Engineering Team Lead

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: 7–8 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.