Software Engineer (Python) in Bristol

In a world of immense uncertainty, digiLab is a pioneering AI company that empowers governments and organisations in safety-critical or highly regulated industries to solve critical, complex, and high-stakes challenges using machine learning and uncertainty quantification. From forging a path to clean energy to life-saving medical diagnostics and beyond, making critical decisions with unwavering confidence is difficult, especially when data is complex, sparse, or incomplete. This is where digiLab’s expertise shines through. Our trustworthy and explainable AI platform, The Uncertainty Engine, supported by our team of machine learning specialists and data scientists, enables decision-makers to accelerate innovation, reduce the risk of failure, turn insight into action, and deliver greater value through more informed and confident decisions.

Summary: This is a full-time role (Monday to Thursday), reporting to the Lead Software Engineer, and encompasses a range of software engineering and machine-learning skills. The primary function is to serve as a Software Engineer, specialising in Python, contributing to the development of digiLab's product, The Uncertainty Engine. The role requires expertise in Python and involves applying machine learning principles within a fast-paced, collaborative, and dynamic environment.

The role: As a Software Engineer (Backend) at digiLab, you will be responsible for:

• Collaborate with a cross-functional team to design, develop, and maintain high-quality software solutions
• Utilise expertise in Python, MongoDB, and other relevant technologies to contribute to scalable, secure systems
• Apply security best practices throughout the software development lifecycle
• Foster a collaborative, learning-oriented environment within the team
• Implement software design patterns, SOLID principles, and best practices
• Demonstrate an understanding of CI/CD pipelines
• Provide technical support and participate in incident investigations
• Ensure adherence to RESTful API design principles
• In addition to backend work, you may also be required to support tasks on the frontend.

Duties may evolve, and you may be asked to take on other reasonable responsibilities within your competence to support our growth.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Industry experience in (scientific) software development
• Deep understanding of Python
• Degree-level qualification in computer science or a related field
• Professional experience with collaborative software development
• Familiarity with Linux, bash, and the command line
• Experience with modern statistical machine learning and AI, including Numpy, Scipy, and Pandas
• Ability to write logical, consistent, self-explanatory code
• Understanding of software design patterns, SOLID and DRY principles
• Experience with Git/GitHub and best practices
• Knowledge of the software testing pyramid and types of automated testing (smoke, component, unit, performance, load, end-to-end)
• Experience with Docker and other containerisation platforms
• Proven ability to collaborate in a fast-paced 'agile' team, preferably using 'scrum'

In addition, some ‘nice to haves’ are:

• A Master’s-level qualification in a STEM field.
• Experience with AWS would be a massive advantage
• Experience with front-end development: HTML; CSS; React; Javascript/Typescript.
• Experience with UI/UX design principles.
• Experience with PyTorch or other deep-learning libraries.
• An understanding of Bayesian statistics.

Location: This role is based on-site at either the Exeter or Bristol office. As an ambitious, rapidly-growing start-up, we’re looking for proactive, adaptable people who thrive in a fast-paced environment. Our standard working hours are 9.00–5.30pm, Monday to Thursday, though some flexibility outside these hours may be required to meet business needs.

Our Culture and Values: At digiLab, we prioritise work-life balance with a 4-day workweek (Monday to Thursday), offering a full-time salary and three-day weekends every week! Our team is built on strong connections, with regular socials like game nights, bouldering, and paddleboarding. We foster a culture of innovation, trust, and collaboration. Our values include:

• Creativity & Agility: Encouraging innovation and flexibility in goal achievement.
• Trust & Responsibility: Supporting each other in taking calculated risks for bold innovation.
• Open & Honest Collaboration: Ensuring transparent communication and alignment.
• High-Performance Standards: Continuously challenging ourselves to excel in delivery.
• Value-Driven Work: Regularly assessing our contributions toward company goals.

Benefits: We value enthusiasm and loyalty, and we’re committed to offering a great work-life balance. Along with the exciting challenges this role provides, we offer a range of benefits including:

• 4-day working week
• Competitive Salary
• BUPA private health care (via salary sacrifice)
• Company Cashplan
• Cycle to work scheme
• Referral Program
• Company Events
• Discretionary EMI scheme (eligible to be considered after one year with the company; participation is not guaranteed and is entirely at the company's discretion.)

Equal Opportunities: digiLab is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to ensuring our recruitment processes are fair, inclusive, and legally compliant. We take equality, dignity, and non-discrimination seriously.

Final Note: We aim to respond to every applicant, but due to high application volumes, we may not be able to respond individually. Thank you for your interest in joining the digiLab team. The information you provide will be stored and used in line with our Privacy Notice.