Senior Software Engineer

About the Role

Our Defence team is focused on building and embedding human-centered AI solutions which give our nation a competitive edge in the defence sector. We collaborate with our clients to bring ethical, reliable and cutting-edge AI to high-stakes situations and maintain the balance of global powers essential to our liberty. As a Senior Software Engineer in our Defence business unit, you will lead backend and edge/IoT engineering for critical work streams, implementing robust, scalable patterns. You’ll bridge the gap between machine learning research and production-grade software, raising the technical bar through hands-on contribution and peer mentoring. Working alongside Lead Engineers and Data Scientists, you will scope and deliver high-impact solutions that provide immediate value to our customers in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

What the job involves

• Designing and building robust backend and edge/IoT components for diverse client deliverables across multiple software domains
• Scoping and executing bounded technical problems to ensure high-velocity delivery
• Shipping production-ready code in Python and at least one compiled language such as Rust, C++, Go, C#, or Java
• Implementing scalable CI/CD processes, containerisation with Docker, and deployments on Kubernetes or bare metal
• Mentoring and pairing with fellow engineers to share best practices and empower the team to deliver their best work
• Collaborating with Machine Learning and Data Science teams to operationalise agentic software and advanced AI tooling

Who you are

Because of the nature of the work we do with our Defence clients, you will need to be eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC) and willing to work between 2 to 4 days per week on-site with these customers which may require travel to locations throughout the UK. When not required on client sites, you’ll have the flexibility to work from our London office or remotely from elsewhere within the UK.

• You possess strong hands-on experience in application development and a solid understanding of modern system architecture and design
• You have a proven track record of shipping code used by paying customers in both Python and a compiled language
• You are highly skilled in DevOps practices, including GitLab CI/CD, Docker, and managing applications in production environments
• You bring experience with agentic software development and a passion for understanding and solving complex customer problems
• You thrive when acting as a key contributor within a squad, taking ownership of technical challenges and elevating the team's output
• You communicate effectively with technical and commercial stakeholders, translating complex requirements into robust engineering solutions

If you don’t feel you meet all the requirements, but are excited by the role and know you bring some key strengths, please don't hesitate in applying as you might be right for this role, or other roles.

Application process

• Talent Team Screen (30 minutes)
• System Design Interview (90 minutes)
• Pair Programming Interview (90 minutes)
• Commercial & Leadership Interview (60 minutes)

We are open to conversations about part-time hours.