Graduate R&D Software Engineer

Quell; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site role

Job summary

Quell is a high-growth British defence and security AI start-up near Cambridge seeking graduates to join as R&D Software Engineers. You will contribute across the full product lifecycle in a fast-paced, hands-on environment, with exposure to cutting-edge technology and ownership of initiatives.

The role targets early-career engineers, requiring enthusiasm for learning, strong problem-solving, and a drive to work across software, data science and ML tasks in a startup setting.

Qualifications

• Recent 2:1 graduate in a STEM discipline (e.g., Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics).
• Strong experience in at least one programming language (e.g., Python, Java, C++).
• Experience with Python and familiarity with data science or ML libraries (scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Knowledge of version control (Git), containerisation (Docker), or cloud platforms (AWS, Google Cloud).
• Academic or project experience in ML, data science, or digital signal processing.

Responsibilities

• Designing and developing software solutions with the engineering team.
• Building tools for data gathering, preprocessing, and ML/algorithm development.
• Overseeing and maintaining Linux-based systems.
• Contributing across R&D, software, data science, and problem-solving tasks.

Skills

Python

Java

C++

Analytical mindset

Problem solving

Education

2:1 STEM degree

Tools

Docker

Git

AWS

Google Cloud

Job description

Quell is a high-growth British defence and security AI technology start-up developing solutions to counter drone, vehicle, and human threats across the military, civilian and critical national infrastructure sectors.

Based near Cambridge, we are seeking exceptional Graduate R&D Software Engineers to support a wide range of research and development activities. The role is ideal for an early-career engineer who enjoys variety, problem-solving, and working in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.

It is an entry-level role with exposure to the full product development lifecycle. You will be provided with the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in a collaborative, dynamic environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Designing and developing innovative software solutions in collaboration with the engineering team
• Building tools and methods for data gathering, preprocessing, and optimisation for machine learning and algorithm development
• Overseeing and maintaining operational company systems (Linux-based)
• Contributing across a broad mix of R&D, software, data science, and technical problem-solving tasks

Requirements

• Highly motivated, adaptable, and eager to learn across varied technical domains
• Recent 2:1 (or above) graduate in a STEM discipline (e.g., Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics)
• Strong experience in at least one programming language (e.g., Python, Java, C++, etc.)
• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Experience with Python and familiarity with data science or machine learning libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch)
• Interest or experience in signals, RF, or SDRs
• Knowledge of version control (Git), containerisation (Docker), or cloud platforms (AWS, Google Cloud)
• Academic or project experience in ML, data science, or digital signal processing
• Enthusiasm for working in a startup environment and taking ownership of initiatives

Details

• Location: North Uttlesford / Greater Cambridge area, on-site
• Five days a week on-site (ie: this is not a hybrid role)
• Applicants must be fully eligible to work in the UK without restriction, time limit, or the need for current or future sponsorship.
• Full UK driving licence required. If this isn't held, candidates will need to commit to obtaining within 6 months of their start date