At a Glance
- Tasks: Transform research ideas into production-quality software and own deliverables end-to-end.
- Company: Join Symbolica, an innovative AI research lab bridging mathematics and technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, equity package, and a high-trust culture with minimal bureaucracy.
- Why this job: Be part of a team redefining AI, making a real impact while working on cutting-edge projects.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in software engineering, strong coding skills in Python & Rust, and experience with full-stack systems.
- Other info: Onsite role in London; visa sponsorship available for qualified candidates.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
About Us
Symbolica is an AI research lab pioneering the application of category theory to enable logical reasoning in machines. We’re a well-resourced, nimble team of experts on a mission to bridge the gap between theoretical mathematics and cutting-edge technologies, creating symbolic reasoning models that think like humans – precise, logical, and interpretable. Our approach combines rigorous research with fast-paced, results-driven execution. We’re reimagining the very foundations of intelligence while simultaneously developing product-focused machine learning models in a tight feedback loop, where research fuels application. Founded in 2022, we’ve raised over $30M from leading Silicon Valley investors to push the boundaries of applying formal mathematics and logic to machine learning. Our vision is to create AI systems that transform industries, empowering machines to solve humanity’s most complex challenges with precision and insight.
About the Role
We’re looking for Senior Software Engineers to take full ownership of delivering working systems from prototypes and high-level specs — taking ideas from the research team, turning them into production-quality systems, and shipping them quickly. You’ll work closely with researchers, ML engineers, and leadership to turn ambitious ideas into real products. You'll be expected to move fast, handle ambiguity, and fill the critical execution gap between research and production. This role is perfect for someone who thrives on shipping — who sees incomplete specs as an opportunity, not a blocker — and who wants to build systems that work reliably, at scale, and in the real world. This is an onsite role based in our London office (66 City Rd).
Your Focus
- Translate research prototypes and high-level concepts into production-quality software
- Own deliverables end-to-end: take specifications, clarify requirements, and execute to completion
- Build systems that are correct, reliable, maintainable, and performant
- Work closely with ML researchers and engineers to integrate research outputs into functional systems
- Own critical engineering tasks with high standards and attention to detail — data pipelines, API integrations, testing, error handling, system integration, and more
- Participate in code reviews, technical discussions, and architecture planning
- Contribute to improving processes for how we build, ship, and deliver features across teams
About You
- 5+ years of hands-on software engineering experience
- Proven ability to execute on incomplete specs and drive projects to completion
- Strong experience writing production-quality code (Python & Rust strongly preferred)
- Comfortable building full-stack systems (APIs, data pipelines, microservices, internal tools)
- High standards for code quality, maintainability, and correctness
- Comfortable in fast-moving, ambiguous environments where priorities shift quickly
- Bias for ownership: you see what needs to get done and take responsibility for delivering
- Experience supporting ML research or building ML infrastructure is a plus
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and early-stage equity package
- A high-trust, execution-first culture with minimal bureaucracy
- Direct ownership of meaningful projects with real business impact
- A rare opportunity to sit at the interface between deep research and real-world productisation
We are able to sponsor a Skilled Worker visa for qualified candidates applying to this position. This specific role exceeds the minimum salary threshold set by the UK government for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Please note that English language proficiency at B2 level or higher is required for this role. Symbolica is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of race, gender, age, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.
Senior Software Engineer London, UK employer: Symbolica
Contact Detail:
Symbolica Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Software Engineer London, UK
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with category theory and its applications in AI. Understanding the theoretical foundations that Symbolica is built upon will not only impress during interviews but also help you articulate how your skills align with their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience with Python and Rust by preparing examples of past projects where you've built production-quality code. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as this demonstrates your problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your ability to work in fast-paced environments by sharing experiences where you successfully managed shifting priorities. This will resonate well with Symbolica's culture of execution and adaptability.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you've integrated research outputs into functional systems in previous roles. This aligns directly with the responsibilities of the position and shows your capability to bridge the gap between research and production.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Software Engineer London, UK
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Company: Before applying, take some time to understand Symbolica's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their focus on AI research and category theory, as this will help you tailor your application to align with their goals.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in software engineering, particularly with Python and Rust. Emphasise any projects where you've taken incomplete specifications and successfully delivered production-quality systems, as this is a key requirement for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your background aligns with their focus on bridging theoretical mathematics and practical applications in AI. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to work in fast-paced, ambiguous environments.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've tackled complex engineering challenges. Highlight your experience with building full-stack systems and integrating research outputs into functional products, as this will resonate well with Symbolica's needs.
How to prepare for a job interview at Symbolica
✨Understand the Research
Familiarise yourself with Symbolica's approach to AI and category theory. Be prepared to discuss how you can translate complex research ideas into practical software solutions, showcasing your ability to bridge the gap between theory and application.
✨Demonstrate Ownership
Highlight your experience in taking projects from concept to completion. Share specific examples where you've successfully navigated ambiguity and delivered high-quality systems, emphasising your bias for ownership and responsibility.
✨Showcase Technical Skills
Be ready to discuss your proficiency in Python and Rust, as well as your experience with full-stack development. Prepare to explain your approach to writing production-quality code and maintaining high standards for reliability and performance.
✨Engage in Technical Discussions
Prepare for technical discussions by brushing up on system integration, API design, and data pipelines. Be ready to participate in code reviews and architecture planning, demonstrating your collaborative spirit and commitment to improving processes.