Specialist Software Engineer

Darktrace; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Darktrace is seeking a Specialist Software Engineer in Cambridge to drive development of AI-driven cybersecurity products. The role is hybrid, requiring presence in the Cambridge office two days a week, and offers opportunities to shape technical strategy and lead high-impact projects.

You will work across languages such as Python, JavaScript, Rust, and C++, with Docker and Git, contributing to scalable, production-grade software and cloud deployments.

Qualifications

• Extensive programming expertise with production-quality solutions.
• Ability to architect and deliver complex systems autonomously and in teams.
• Strong interest or expertise in cyber-security and malware forensics.
• Experience with statistical analysis of static or dynamic systems.
• Proficient with Docker; cloud computing environments; multiple programming languages.
• Software architecture, design patterns, and CI/CD pipelines; Git proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical direction and leadership for projects from prototyping to production.
• Spearhead advancement of our methodology for defending against unknown cyber-attacks.
• Develop and articulate a strategic vision for specialized technical areas aligned with business goals.
• Mentor team members in core competencies across languages and technologies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams; communicate strategies to executives.

Skills

Python

JavaScript

Rust

C++

Cloud computing

Tools

Docker

Git

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: Company Information Founded by mathematicians and cyber defense experts in 2013, Darktrace is a global leader in cyber security AI, delivering complete AI-powered solutions in its mission to free the world of cyber disruption. We protect more than 8,400 customers from the world’s most complex threats, including ransomware, cloud, and SaaS attacks. Our roots lie deep in innovation. The Darktrace AI Research Centre based in Cambridge, UK, has conducted research establishing new thresholds in cyber security, with technology innovations backed by over 130 patents and pending applications. The company’s European R&D center is located in The Hague, Netherlands. Headquartered in Cambridge, UK, Darktrace has more than 2,400 employees located globally. Customers include public sector agencies, education institutions, media, organizations supplying critical infrastructure, and businesses of all sizes worldwide. This is an excellent opportunity to join a fast-growing company, named one of TIME magazine’s “Most Influential Companies” for 2021 and one of Fast Company’s “Most Innovative AI Companies” in 2022. For more information on our cutting-edge technology, visit darktrace.com. This hybrid role requires attendance in the Cambridge office for 2 days a week.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Join our esteemed R&D teams in Cambridge, where you'll play a critical role in the development and enhancement of products driving our company's rapid growth. As a Specialist Software Engineer, you'll focus on high-impact projects using a diverse set of tools and technologies. Provide expert technical direction and leadership for projects ranging from rapid prototyping of new ideas to the structured development of existing platforms, Spearhead the advancement of our unique methodology for defending against unknown cyber-attacks, Champion innovation and creativity in your approach, alongside traditional project-based development, Develop and articulate a strategic vision for specialized technical areas, ensuring alignment with business objectives and long-term goals, Mentor and develop team members in core competencies across various programming languages, with opportunities to specialize in specific technology areas, Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align technical strategies with business goals and drive organizational success, Engage with executive leadership to communicate technical strategies, project progress, and align on company-wide initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience

We seek specialist engineers with a visionary mindset and an analytical approach to problem-solving. During the interview process, you'll demonstrate your extensive programming expertise and your ability to architect and deliver production-quality solutions. Additionally, you should be: Comfortable working autonomously and making high-level strategic decisions, while also being able to collaborate effectively within a team, Highly knowledgeable or deeply interested in cyber-security and malware forensics, Experienced in statistical analysis of static or dynamic systems, Proficient with Docker, Knowledgeable about cloud computing environments, Experienced with a range of programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, Rust, and C++, Skilled in software architecture and design patterns, Familiar with continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, Proficient in version control systems like Git. 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.

For over a decade, Darktrace has pioneered a proactive, AI-native approach to cybersecurity. Our passion, creativity and determination to succeed is helping us build something completely novel and extraordinary. Join us on our mission to keep our customers ahead of the changing cyber threat landscape every day.