Software Engineers, often called developers, turn the designs and specification into a live product. Front end developers build what customers see and click. Back end developers build what happens behind the scenes: data, logic and connections to other systems.

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No tech background needed. This guide explains the role in plain English: what it is, when you need it, what to expect and how to choose the right Volunteer.

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In plain English

What does a Software Engineer do for you?

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Think of the builders.

The architect drew the plans and the designer chose the finishes. The builders turn those plans into a real building. Front end developers fit the rooms you see. Back end developers lay the wiring and plumbing behind the walls.

Build the product

Screens, features and the logic behind them.

Connect the pieces

Databases, payments, logins and other services.

Keep it maintainable

Clean, reviewed code the next developer can pick up.

When you need one

Signs it is time to bring one in.

If two or more of these sound familiar, add this role to your Product team.

Bring one in when

✓Your designs and specification are ready to build
✓Your prototype needs to become a real product
✓Customers are asking for features you cannot deliver
✓Your existing developer cannot keep up
✓You need to connect to payments, data or partner systems

You can wait if

…You do not yet know what to build (start with a Business Analyst)
…There are no designs or agreed architecture yet

What they own

Four areas a Software Engineer takes off your plate.

Front end

The screens and interactions customers use, on web and mobile.

Back end

Servers, data, business logic and APIs.

Code quality

Code reviews, automated tests and documentation.

Releases

Shipping features in small, regular steps.

What to expect

Across a 60 Volunteer day term.

Volunteers give up to three hours a day, Monday to Friday, over three months or more. Daily and weekly updates keep you informed, and rapid feedback from you in the first two weeks makes the biggest difference.

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Weeks 1 and 2

Sets up access, learns the codebase and delivers a first small change. Daily updates and quick answers from you matter most here.

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By mid term

Regular features moving from design to live, with code reviewed by another developer.

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By day 60

A set of shipped features, documented code and a handover so the next developer can continue.

Choosing the right Volunteer

What to ask, and what to look for.

You do not need to be an expert to recruit well. Use these questions at interview and listen for the signs below.

Questions to ask

?Show me something you built. What was the hardest part?
?How do you make sure your code does not break existing features?
?How do you estimate how long something will take?
?What would you need from me to start on Day 1?

Good signs

✓Explains technical topics simply
✓Writes tests and welcomes code review
✓Breaks big features into small steps

Red flags

✕Wants to rebuild everything from scratch straight away
✕Keeps code on personal accounts
✕Gives estimates without asking questions

Your part as a Tech Founder

Give them this, and they deliver from Day 1.

✓Agreed designs and user stories
✓A code repository and hosting owned by your company
✓A Product Manager or lead to set priorities
✓A clear definition of what done means
✓A signed Volunteer Agreement before they start

Who they collaborate with

The roles around your Software Engineer.

Solution Architect

Chooses the technology. A stack that suits your product, budget and the skills available.

Read the guide →

Quality Assurance (QA)

Finds defects early. Before they turn into complaints and lost customers.

Read the guide →

DevOps

Keeps you online. Hosting, monitoring and alerts so problems are spotted fast.

Read the guide →

FAQ

Questions Tech Founders ask.

How many developers do I need? +

Start small: one or two front end and one or two back end developers, plus a reviewer. Adding more people too early often slows things down.

What is a full stack developer? +

A developer who can build both front end and back end. Useful in a small team, but most products still benefit from specialists as they grow.

Who owns the code? +

Your company should. Keep the code repository and all accounts in your company's name, and sign the Volunteer Agreement before anyone starts.

How much does it cost to recruit this role? +

Volunteers give their time for experience, not pay. You subscribe to the Product plan at £99 a month or £990 a year, which lets you recruit up to 25 Volunteer team members across every role. See the Product plan.

Build it ·
ship it ✦

Ready to recruit your Software Engineer?

Create your company account, list an Opportunity with the matching template and start meeting Volunteers this week.

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