AI Platform Software Engineer

Leonardo UK Ltd; Easter Howgate; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace and defense company is seeking a Software Engineer with expertise in AI and ML. The role involves developing software for cutting-edge projects, including defense and aerospace applications. Candidates should have experience with C++, Python, and Agile methodologies, alongside a degree in a related technical field. This position is based on-site in Edinburgh, offering comprehensive benefits including flexible perks and a supportive workplace culture.

Benefits

Generous leave and flexi-days

Award-winning pension scheme

Mental health support

Bonus scheme

Access to online courses

Financial reward for referrals

Flexible benefits package

Flexible working opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in delivering high-integrity software products in a regulated environment.
• Passion for AI/ML technologies.
• Willingness to learn new skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop software for defence and aerospace projects.
• Support systems engineers with AI/ML research projects.
• Create deployable software that uses AI/ML technologies.

Skills

C++

Python

AI/ML algorithm development

Agile project experience

Numerical techniques

Real-time operating systems

Embedded development

Machine learning frameworks (Pytorch, Keras)

Signal processing libraries

Parallel processing

Education

Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or similar

Job description

Job Description:

Your impact

Are you a software engineer with a working knowledge of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning? Are you interested in developing software for some of the most cutting-edge defence and aerospace projects in the UK? If you like the sound of developing software for projects such as a 6th generation Stealth Fighter jet or a revolutionary Laser Directed Energy Weapon, then Leonardo would like to hear from you.

Leonardo has significant interest in exploiting AI/ML technology so this role will be supporting our systems engineers with research projects while developing deployable software that makes use of AI/ML technologies. We are looking for someone who’ll be passionate about our products, with a systems-thinking approach and experience of developing software for safety critical products.

What you’ll bring

Experience of and passion for AI/ML. You should have a degree in computer science, engineering or a similar technical discipline combined with practical experience of delivering high-integrity software products in a regulated environment.

We are looking for the following technical skills:

• Industry experience of working on Agile projects across the full software lifecycle
• Experience of using C++ and Python with familiarity of numerical techniques
• Strong numeric, analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on AI/ML algorithm development
• Experience delivering software in a regulated environment: medical, aerospace, or automotive
• Experience of real-time operating systems and embedded development
• Experience working to an Agile lifecycle.
• Awareness of machine-learning frameworks such as Pytorch, Keras/Tensorflow, MATLAB Machine Learning toolbox
• Awareness of mathematical libraries used for signal processing, image processing and data processing
• Awareness of high-performance computing and the challenges of parallel processing

This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working: Due to the nature of this work, full time working on-site is required. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

Be part of something bigger - apply now!

Primary Location: GB - Edinburgh

Additional Locations: GB - Newcastle

Contract Type: Permanent

Hybrid Working: Onsite