Wilsons Auctions is the largest independently owned auction house operating across the UK and Ireland. With a network of 10 centres, we continue to grow and are currently seeking to fill the exciting role of Senior Software Engineer.
This role can be based at our regional offices in Belfast, Glasgow, Newcastle, or Dublin.
About the role
Gavel is our enterprise-grade, end-to-end auction platform that powers both internal operations and the public-facing auction website. It has been built as a modern TypeScript solution using a Node.js backend API with NestJS, a React administrative portal, and a Next.js customer-facing website. The product is hosted on a contemporary AWS cloud architecture using infrastructure as code via AWS CDK, with scalable services, managed data storage, content delivery, real-time capabilities and observability built in. You'll be responsible for ongoing development, bug fixes and iterative enhancements across the API, admin portal and customer website, while continuing to evolve the platform using current engineering practices and AI-enabled delivery methods.
Collaboration & knowledge transfer (first phase)
Initially, you will work in close partnership with our third-party supplier that currently supports and contributes to the Gavel platform's development. You will also establish hardware, software and processes within Wilsons Auctions to allow us to operate independently of our current supplier.
This collaboration will continues until the internal team has acquired sufficient system knowledge to take full ownership. You'll help facilitate structured knowledge transfer, align ways of working, and progressively reduce external dependency.
Key responsibilities
Deliver feature improvements, new features and bug fixes across the Gavel monorepo, including the Node.js/NestJS backend API, React admin portal and Next.js public website, with a focus on reliability, accessibility, performance and maintainability.
Maintain and evolve the backend API, developed using Node.js, NestJS and TypeORM, alongside the Aurora MySQL Serverless v2 schema and migrations; ensure data integrity, robust API design and query performance at scale.
Enhance the Next.js website for SEO, Core Web Vitals and fast content delivery using CloudFront and optimised media pipelines.
Build real-time auction capabilities (e.g., Socket.IO or AppSync) and maintain robust search experiences via OpenSearch.
Own integrations end-to-end: implement, monitor and harden connections with Reapit, CAP HPI, Experian, Cartel, AuthiPay, Prommt, NextGear, Impel, AIB, HMRC VAT Lookup, Google Places, Barcode Lookup, Credas, AWS Rekognition, AWS SES, and Campaign Manager (among others).
Operate what you build: instrument, monitor and tune services using CloudWatch, optimisation in OpenSearch, and caching via ElastiCache/Redis.
Contribute to CI/CD and IaC: write automated tests, maintain pipelines (GitLab, CodeBuild/CodeDeploy), and update infrastructure through AWS CDK.
Champion security: apply best practices around Cognito (incl. M365 federation), IAM least-privilege, encryption with KMS, WAF, secrets management and auditable changes.
Apply AI Product Development Lifecycle (AI PDLC) best practices for future product development, using Claude Code to support structured requirements analysis, solution design, implementation, automated testing, code review, documentation and safe release planning.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Product, Ops and Support to triage issues, scope work, and deliver incremental value safely and predictably.
Technical environment
Languages & frameworks: TypeScript, Node.js, NestJS, React, Next.js; monorepo via Lerna & Yarn workspaces.
Data & messaging: Aurora MySQL Serverless v2 (RDS), TypeORM migrations, ElastiCache/Redis, Bull queues.
Search & real-time: OpenSearch; Socket.IO and AWS AppSync for live updates and bidding.
Storage & delivery: S3, CloudFront; image optimisation (Sharp/Lambda).
Auth & security: AWS Cognito (incl. M365 federation), IAM, KMS, WAF, Secrets Manager.
CI/CD, IaC & AI-enabled delivery: GitLab CI, CodeBuild/CodeDeploy, AWS CDK (TypeScript), Claude Code and AI PDLC practices for planning, coding, testing, review and documentation.
Internal libraries: GCD Technologies Acorn modules (assets, audit, authentication, CRUD, notifications, users, notes).
Skills & Experience
Must-have
5+ years of proven experience with TypeScript services, Node.js/NestJS backend APIs and modern React/Next.js front-ends.
Strong practical experience using AI-assisted development workflows, ideally including Claude Code, with the discipline to apply AI PDLC best practices across analysis, implementation, testing, review and documentation.
Strong MySQL fundamentals (schema design, indexing, performance) and ORM migrations (TypeORM).
Production experience on AWS (S3, CloudFront, EC2/ECS, RDS/Aurora, ElastiCache, Cognito) and IaC (CDK).
Integrating third-party APIs (REST/SOAP), webhooks and payment/KYC flows.
Testing mindset (unit, integration, E2E) and CI/CD automation.
Security awareness (MFA, JWT, sanitisation, least privilege).
Nice-to-have
Real-time systems (Socket.IO, AppSync) and eventing patterns for high-traffic auctions.
Search relevance and indexing pipelines (OpenSearch).
Experience with the Acorn ecosystem.
SEO and web-vitals optimisation for Next.js at scale.
How we work
Environments: Production, Staging, UAT, Test; non-prod is cost-optimised (right-sized services, schedules).
Observability: CloudWatch dashboards & alerts; optional X-Ray for traces.
Modern cloud hosting: the platform is deployed on current AWS managed services with infrastructure defined through AWS CDK, supporting scalability, secure release processes, resilient content delivery and cost-optimised non-production environments.
Security by design: VPC isolation, WAF, KMS encryption at rest/in transit, Secrets Manager; comprehensive audit trails.
Collaboration with supplier: embedded ways of working, shared backlogs, code reviews and documentation focused on handover readiness (knowledge-capture checklists, run-books).
AI PDLC going forward: future Gavel development will use Claude Code as part of a controlled AI-assisted engineering process, with human review, traceable decisions, automated testing, security checks and documentation embedded throughout the delivery lifecycle.
Equal opportunities
At Wilsons Auctions, we embrace diversity and equal opportunity. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive, friendly workplace that values the unique skills and perspectives each individual brings.
Why work at Wilsons Auctions?
Wilsons Auctions is committed to providing first-rate sales and services to both buyers and sellers through a professional and personal approach, backed by the latest technological advances and industry trends. The business is a unique example of local owner managed success at scale in the auction industry. You will have the opportunity to directly shape the future of the business with direct access to key decision makers and a flat approval process for good ideas.
The business strives to be a positive employer and provides a wide range of additional benefits including
1. Additional holidays based on length of service
2. Employee spending discounts
3. Health & wellbeing incentives
4. Support for professional development
5. Opportunity for advancements
6. Mental health first aid access
7. Employee recognition programme
8. Length of service bonus
9. Pension scheme
10. Retirement bonus
11. Bereavement leave
12. On site parking
13. Full uniform provided
14. Paid eye examinations
Learn more about Wilsons Auctions.
Hours of Work: Monday to Friday 9:00am-5:30pm
Wilsons Auctions reserves the right to apply desirable criteria for shortlisting purposes in the event of high volume of applications.
