Software Developer jobs in United Kingdom

1. OVERVIEW OF DIANA

The Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) is NATO’s newest body. From across the Alliance, DIANA will bring together innovators and operational end users to foster a transatlantic ecosystem supporting dual-use ground-breaking innovation in deep technologies.
DIANA is an independent NATO body comprised of an Allied Board of Directors and an executive management team - the DIANA Executive (DX). Operating out of regional offices in Europe and in North America, the DX will conduct DIANA’s mission: accelerating deep tech, dual-use solutions to critical transatlantic challenges in defence and security. The DX will use Challenge Programmes in line with a published Strategic Direction, as the primary vehicle to accomplish this mission. DIANA is a dynamic, agile and hybrid workplace, which strives for innovation, diversity, and excellence. In order to achieve these aims, DIANA is committed to providing our people with an environment that is positive, inclusive, and collaborative.

2. OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE

We are seeking talented and versatile engineers with experience in software development, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Large Language Models (LLMs) for short-term (3-month) renewable contracts. In this role, you will be instrumental in designing, developing, deploying, and maintaining both core software applications and cutting-edge AI/ML solutions. You'll work across the full development lifecycle, from ideation and experimentation with ML models to building robust, scalable software systems that integrate these intelligent features. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to impactful projects at the intersection of software engineering and artificial intelligence, with the flexibility of short-term engagements.

Key Responsibilities:
• Design, develop, test, deploy, and maintain robust and scalable software applications and infrastructure.
• Research, implement, and evaluate machine learning models (including deep learning and potentially reinforcement learning) to address specific business challenges.
• Work with Large Language Models (LLMs): fine-tuning, prompt engineering, developing Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems, and integrating LLM capabilities into applications via APIs.
• Process, clean, and analyze large datasets to prepare them for model training and evaluation.
• Develop APIs and services to integrate ML models and AI features into broader software systems.
• Collaborate closely with product managers, data scientists, and other engineers to define requirements, design solutions, and deliver high-quality features.
• Implement MLOps practices for model versioning, deployment, monitoring, and lifecycle management.
• Write clean, maintainable, well-documented, and tested code following software engineering best practices (e.g., SOLID principles, CI/CD).
• Stay current with the latest advancements in AI, ML, LLMs, and software engineering trends and technologies.
• Troubleshoot and debug issues across the software stack, including ML model performance problems.

3. ROLE REQUIREMENTS, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• MSc/PhD degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Professional software development experience using languages such as Python, C, Julia, C++, or similar.
• Strong proficiency in Python and its scientific computing/ML ecosystem (e.g., NumPy, Pandas, TensorFlow, AI Foundry, OpenAI, Scikit-learn etc.).
• Solid understanding of core machine learning concepts
• Hands-on experience with at least one major deep learning framework (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras).
• Proven understanding of software engineering principles, data structures, algorithms, and design patterns.
• Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git).
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

4. ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Please note that candidates may be required to undergo a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check or obtain appropriate security clearance, as determined at the time of engagement. Initial contracts will be offered on a three-month renewable basis. The role is primarily based in London, with potential future assignments in Halifax (Canada) and Tallinn (Estonia).

Please attach an updated CV and relevant certifications to your application.

You are responsible for keeping your information up to date by making the appropriate changes (e.g. availability, clearance, etc.) directly in your Taleo application, if and when required. Please do not re-apply if changes occur but edit your application at any time.

Any questions on this subject should be sent to recruitment@diana.nato.int.