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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 work, and professional growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI technology while mentoring a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Active SC clearance, strong Python skills, and experience in AI/ML systems.
- Other info: Join a dynamic environment with a chance to influence engineering culture.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 84000 £ 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 employer: iDPP
Contact Detail:
iDPP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Software Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech industry, especially those who work in defence or healthcare. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving AI, Python, 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. Practice coding challenges and be ready to discuss your past experiences in detail.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Software Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your technical skills and experience that match the job description. We want to see how your background in Python, AI/ML systems, and backend development can contribute to our innovative projects.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through! We’re looking for someone who fits into our mission-driven culture, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for technology and how you’ve made an impact in previous roles. Authenticity goes a long way!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for this specific role. Reference the key responsibilities and requirements mentioned in the job description, and explain how your experience aligns with them. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested.
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter!
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, such as LLMs and RAG, so you can confidently discuss how you've applied these in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves mentoring and technical leadership, be prepared to share specific examples of how you've guided teams or made architectural decisions in previous roles. Highlight your ability to take ownership of complex problems and how you’ve fostered a collaborative engineering culture.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in mission-critical environments. Think about scenarios where you had to ensure high availability and fault tolerance. Be ready to explain your thought process and the steps you took to achieve successful outcomes.
✨Understand the Company’s Mission
Research the company’s focus on defence and health applications. Be ready to discuss how your background aligns 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.
