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Lead Software Engineer

Durlston Partners

Greater London

On-site

GBP 150,000 - 180,000

Full time

Today

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Job summary

An institutionally backed AI start-up is seeking a Lead Software Engineer to shape the core software infrastructure for real-world autonomous systems. This high-impact role offers substantial ownership and technical autonomy, working alongside an elite engineering team from leading AI and defense organizations. You will architect and develop platforms that enable coordination of fleets of autonomous agents, ensuring real-time decision-making and robust API integrations. If you're passionate about cutting-edge technology and thrive in a dynamic environment, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Significant equity (EMI scheme)

Private medical and dental cover

Free daily meals

Wellness initiatives

Relocation support

Full access to tools and equipment

Qualifications

5+ years’ experience building production-grade software.
Expertise in backend development using multiple programming languages.
Strong experience with front-end frameworks.

Responsibilities

Architect and build core infrastructure for autonomous system coordination.
Lead development of robust interfaces and scalable APIs.
Collaborate with users and field teams for live deployments.

Skills

Backend Development (C++, Rust, Java, Python)

Frontend Frameworks (React, Angular)

Distributed Systems

Real-time Applications

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

PostgreSQL

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This range is provided by Durlston Partners. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

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Lead Software Engineer - AI Start Up - £150k+

An institutionally backed AI start-up is hiring a Lead Software Engineer to help build the core software infrastructure for real-world autonomous systems. This is a high-impact role shaping architecture, engineering culture, and product direction from day one.

You will lead the development of platforms that allow operators to coordinate fleets of autonomous agents – including drones, vehicles, and distributed sensors – in live field environments. The software supports real-time decision-making, robust API integrations, and intuitive user interfaces designed for mission-critical deployment.

This is an opportunity to join an elite engineering team from leading AI and defence organisations. You’ll collaborate closely with end users and deploy into real-world scenarios, with substantial ownership and technical autonomy.

Responsibilities

Architect and build core infrastructure for autonomous system coordination
Lead development of robust interfaces and scalable APIs
Guide engineering best practices and help shape team culture
Collaborate with users and field teams to deliver and iterate on live deployments

Requirements

5+ years’ experience building production-grade software
Expertise in backend development using C++, Rust, Java, or Python
Strong experience with front-end frameworks (React, Angular, or equivalent)
Proven ability to work across distributed systems and real-time applications
Comfortable working in an early-stage, high-trust environment

Nice-to-Have

Experience with embedded or resource-constrained systems
Familiarity with Docker, Kubernetes, and PostgreSQL
Exposure to ML or autonomy platforms

What’s Offered

Significant equity (EMI scheme)
Private medical and dental cover
Free daily meals and wellness initiatives
Relocation support for eligible candidates
Full access to tools, equipment, and budget to support world-class engineering

Seniority level

Seniority level
Director

Employment type

Employment type
Full-time

Job function

Job function
Information Technology
Industries
Software Development

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