Senior Software Engineer

Data Science Jobs UK; 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

Hybrid Working

Job summary

Faculty is seeking a Senior Software Engineer for its Defence team to lead backend and edge/IoT engineering, bridging ML research with production-grade software. The role requires delivering robust, scalable solutions and mentoring peers in a fast-paced environment.

Eligible for UK security clearance and willing to travel to client locations; remote or London-based work available with 2–4 days on-site per week.

Qualifications

• Hands-on application development with modern system architecture.
• Proven track record shipping customer-facing Python and compiled language code.
• Strong DevOps experience including CI/CD, Docker and production deployments.

Responsibilities

• Designing and building robust backend and edge/IoT components for diverse client deliverables.
• Scoping and executing bounded technical problems to ensure high-velocity delivery.
• Shipping production-ready code in Python and a compiled language (Rust, C++, Go, C#, or Java).
• Implementing scalable CI/CD, containerisation with Docker, and deployments on Kubernetes or bare metal.
• Mentoring engineers and collaborating with ML/Data Science teams to operationalise AI tooling.

Skills

Backend development

Edge/IoT

Python

Compiled languages

DevOps

Docker

Kubernetes

CI/CD

Mentoring

Machine Learning integration

Tools

GitLab CI/CD

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Benefits

Flexible working Remote work options Travel to client sites

Job Type Permanent. Work Pattern Flexible. Work Location Hybrid. Seniority Senior. Education Degree. Security Clearance Required. Posted 25 Mar 2026 (6 months ago).

Why Faculty?

We established Faculty in 2014 because we thought that AI would be the most important technology of our time.

Since then, we’ve worked with over 350 global customers to transform their performance through human-centric AI. You can read about our real-world impact here.

We don’t chase hype cycles. We innovate, build and deploy responsible AI which moves the needle - and we know a thing or two about doing it well. We bring an unparalleled depth of technical, product and delivery expertise to our clients who span government, finance, retail, energy, life sciences and defence.

Our business, and reputation, is growing fast and we’re always on the lookout for individuals who share our intellectual curiosity and desire to build a positive legacy through technology.

AI is an epoch-defining technology, join a company where you’ll be empowered to envision its most powerful applications, and to make them happen.

About The Team

Our Defence team is focused on building and embedding human-centered AI solutions which give our nation a competitive edge in the defence sector. We collaborate with our clients to bring ethical, reliable and cutting-edge AI to high‑stakes situations and maintain the balance of global powers essential to our liberty.

Because of the nature of the work we do with our Defence clients, you will need to be eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC) and willing to work between 2 to 4 days per week on-site with these customers which may require travel to locations throughout the UK.

When not required on client sites, you’ll have the flexibility to work from our London office or remotely from elsewhere within the UK.

About The Role

As a Senior Software Engineer in our Defence business unit, you will lead backend and edge/IoT engineering for critical work streams, implementing robust, scalable patterns. You’ll bridge the gap between machine learning research and production‑grade software, raising the technical bar through hands‑on contribution and peer mentoring.

Working alongside Lead Engineers and Data Scientists, you will scope and deliver high‑impact solutions that provide immediate value to our customers in a fast‑paced, entrepreneurial environment.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Designing and building robust backend and edge/IoT components for diverse client deliverables across multiple software domains.
• Scoping and executing bounded technical problems to ensure high‑velocity delivery.
• Shipping production‑ready code in Python and at least one compiled language such as Rust, C++, Go, C#, or Java.
• Implementing scalable CI/CD processes, containerisation with Docker, and deployments on Kubernetes or bare metal.
• Mentoring and pairing with fellow engineers to share best practices and empower the team to deliver their best work.
• Collaborating with Machine Learning and Data Science teams to operationalise agentic software and advanced AI tooling.

Who We're Looking For:

• You possess strong hands‑on experience in application development and a solid understanding of modern system architecture and design.
• You have a proven track record of shipping code used by paying customers in both Python and a compiled language.
• You are highly skilled in DevOps practices, including GitLab CI/CD, Docker, and managing applications in production environments.
• You bring experience with agentic software development and a passion for understanding and solving complex customer problems.
• You thrive when acting as a key contributor within a squad, taking ownership of technical challenges and elevating the team's output.
• You communicate effectively with technical and commercial stakeholders, translating complex requirements into robust engineering solutions.

The Interview Process

• Talent Team Screen (30 minutes)
• System Design Interview (90 minutes)
• Pair Programming Interview (90 minutes)
• Commercial & Leadership Interview (60 minutes)

Our Recruitment Ethos

We aim to grow the best team - not the most similar one. We know that diversity of individuals fosters diversity of thought, and that strengthens our principle of seeking truth. And we know from experience that diverse teams deliver better work, relevant to the world in which we live. We’re united by a deep intellectual curiosity and desire to use our abilities for measurable positive impact. We strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, religions and sexual orientations.

Some Of Our Standout Benefits:

• Unlimited Annual Leave Policy
• Private healthcare and dental
• Enhanced parental leave
• Family-Friendly Flexibility & Flexible working
• Sanctus Coaching
• Hybrid Working

If you don’t feel you meet all the requirements, but are excited by the role and know you bring some key strengths, we are open to conversations about part‑time hours.