At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop AI-driven solutions to transform workflows and enhance operational efficiency.
- Company: Join ARIA, a pioneering R&D funding agency tackling global challenges with innovative tech.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days leave, hybrid work, and a supportive learning environment.
- Other info: Diverse candidates encouraged to apply; we value unique experiences and backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by building cutting-edge tools for breakthrough research projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in Python development and API design; passion for automation is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 26 June 2026
Department: Data and Technology
Location: London
Compensation: £50,000 / year
About ARIA
ARIA is a new kind of R&D funding agency. We fund scientists and engineers to pursue research at the edge of the possible. From climate change to AI, society faces enormous challenges and opportunities that can be uniquely addressed by science and technology. ARIA was created to activate the UK’s world-class R&D in new ways, so we can meet these head on. We are growing our team to develop bold new approaches that can scale – from programmes to systems, processes and everything in between. If that sounds fun, come and build ARIA with us.
Role Summary
To accelerate ARIA’s transition toward frontier operations by replacing or restructuring manual, bottlenecked processes with AI-driven solutions (i.e., workflow automation & AI integration). This role will act as the technical engine for ARIA’s workflow transformations, turning high-level blueprints into functional digital tools that increase the agency's operational bandwidth. This role will focus on building and integrating the bespoke software and automations that enable the organisation to coordinate, operate, and scale multiple breakthrough research projects.
Our Tech Stack
- Python 3
- CI/CD
- Docker
- TailwindCSS
- Jinja2
- HTMX / HTML
- Github
What You’ll Do
- Interact with Project Managers and Data Engineers to reach the best possible technical design
- Develop and implement technical workflow solutions including integrations between systems, AI-embedded workflows, and custom interface builds
- Build the middleware and API connections required to ensure various SaaS systems and internal data sources communicate and integrate seamlessly
- Produce clear technical documentation and playbooks to transition successful pilots into stable, Business-as-Usual (BAU) operations
- Prototype and build lightweight frontends using TailwindCSS, Jinja2, and HTMX to turn high-level operational blueprints into functional digital tools
- Collaborate closely with internal teams to shadow manual processes, diagnose operational bottlenecks, and translate non-technical feedback into concrete automation requirements
- Maintain and optimise deployment pipelines using Docker and CI/CD tools to ensure rapid, reliable, and secure software delivery
- Monitor, iterate, and troubleshoot newly launched pilot tools, utilising user feedback and performance data to make swift engineering adjustments
- Participate in code reviews and security checks, ensuring that any tool built adheres to essential data protection and identity access controls
Success by Month 6
- Involvement in and contribution towards pilot launches of 3–5 high-impact, AI-augmented workflows
- Clear documentation of design choices, implementations and user-guides for any released tooling / libraries
Essential
- Technical builder with a foundation in Python development for backends and command line tools
- Experience in designing internal APIs and consuming APIs from 3rd party platforms
- Understand databases and ORMs to create clean schemas, and query data
- Familiarity with Git for source control, within a collaborative environment
- Requirement gathering from non-technical stakeholders and translating into technical requirements
Desirable
- Practical understanding of automation and Large Language Models (LLMs) with experience in prompt engineering and agent-based architectures
- Hands‑on, execution‑oriented engineer who can adapt quickly based on pilot performance data and user feedback
- Understanding of technical security controls, such as IAM and encryption, especially when handling sensitive data or PII
Benefits
- 27 days annual leave provision
- Hybrid working arrangements; 60% in office / 40% at home
- Supportive environment for learning and development opportunities
- A free and confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme
- Life Assurance
- 2 days of paid volunteer days
- 5% defined contribution pension scheme with Smart Pension
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Excellent office location in Kings X, London
We Encourage Applications From All Candidates
Not sure you meet 100% of our criteria? Don’t worry! If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We want to attract the broadest array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Whether you’re new to the field, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or taking the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar. Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interests and what you hope to bring to this role. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please notify us and we will make every effort to accommodate you. Disclosing any requests is intended to provide ARIA with the best opportunity to support candidates and will have no negative impact on your recruitment process. ARIA adopts a highly considered approach to ethical and social responsibility. Our research and development activity will abide by the 3Rs principle.
Junior Software Engineer employer: Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA)
At ARIA, we pride ourselves on being an innovative employer that champions a supportive work culture and prioritises employee growth. With a hybrid working model, generous annual leave, and a commitment to learning and development, our London-based team thrives in an environment that encourages creativity and collaboration. Join us to be part of a mission-driven organisation tackling some of society's most pressing challenges through cutting-edge research and technology.
Contact Details:
Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Software Engineer
✨Join Developer Communities
Get involved in online developer communities like GitHub or Stack Overflow. We can showcase our skills by contributing to open-source projects – it’s a great way to network, learn, and possibly catch the eye of a recruiter while doing something we love!
✨Attend Coding Meetups and Hackathons
Check out local coding meetups and hackathons. These events are fantastic for meeting other developers and potential employers, plus they're a great way to get some hands-on experience and showcase our problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Set Up a Public Portfolio
We should create a public portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing our projects and code. This not only demonstrates our technical skills but also gives employers a peek into our creative process and problem-solving abilities.
✨Utilise University Career Services
If we're fresh out of uni, let's not forget about our university’s career services! They often have tailored resources and connections in the software development field. Plus, internships can lead to entry-level roles – a true win-win!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Software Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Coding Skills:As this is an entry-level role in software engineering development, make sure to include your coding projects. Whether it's a cool school project, a personal website, or even contributions to open-source, it all counts! Link to your GitHub or any platforms you've showcased your code on – we want to see what you've got!
Tailor Your CV to Highlight Relevant Skills:Make your CV work for you by focusing on the programming languages and frameworks you've learned. If you've dabbled in JavaScript, Python, or any specific frameworks, be sure to include those. Plus, showcasing any relevant coursework or certifications can really help us get a clearer picture of your skill set.
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:Since you're applying for an entry-level position, your cover letter is your chance to shine. Tell us why you’re passionate about software engineering and what excites you about working with Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA). Highlight any internships or projects that shaped your interest in coding – it’s all about your motivation!
Use Your Network:Don't hesitate to mention any connections you might have to Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA) in your application. If you know someone who works there or have attended any events they hosted, slip that into your cover letter. It shows your genuine interest and can give you that extra edge in your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA)
✨Know Your Code: Prepare for Technical Questions
For a role in software engineering, you can bet your Interviewer might throw some coding problems your way. Brush up on common algorithms and data structures, and practise coding on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank. That way, you're ready to showcase your problem-solving skills confidently!
✨Portfolio Power: Show Off Your Projects
As an entry-level candidate, your portfolio is your secret weapon. Make sure you have a few solid projects on GitHub that demonstrate your coding skills and understanding of software development processes. Be ready to walk through your code and explain your thought process during the interview.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Agile and Development Tools
Understanding Agile methodologies can really set you apart from other entry-level candidates. Get familiar with tools like JIRA or Trello, and be prepared to discuss how you've used them in your projects or studies. This shows you're not just a coder but also a team player.
✨Demonstrate Your Learning Mindset
Since you're applying for an entry-level position, it's important to show your eagerness to learn. Be ready to discuss how you’ve tackled challenges in your studies or projects, what new skills you’ve picked up recently, and how you plan to continue developing in this fast-paced field.
