Junior Software Engineer ʕ
•ᴥ
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£28,000 – £36,000
• 0.02% – 0.3%
Our Mission
So much food is wasted, but most of it doesn't need to be.
Two-thirds of food waste happens not because food is bad, but because we can't tell when it's actually still good. People throw away perfectly edible food out of caution, confusion, or habit, often relying on printed "use by" dates that are just rough estimates.
We believe there's a better way. By making freshness measurable, we can reduce waste, improve safety, and reshape how the world thinks about expiry.
Our mission is to make use-by dates digital - smarter, fairer, and based on science.
We replace use-by dates with smart labels that measure freshness, and AI that predicts shelf-life. The founders invented this technology as PhD scientists, and we're using it to improve the whole supply chain, starting with food producers.
We're a tight-knit team that believes innovation happens when everyone's ideas are heard - no egos, no silos, just a shared goal.
The Role
We're looking for a sharp, curious, and ambitious young scientist or engineer to join our team as a
Junior Software Engineer
. From building and maintaining data pipelines to cleaning and analyzing sensor data, applying machine learning models, and supporting our customer-facing web application. You'll take on real responsibility early and grow into areas that match your strengths.
You'll be based in software, working with data and cloud systems, product strategy, technical decision-making, and the inner workings of a fast-moving startup. This is a rare opportunity to learn by doing, contribute meaningfully from day one, and get software training to grow towards technical leadership.
You'll work 100% in our office near London Bridge, Monday to Friday.
Not sure if you're the right fit? We encourage you to apply anyway - many people who succeed in this role didn't feel "ready" at first. We care about potential, not perfection.
What You'll Do
You'll join a small, hands-on, fast-growing team where experienced engineers and scientists are eager to share what they know. At the same time, you'll have the freedom to explore, experiment, and lead your own work.
You will:
*
Own meaningful projects
from day one
*
Be part
of a supportive team
*
Join forces on the full-stack web application
(React/Python) to release customer facing features
*
Work closely with data
: investigate issues, and deliver insights
*
Prototype quickly
using the latest AI tools to support building and fast iteration
*
Apply machine learning models
: integrate existing models into the pipeline to transform raw data into insights
*
Deliver to customers
: help shape how data is presented in a web application, turning complex sensor data into clear, usable information
*
Jump into whatever's needed
, from backend engineering to helping onboard new teammates
Who You Are
You're ambitious. You don't just want a job, you want to grow into leading a software team, or maybe even a company. This role is designed to support that path.
You're curious, and love figuring out how things work. Maybe you've worked on personal projects, building, coding, experimenting, or maybe you've gone deep into a subject just because it fascinated you. You enjoy learning by doing and want your work to have real-world impact.
You have a solid STEM background and want to move into software engineering, bringing with you an understanding of the physical world and sensors.
You might be:
* A final-year STEM student or early-career professional (e.g. Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, BioTech, etc.)
* A generalist with a scientific mindset and a drive to figure things out
* Academically strong or have proven experience showing you've excelled in your field
* Enjoy building, testing, or troubleshooting
* Self-motivated and confident working independently
* Excited about learning new tools, techniques, and ways of working
* Familiar with the basics of SQL, Python or React
Nice to have (but not required):
* Experience with data analysis and statistics
* Previous exposure to sensor data and data cleaning
We don't expect you to tick every box. If you're passionate about the role and excited to grow into it, we encourage you to apply, even if you're not sure you meet everything listed.
Personality:
* Comfortable in a hands-on, fast-paced environment
* Value constructive feedback as part of getting better
* Proactive and motivated to solve problems
* A team player who supports others and values shared learning
* Thoughtful and emotionally intelligent - you know that a positive culture is just as important as the science
Location & Hours
This is an on-site role at our Tower Bridge headquarters in London.
Our Benefits
You'll have the option to grow into a senior role in our company, with a significant shareholding. You'll help us shape a product-focused and inclusive culture that scales.
Work that matters - Our technology is already proving its impact by reducing food waste
Supportive culture: "I don't think I will find such a nice culture again"
Competitive compensation package - including stock options
Top-tier private healthcare - Comprehensive coverage to keep you well
Healthy snacks available in the office
Generous time off – 26 days of holiday, plus bank holidays
Monthly socials - Dinners, VR experiences, or games nights
Team learning events – Hackathons, workshops, and deep dives (like our recent AI tool hack day)
-----------------------------------
About Us
Stage
We're a science-led startup spun out of Imperial College London, founded by a team of PhD technologists. We have now raised over £3m in funding. Our core technology is patented and we are already selling it, generating revenue from retailers and producers, across the supply chain.
Over the past five years, we've developed three different products and brought four generations of our flagship product to market. We move fast and iterate based on in-house R&D breakthroughs and customer feedback, but we don't stop at the lab bench. Each version has been built, tested, and rolled out with real customers, closing the loop from research to real-world impact.
Our 4 Core Values
Psychological Safety
Safe to voice opinions, even if they go against the group, no fear of retribution or adverse impact on reputation.
Intellectually Curious
We prioritize learning over being right
Team Dependability
We support each other through the hard times, this team has your back.
Embracing Risk
Turn challenges and setbacks into opportunity. Live a culture of excitement at our mission
Diversity and Inclusion at BlakBear
We believe that the best teams are built on different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. At BlakBear, we're committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported.
We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age. If you're excited about the role but aren't sure you tick every box, please apply anyway, we'd love to hear from you.
If you need any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the hiring process, just let us know. We'll do our best to make it work for you.