Lead Software Engineer

RC Fornax; Almondsbury; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An engineering consultancy in Almondsbury is seeking a Lead Software Engineer to develop an AI-powered platform for defence procurement. This role involves designing and deploying innovative software solutions while ensuring compliance with industry standards. Candidates should have experience in software development, familiarity with procurement systems, and a degree in a relevant field. Flexible working arrangements are available.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Culture of autonomy and excellence

Qualifications

• Proven experience in software development, preferably in defence-related projects.
• Ability to build scalable, secure, and modular systems.
• Familiarity with procurement systems or defence contracting is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy AI-enabled software solutions for defence procurement.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand requirements.
• Lead technical architecture decisions and mentor junior developers.

Skills

Software development (Python, Java, C++, or similar)

Using AI-coding assistants

Data engineering

APIs development

Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)

Secure software development

Problem-solving

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Degree in Computer Science, AI, Engineering, or related field

Job description

Overview

RC Fornax is a veteran-owned engineering consultancy delivering high-value solutions for complex, safety-critical systems in industries where reliability and precision are paramount. We are seeking a visionary and highly skilled Lead Software Engineer to lead the development of an AI-powered platform that will revolutionise engineering outsourcing, recruitment and defence procurement. This role combines cutting-edge artificial intelligence as a service (AIaaS) with deep software engineering expertise to create tools that enhance transparency, efficiency, and strategic decision-making in complex procurement environments.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy AI-enabled software solutions tailored to defence procurement challenges.
• Build scalable, secure, and modular systems that integrate with existing procurement platforms and data sources.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across defence, government, and industry to understand requirements and validate solutions.
• Ensure compliance with defence standards, cybersecurity protocols, and ethical AI principles.
• Lead technical architecture decisions and mentor junior developers as the team grows.
• Opportunity to shape the future of defence procurement through AI.
• Direct impact on national security and strategic innovation.
• Flexible working arrangements and a culture of autonomy and excellence.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in software development (Python, Java, C++, or similar).
• Be proficient in using AI-coding assistants (like Cloud Code) to substantially optimise delivery cycles.
• Experience with data engineering, APIs, and developing full-stack solutions in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Familiarity with procurement systems, defence contracting, or government tech is a strong plus.
• Ability to work independently and drive innovation in ambiguous environments.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Degree in Computer Science, AI, Engineering, or related field.
• Experience with secure software development and defence-grade compliance.
• Knowledge of LLMs, generative AI, or autonomous decision systems.
• Understanding of procurement regulations (e.g., MOD, NATO, or equivalent).
• Application of machine learning, natural language processing, and predictive analytics to automate and optimise procurement workflows.

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements and a culture of autonomy and excellence.