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.
