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- Tasks: Lead the design and development of cutting-edge AI systems for defence and health.
- Company: Innovative UK tech company focused on mission-critical applications.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, hybrid working, and professional growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI technology while mentoring a talented team.
- Qualifications: Active SC clearance, degree in Computer Science or equivalent experience required.
- Other info: Join a dynamic environment with a strong focus on security and performance.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 100000 £ per year.
Our client, an innovative UK technology company, is building a next-generation AI platform for defence and health applications. Their systems operate in highly regulated, mission-critical environments where reliability, security, and performance truly matter. We are looking for a Lead Software Engineer to take technical ownership of key platform components, guide architectural decisions, and mentor engineers as we scale. This is a hands-on leadership role; you will be writing code, shaping systems, and directly influencing the future of the platform. This is a genuine ground-floor opportunity to shape both the technology and the engineering culture within a growing, mission-driven business.
What You’ll Be Working On:
- Leading the design, development, and evolution of intelligent, distributed systems
- Architecting and building AI-driven capabilities, including:
- Large Language Models (LLMs)
- Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)
- AI agents and orchestration workflows
What We’re Looking For:
- Essential:
- Active SC clearance and British nationality (no dual nationality)
- Degree in Computer Science, AI, or a related field or equivalent industry experience
- Strong background in Python or similar languages
- Significant experience with backend development, microservices, and distributed systems
- Hands-on experience with AI/ML systems, including LLMs, RAG, or vector databases
- Solid understanding of containerisation and orchestration (Docker / Kubernetes)
- Experience delivering secure, on-premise or regulated systems
- Proven ability to lead technically, mentor others, and take ownership of complex problems
- Experience in defence, government, healthcare, or other regulated domains
- Familiarity with DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and infrastructure as code
- Exposure to data engineering, ETL pipelines, or high-volume data processing
- Experience working in SME or start-up environments, comfortable wearing multiple hats
Salary: £90,000 - £100,000 (DOE) + Bonus + Benefits
Hybrid working: 1 day per week onsite in either Winchester/Basingstoke
Lead Software Engineer in Hampshire employer: iDPP
Contact Detail:
iDPP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Software Engineer in Hampshire
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech industry, especially those who work in defence or AI. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving Python, AI, or containerisation. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do and sets you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on technical questions related to backend development and distributed systems. We recommend practicing coding challenges and discussing your past experiences with AI/ML systems to impress your interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission-driven team.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Software Engineer in Hampshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Lead Software Engineer role. Highlight your experience with Python, AI systems, and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how you can contribute to our innovative tech!
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 aligns with our mission-driven approach. Don’t forget to mention your active SC clearance – it’s essential for us!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a hands-on leadership role, be sure to highlight any mentoring or technical leadership experiences you've had. We’re looking for someone who can guide others while also getting stuck into the code!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at iDPP
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, especially Python, FastAPI/Flask, and containerisation tools like Docker and Kubernetes. Brush up on your knowledge of AI-driven capabilities, LLMs, and vector databases, as these will likely come up during technical discussions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves mentoring and leading other engineers, be prepared to discuss your previous leadership experiences. Share specific examples of how you've guided teams, made architectural decisions, or resolved complex problems. This will demonstrate your ability to take ownership and influence the engineering culture.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in mission-critical environments. Think about past projects where you ensured high availability and fault tolerance, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your decisions.
✨Understand the Company’s Mission
Research the company’s focus on defence and health applications. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their mission and how you can contribute to building reliable and secure systems. Showing genuine interest in their work will set you apart from other candidates.
