Senior 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. 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

The Senior Software Engineer (Backend) is a full‐time position (Monday to Thursday), reporting directly to the Lead Software Engineer. This role is central to the ongoing development and maintenance of digiLab's core product, The Uncertainty Engine. It encompasses a broad range of responsibilities that leverage expertise in software engineering and machine learning, with a strong focus on Python development within a fast‐paced, collaborative, and dynamic engineering environment.

The Role

• Collaborate with a cross‐functional team to help lead on the design, development, and maintenance of high‐quality software solutions
• Contribute to architectural design, development, testing, and deployment of software applications
• Utilise expertise in AWS, Python, MongoDB, and other relevant technologies to build 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 architectural best practices
• Demonstrate a deep understanding of CI/CD pipelines and ensure efficient deployment processes
• Apply site reliability engineering knowledge to enhance system reliability and performance
• Champion "Scrum" and contribute to team process improvements
• Collaborate with product management to translate business requirements into technical solutions
• Provide technical support and lead 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.

Required Skills & Experience

• Significant industry experience in (scientific) software development
• Demonstrable experience deploying AWS infrastructure as code
• Experience with DevOps and MLOps
• Degree‐level qualification in computer science or related field
• Professional experience with collaborative software development
• Deep understanding of Python
• 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, and architectural patterns
• 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 containerization 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 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 risk 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

• 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.