for improving load and render times.
• You will have as much passion in HOW you work & deliver solutions to problems as you do in the technology you use, so terms like ‘Craftsmanship’, ‘Clean Code’, ‘Automate Everything’ are something you believe in very strongly.
• You are already a competent software developer, but looking for the environment and tech culture to progress further.

Desirable

• Experience of Design Systems/Figma in the development process
• Playwright (or similar testing frameworks like Cypress)
• Monorepo
• Cognito
• SQS
• Exposure or experience in the use of Design Systems (antd, material-ui) and Figma would be advantageous.
• An appreciation of UX & Design, with a desire to work more collaboratively (design in the browser).
• Deeper knowledge of accessibility and how it applies to building digital experiences.
• You have had exposure to Lean or Agile working practices, but want to cement your knowledge and help contribute to continuous improvement and eliminating waste as part of a product team culture.

EM Code values

• We value people who are brilliant in their capability and the things that they make together
• We value people who are always improving both themselves and the world around them to make a difference
• We value people who collaborate, who are a joy to work with, and who get more from themselves and those around them, by working together effectively.

Benefits

What we pay

The salary range for this opportunity spans 2 of our salary bands (Band 2: Professional & Band 3: Senior) and depends on your specific experiences and skill level. We are looking to hire in the £40,000 > £50,000 range.

Band 2 (Professional): £33,000 > £45,000

Band 3 (Senior): £45,000 > £65,000

(Band Guide – 1: Foundation | 2: Professional | 3: Senior | 4: Lead/Principal | 5: Director)

It's not all about work

• Make-Change Friday afternoon – dedicated self-improvement time
• An annual training budget of at least £500 so you can develop your skills
• Medical insurance with eyecare and dental included
• Generous maternity and shared parental leave package
• £25 per month wellbeing budget
• Corporate discounts with the likes of John Lewis and Made.com
• Flexible hours and flexible bank-holidays
• Bike and rail pass scheme
• 25 days holiday that increases with service
• Your birthday off
• Profit-related bonus