Senior Software Engineer (Python)

Darktrace; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Darktrace is seeking a Senior Software Engineer in Cambridge (hybrid: in-office at least 2 days/week) to lead prototyping and development of innovative ideas for our cybersecurity platform. You will work with engineers, designers and strategists to deliver cutting‑edge features that balance creativity with practical timelines.

The role emphasizes production‑quality coding, autonomous work within a collaborative team, and experience with Docker/containerization and cloud environments.

Qualifications

• Demonstrates ability to write production‑quality code.
• Shows an analytical approach to problem solving.
• Capable of autonomous work while collaborating in a team.
• Familiar with Docker and containerisation; knowledge of cloud environments is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Prototype and develop new ideas to enhance Darktrace’s services.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional engineers, designers and strategists to deliver features.
• Balance creativity with time constraints to implement novel capabilities.
• Develop core competencies across multiple programming languages and areas.

Skills

Production-quality code

Analytical thinking

Autonomy

Team collaboration

Tools

Docker

Containerization

Cloud platforms

Job description

Darktrace is a global leader in AI-driven cybersecurity, helping organizations stay ahead of evolving threats every day.

Darktrace was built on a genuinely differentiated idea: that Adaptive AI could detect and respond to novel, real-time cyber threats. That approach matters more than ever in the era of AI. Today, our customers depend on us to stay ahead.

At Darktrace, we are energized by that responsibility. We work across teams and rally around a shared goal. We own outcomes end to end - step in, step up and see things through without waiting to be asked. We make decisions with urgency, say the hard thing, and hold each other to high standards with care and directness. We move first and learn fast anticipating where our customers are going next, continuously challenging ourselves.

We invest in the skills, learning and opportunities that help people deliver at the level their roles demand, and reward the aptitude and curiosity to grow beyond them.

Our Values: Own It | Win as One | Raise Our Bar | Move First. Learn Fast

Job Description:

Join our dynamic R&D teams in Cambridge and London, where you'll contribute to the development and enhancement of products driving our company's rapid growth.

Please not this is a hybrid position that requires attendance in the Cambridge office at least 2 days a week.

What will I be doing:

As a Senior Software Engineer, you will own the prototyping and development of new and innovative ideas to further improve Darktrace’s services and offerings while balancing creativity, logical thinking and time constraints to implement novel features.

You’ll find yourself collaborating with a cross‑functional team of engineers, designers, project co‑ordinators and technical strategists to create cutting‑edge projects and optimising solutions to improve both speed and scale. You will also be responsible but not limited to:

• Contributing to projects ranging from rapid prototyping of new ideas to the structured development of existing platforms,
• Advancing our unique methodology for defending against unknown cyber-attacks,
• Embracing innovation and creativity in your approach, alongside traditional project-based development,
• Developing core competencies in various programming languages, with opportunities to specialise in specific technology areas.

What experience do I need:

We seek engineers with a solution-focused mindset and an analytical approach to problem-solving. During the interview process, you'll demonstrate your programming skills and your ability to write production-quality code. Additionally, you should be:

• Comfortable working autonomously and making independent decisions, while also being able to collaborate effectively within a team,
• Knowledgeable or interested in cyber-security and malware forensics,
• Experienced in statistical analysis of static or dynamic systems,
• Familiar with Docker and containerisation,
• Knowledgeable about cloud computing environments (beneficial but not essential),
• Experienced with a range of other programming languages such as JavaScript, Rust, and C++ would be beneficial but not essential.

As a growing business strengthening its governance and controls, this role plays a part in supporting high standards of integrity and accountability.

Darktrace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Darktrace is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact your Talent Partner.