At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build rapid prototypes for secure innovation projects using cutting-edge tech.
- Company: Join FDM, a global leader in tech and business talent solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy career coaching, mentoring, and opportunities for global assignments.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for growth and upskilling opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in defence tech while working with AI and emerging technologies.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in software engineering, strong Python skills, and experience in secure environments.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
FDM is a global business and technology consultancy seeking a Software Engineer to support our client within the Defence and Secure Technology sector. This is an initial 6-month contract with potential to extend, offered on a hybrid basis in London with two days per week onsite. Candidates must be eligible for UK security clearance (or already hold clearance).
The role will support a new secure innovation project focused on early-stage R&D and rapid prototyping. The role will contribute to the delivery of a Technology Readiness Level 3 proof of concept, demonstrating how security-first engineering and emerging technologies such as AI can enhance collaboration and information sharing in high-trust, defence-aligned environments. This opportunity is well suited to engineers who enjoy experimentation, fast iteration, and working in environments where requirements evolve.
Responsibilities- Design and build rapid proof-of-concept prototypes within a secure system environment
- Iterate quickly based on experimentation, feedback, and learning
- Apply security-first thinking to collaboration and information-sharing challenges
- Contribute to system architecture and design suitable for secure or restricted environments
- Integrate AI capabilities, including but not limited to language models, into prototype solutions
- Build maintainable and well-structured prototype code using Python, with clear documentation
- Collaborate closely with engineers, security specialists, and product stakeholders
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in software engineering, R&D, or prototyping-focused roles
- Proven experience in rapid prototyping or R&D-focused software engineering roles
- Strong proficiency in Python for building and iterating prototype solutions
- Experience integrating AI or advanced analytics, including exposure to language models or similar technologies
- Solid understanding of software and systems design principles, including user-centred design
- Experience working within secure, restricted, or regulated environments, including air-gapped systems
- Ability to work effectively in ambiguous environments where requirements evolve rapidly
- Eligibility for UK security clearance or already clearable
FDM is an award-winning global leader in tech and business talent solutions, backed by more than 35 years of industry experience. We have centres across Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific, and a global workforce of over 2500 employees. FDM has shown exponential growth throughout the years, firmly establishing itself as an award-winning employer, currently listed on the FTSE4Good Index and as a 2026 Financial Times UK ‘Best Employer’.
Diversity and InclusionFDM Group is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other status protected by federal, provincial or local laws.
Why join us?- Career coaching, mentoring and access to upskilling throughout your entire FDM career
- Initial upskilling pre-assignment that has been accredited by TechSkills
- Assignments with global companies and opportunities to work abroad
- Opportunity to obtain certifications from Microsoft, Salesforce, Cisco and more
R&D Software Engineer in London employer: FDM Group
FDM Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration within the Defence and Secure Technology sector. With a strong commitment to employee growth through career coaching, mentoring, and access to upskilling opportunities, FDM empowers its engineers to thrive in a fast-paced environment while working on cutting-edge projects. Located in London, the hybrid work model allows for flexibility, making it an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D Software Engineer in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend meetups, webinars, or even just grab a coffee with someone who works in R&D. Building relationships can lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a portfolio showcasing your rapid prototyping projects and any AI integrations you've done. This is your chance to demonstrate your skills in Python and how you tackle security-first challenges. Make it easy for potential employers to see what you can do!
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your coding skills and understanding system design principles. Be ready to discuss your past experiences with R&D and how you’ve adapted to evolving requirements. Confidence is key!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Software Engineer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the R&D Software Engineer role. Highlight your experience in rapid prototyping and Python, and don’t forget to mention any work you've done in secure environments. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background in software engineering aligns with our needs. Keep it concise but engaging – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Projects:If you’ve worked on relevant projects, make sure to showcase them! Whether it's a prototype or an AI integration, we want to see your hands-on experience. Include links or descriptions that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and creativity.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s straightforward and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at FDM Group
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Python skills and any AI technologies you've worked with. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past projects, especially in rapid prototyping or R&D roles. The more specific examples you can provide, the better!
✨Understand Security Protocols
Since this role involves working in secure environments, it's crucial to demonstrate your understanding of security-first engineering. Familiarise yourself with relevant security protocols and be prepared to discuss how you've implemented them in previous projects.
✨Embrace Ambiguity
This position requires adaptability in evolving environments. Think of instances where you've successfully navigated unclear requirements or rapidly changing project scopes. Share these experiences to show you're comfortable with experimentation and iteration.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
Highlight your teamwork skills, especially in cross-functional settings. Be ready to talk about how you've collaborated with engineers, security specialists, and stakeholders in the past. This will show that you can effectively contribute to a team-focused environment.
