Lead React Native Engineer

We're Kato - a fast-growing PropTech startup with a big mission - to revolutionise commercial property. Backed by top-tier VCs, investors, and industry experts, we're transforming the way the world thinks about commercial real estate, with our all-in-one platform and deep industry data. We're just getting started, and we want YOU to help shape our journey. If you're dynamic, confident, and excited by challenges, this is your chance to be part of something truly game-changing!

We're looking for an experienced Lead React Native Developer to take full ownership of our mobile application, leading its development from 0 to 1. This role will be crucial in establishing the foundation of our mobile experience, ensuring high performance, scalability, and adherence to best practices from day one. As a key player, you'll also be instrumental in upskilling our existing React developers, helping them gain proficiency in mobile development. If you are passionate about mobile technology and love mentoring, this is your chance to build something impactful from the ground up!

Lead Mobile Application Development:

• Lead the development of our new mobile application, ensuring it delivers a seamless and high-performance user experience across both iOS and Android.
• Own the architecture and make critical technical decisions, establishing best practices for mobile development from the outset.

Mentorship & Upskilling:

• Mentor and upskill existing React developers, helping them transition into React Native and mobile development.
• Share best practices and knowledge to improve the team's overall mobile development competency.

Ensure Mobile App Performance:

• Ensure mobile app performance is optimal across different devices and platforms, focusing on speed, responsiveness, and stability.
• Use mobile performance optimisation tools to debug, troubleshoot, and improve performance.

CI/CD Setup & Release Management:

• Set up CI/CD pipelines specifically for mobile apps, ensuring smooth automated testing and streamlined deployment.
• Take ownership of mobile release management, implementing strategies to ensure timely and reliable app updates.

Collaboration Across Teams:

• Work closely with designers, backend engineers, and product managers to bring the vision for the mobile app to life.
• Ensure the mobile app integrates seamlessly with the platform and APIs.

We're committed to building a diverse team with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. The following skills and experiences will help you succeed in this role:

Delivery Focus Skills:

• Strong proficiency in React Native, with experience building and launching mobile applications.
• The ability to break down complex tasks and translate them into a project plan.
• You are a do-er. A solutionist, who loves solving problems and unblocking the team.
• A "It's not done until it's in production" mentality.
• Strategic pragmatism in architectural decisions.

Core Technical Skills:

• React Native & JavaScript: React Native, React.js, JavaScript (ES6+), TypeScript, React hooks, Context API, Redux (or Zustand, Recoil), component-based architecture.
• Mobile Development: iOS, Android, React Native, native modules, Swift/Kotlin/Java, Expo, mobile UI/UX, animations, gesture handling, navigation libraries.
• Performance & Debugging: Performance optimisation, debugging tools (React Native Debugger, Flipper, Chrome DevTools), memory leaks, UI responsiveness, performance bottlenecks, app profiling.
• APIs & Data Handling: RESTful APIs, state management (Redux, Zustand, Recoil), offline storage, real-time data (WebSockets, Firebase, SignalR).
• Testing & Quality Assurance: Unit and integration testing (Jest, React Testing Library), UI testing (Detox/Appium), automated testing pipelines.
• Deployment & DevOps: CI/CD pipelines, App Store & Google Play deployment, OTA updates, crash reporting tools.

High-Quality Mobile App Delivery:

• You'll deliver a high-performance, scalable, and reliable mobile application that meets both business goals and user needs.

Mentorship Impact:

• You will have a direct impact on growing the mobile expertise of the development team, helping React developers become competent in mobile development.

Performance Excellence:

• Your expertise in mobile performance optimisation ensures the app runs seamlessly across a variety of devices and platforms.

CI/CD and Release Efficiency:

• You will ensure that CI/CD pipelines are set up correctly, enabling automated testing and smooth, efficient app release processes.

• Strong proficiency in React Native, with a track record of building and launching mobile applications.
• Deep understanding of mobile development patterns, architecture, and best practices for both iOS and Android.
• Experience integrating mobile apps with APIs and working with state management libraries (e.g., Redux, Zustand), as well as handling offline capabilities.
• Knowledge of native modules and experience bridging React Native with native iOS/Android code when necessary.
• Experience with mobile performance optimisation and debugging tools to ensure the app runs efficiently.
• Strong understanding of CI/CD for mobile apps, automated testing, and mobile release management processes.
• Ability to make architectural decisions and implement scalable solutions for mobile apps.

• Competitive salary and a range of benefits designed to support your well-being.
• 25 days of annual leave plus additional "life" days (birthday off, duvet days, etc.).
• Enhanced maternity/paternity leave to support you during key moments.
• Healthcare package (Dental, Optical, and more).
• Training & development opportunities to help you grow in your career.
• 2 days a week to work from home - balance is key!
• Casual dress code - bring your true self to work!
• Free snacks and drinks in the office to keep you fuelled.
• Team events like Summer & Christmas parties, spontaneous socials, and more!

If you're ready to own and lead the development of a new mobile application from the ground up, while mentoring a talented team and making a lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you!