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- Tasks: Lead technical delivery for Defence AI projects and mentor a team of engineers.
- Company: Join a cutting-edge defence organisation focused on national security.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting projects with flexible working arrangements and significant career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in national security while working with innovative AI technologies.
- Qualifications: Proficient in Python/TypeScript with experience in secure software environments.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 ÂŁ per year.
We are seeking a Principal Engineer to take ownership of technical delivery for Defence programmes. The role focuses on building AI-enabled capabilities in secure, air-gapped environments, combining handsâon software engineering with technical leadership to deliver highâassurance solutions.
You'll be working on some of the most exciting projects within Defence AI and LLM generation and deployment, delivering and integrating core products and working with the customers to build best in class systems for mission decisions.
Key Responsibilities- Lead dayâtoâday technical delivery on Defence programmes
- Make architecture and design decisions for deployments into classified environments
- Write production code, conduct code reviews, and set engineering standards
- Translate programme requirements into technical plans, sprints, and deliverables
- Work closely with Defence stakeholders, delivery managers, and end users on site
- Manage technical risk, dependencies, and integration points across programme workstreams
- Mentor and develop engineers within the team
- Contribute to technical proposals, bids, and architecture documentation
- Support release management and deployment in airâgapped environments
- Significant experience as a senior or lead engineer delivering complex software in secure or regulated environments
- Strong ability to articulate architecture and integration concerns clearly
- Proficiency in Python and/or TypeScript (core stack)
- Familiarity with AI/ML integration patterns (model serving, RAG pipelines, vector databases)
- Understanding of secure development practices
- Experience working in fastâpaced, scaling organisations
- UKâbased with willingness to travel to sites as required
- Hold or eligible for DV clearance
This is a highâimpact role delivering nationally significant defence programmes with flexible hybrid working in the South East.
Lead Python / Typescript Engineer - National Security AI in London employer: IO Associates
Contact Detail:
IO Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Lead Python / Typescript Engineer - National Security AI in London
â¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those already working in defence or AI. Attend meetups or webinars, and donât be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
â¨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your Python and TypeScript projects, especially any that relate to AI or secure environments. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can do and set you apart from the crowd.
â¨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your coding skills and understanding architecture principles. Practice common interview questions related to software engineering and AI integration. We recommend using platforms that simulate real coding challenges to get you ready.
â¨Tip Number 4
Donât forget to apply through our website! Weâve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you a leg up. Plus, itâs a great way to show your enthusiasm for joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Python / Typescript Engineer - National Security AI in London
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with Python and TypeScript, especially in secure environments. We want to see how your skills align with the exciting projects weâre working on in Defence AI!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Lead Engineer, itâs crucial to demonstrate your ability to mentor and guide others. Share examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, and how you can bring that experience to us.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so make sure to articulate your technical expertise and how it relates to the role without unnecessary jargon.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. Itâs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you donât miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at IO Associates
â¨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure youâre well-versed in Python and TypeScript, as these are your core tools. Brush up on your knowledge of AI/ML integration patterns too, as theyâll likely come up during the interview. Being able to discuss your past projects and how youâve applied these technologies will show your expertise.
â¨Understand the Defence Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and requirements of working in secure or regulated environments. This role is all about delivering high-assurance solutions, so being able to articulate your understanding of secure development practices will set you apart from other candidates.
â¨Prepare for Technical Leadership Questions
As a Principal Engineer, youâll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor others. Think about examples from your past where youâve successfully managed technical delivery or guided a team through complex projects. Be ready to discuss your approach to architecture and design decisions.
â¨Engage with Stakeholders
This role involves working closely with Defence stakeholders and end users, so be prepared to discuss how youâve effectively communicated and collaborated with various teams in the past. Highlight your experience in translating programme requirements into actionable plans, as this will show your ability to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical teams.