Lead Software Engineer - AI Start Up - £150k+
An institutionally backed AI start-up is hiring a Lead Software Engineer to help build the core software infrastructure for real-world autonomous systems. This is a high-impact role shaping architecture, engineering culture, and product direction from day one.
You will lead the development of platforms that allow operators to coordinate fleets of autonomous agents – including drones, vehicles, and distributed sensors – in live field environments. The software supports real-time decision-making, robust API integrations, and intuitive user interfaces designed for mission-critical deployment.
This is an opportunity to join an elite engineering team from leading AI and defence organisations. You’ll collaborate closely with end users and deploy into real-world scenarios, with substantial ownership and technical autonomy.
Responsibilities
* Architect and build core infrastructure for autonomous system coordination
* Lead development of robust interfaces and scalable APIs
* Guide engineering best practices and help shape team culture
* Collaborate with users and field teams to deliver and iterate on live deployments
Requirements
* 5+ years’ experience building production-grade software
* Expertise in backend development using C++, Rust, Java, or Python
* Strong experience with front-end frameworks (React, Angular, or equivalent)
* Proven ability to work across distributed systems and real-time applications
* Comfortable working in an early-stage, high-trust environment
Nice-to-Have
* Experience with embedded or resource-constrained systems
* Familiarity with Docker, Kubernetes, and PostgreSQL
* Exposure to ML or autonomy platforms
What’s Offered
* Competitive salary
* Significant equity (EMI scheme)
* Private medical and dental cover
* 7% employer pension contribution
* Free daily meals and wellness initiatives
* Relocation support for eligible candidates
* Full access to tools, equipment, and budget to support world-class engineering