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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, strong Python skills, and experience in AI/ML systems.
- Other info: Join a dynamic environment with a genuine ground-floor opportunity.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 84000 £ per year.
Active SC Clearance Essential
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 Southampton employer: iDPP
Contact Detail:
iDPP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Software Engineer in Southampton
✨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 technical interviews by brushing up on your coding skills and system design knowledge. Practice common interview questions related to backend development and distributed systems to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply 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 and engaged with our company.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Software Engineer in Southampton
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. Don’t forget to mention your active SC clearance and any leadership experiences you have.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your application, be sure to highlight your hands-on experience with backend development, microservices, and containerisation. We’re looking for someone who can take ownership of complex problems, so share examples of how you've done this in the past.
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 and distributed systems, as you'll likely be asked to discuss these in detail.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves mentoring and technical leadership, prepare examples of how you've guided teams or made architectural decisions in past projects. Be ready to discuss your approach to problem-solving and how you’ve influenced engineering culture positively.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle mission-critical workloads and ensure high availability and performance. Think of scenarios where you had to troubleshoot issues or improve system reliability, and be prepared to explain your thought process.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions about the company’s tech stack, their approach to AI, or how they maintain security in regulated environments. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
