At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build scalable backend systems for AI-driven applications.
- Company: Join Kantar, a leader in data and insights with an inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values creativity and mental well-being.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI technology and make a real impact on consumer behaviour.
- Qualifications: Strong backend engineering experience and proficiency in TypeScript/Node.js or Python.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
This job is with Kantar, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
As a Senior Software Engineer in our Digital Twins Division, you'll help build the systems behind one of Kantar's most ambitious AI products. Your work will enable thousands of AI‑driven "digital twins" to simulate real‑world consumer behaviour in real time, giving brands powerful insight into complex decisions.
This isn't a traditional full‑stack role. You'll focus on scalable backend systems, event‑driven architectures, and AI‑enabled platforms, working closely with product, data science and platform teams to turn advanced AI capabilities into reliable, production‑ready systems. Your work will directly shape how clients interact with data and insights at scale.
What you'll be doing
- Creating scalable, distributed backend services for AI‑driven applications
- Building event‑driven systems that process large volumes of behavioural data in real time
- Developing services in Node.js/TypeScript and/or Python
- Designing APIs that support high‑throughput, low‑latency workloads
- Helping orchestrate and optimise AI agent‑based systems running at scale
You'll also contribute to technical direction, mentor others, and help us continuously improve how we build and operate our platforms.
The skills & experience you'll bring
You don't need to tick every box, but experience in several of the following will set you up for success:
- Strong backend engineering experience with cloud‑based systems (Azure, AWS or GCP)
- Experience designing distributed or event‑driven architectures (Kafka or similar)
- Proficiency in TypeScript/Node.js and/or Python
- Experience building scalable APIs and microservices
- Working knowledge of containers and cloud‑native delivery approaches
- Curiosity about AI‑enabled systems and how they scale responsibly
- Experience with LLMs, AI agent orchestration, or tools such as RAG, vector databases or LangChain is a bonus, but not essential.
What's in it for you
- Flexible hybrid working
- 25 days leave, 2 days paid for volunteering and life event leave
- Competitive salary and bonus (bonus dependent on role)
- Company pension
- Enhanced parental leave
- Healthcare options
- Wide range of flexible benefits
We are not able to offer visa sponsorship or assist with relocation support for this role. Please ensure you have the right to work in the country where this role is located before applying.
At Kantar we have an integrated way of rewarding our people based around a simple, clear and consistent set of principles. Our approach helps to ensure we are market competitive and also to support a pay for performance culture, where your reward and career progression opportunities are linked to what you deliver.
We want to create an equality of opportunity in a fair and supportive working environment where people feel included, accepted and are allowed to flourish in a space where their mental health and well being is taken into consideration. We want to create a more diverse community to expand our talent pool, be locally representative, drive diversity of thinking and better commercial outcomes.
Kantar is the world's leading data, insights and consulting company. We understand more about how people think, feel, shop, share, vote and view than anyone else. Combining our expertise in human understanding with advanced technologies, Kantar's 30,000 people help the world's leading organisations succeed and grow.
Senior Software Engineer in Reading employer: Kantar
Kantar is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic work culture where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we offer numerous opportunities for professional development and mentorship, all while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid working model in a vibrant location. Join us to be part of a team that values your insights and empowers you to make a meaningful impact in brand strategy and growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Software Engineer in Reading
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Kantar or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Kantar.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Kantar.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Kantar that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Software Engineer in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Kantar.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Kantar and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kantar
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Kantar uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
