Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- 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, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of technology while mentoring the next generation of engineers.
- Qualifications: Strong Python skills and experience in backend development and AI/ML systems.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with a mission-driven culture and excellent career prospects.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ 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’re 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’ll 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:
- Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)
- AI agents and orchestration workflows
- ElasticSearch, Weaviate, Pinecone, and other vector databases
What We’re Looking For
- 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
- Hybrid working – 1 day per week onsite in either Winchester/Basingstoke
Lead Software Engineer in Winchester employer: iDPP
Contact Detail:
iDPP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Software Engineer in Winchester
✨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 personal recommendation can make all the difference when you're aiming for that Lead Software Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio of your past projects, especially those involving AI and backend development. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, having tangible examples of your work will help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Get ready for technical interviews! Brush up on your Python and distributed systems knowledge. Practice coding challenges and be prepared to discuss your architectural decisions and how you've mentored others in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, it’s a great way to show your enthusiasm for joining our innovative team.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Software Engineer in Winchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience with Python, AI systems, and any relevant projects that showcase your skills in backend development and distributed systems.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our mission. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've worked with that relate to the position.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a hands-on leadership role, be sure to include examples of how you've mentored others or led projects. We want to see your ability to guide teams and make architectural decisions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
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 Docker/Kubernetes. Brush up on your knowledge of AI-driven capabilities and distributed systems, as you’ll likely be asked to discuss your experience with these during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this is a hands-on leadership role, be prepared to share examples of how you've mentored other engineers or led projects. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you guided your team through them. This will demonstrate your ability to take ownership and influence the engineering culture.
✨Understand the Mission-Critical Environment
Familiarise yourself with the unique challenges of working in regulated environments like defence and healthcare. Be ready to discuss how you ensure reliability, security, and performance in your past projects. This shows that you understand the stakes involved and can deliver under pressure.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with thoughtful questions about the company’s tech stack, their approach to AI, and how they handle scaling challenges. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your career goals.
