Lead Software Engineer: Defence AI & Edge/Backend

Faculty Science Limited; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited Annual Leave Policy

Private healthcare and dental

Enhanced parental leave

Family-Friendly Flexibility & Flexible

Sanctus Coaching

Hybrid Working

Job summary

Faculty Science Limited is seeking a Lead Software Engineer for our Defence team in the UK. You will spearhead backend and edge/IoT engineering for high-stakes projects, bridging proof-of-concept and production-grade systems.

You’ll mentor engineers and raise the engineering bar across the unit, delivering scalable, secure software. Collaborate with ML engineers to integrate AI capabilities, and communicate complex ideas clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Experience in application development and modern system design patterns.
• Proficient in Python and at least one compiled language with a track record shipping to customers.
• Strong leadership mindset and ability to mentor engineers.
• Hands-on experience with DevOps tools including GitLab CI/CD, Docker, and Kubernetes.
• Excellent communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a squad of engineers to deliver scalable software.
• Designing and building complex components of client deliverables across backend and edge/IoT domains.
• Implementing robust CI/CD processes and containerisation strategies using Docker and Kubernetes.
• Shipping production-ready code in Python and compiled languages.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to integrate advanced AI and Machine Learning capabilities into software architectures.
• Distilling complex technical concepts into clear, actionable insights for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Skills

Python

Compiled languages

Leadership

System architecture

DevOps practices

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

GitLab CI/CD

Job description

Faculty Science Limited is seeking a Lead Software Engineer for our Defence team in the UK. You will spearhead backend and edge/IoT engineering for high-stakes projects, bridging proof-of-concept and production-grade systems.

You’ll mentor engineers and raise the engineering bar across the unit, delivering scalable, secure software. Collaborate with ML engineers to integrate AI capabilities, and communicate complex ideas clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.