Job Description
Our client, a leading technology company in the Defence & Security sector, is currently seeking a talented Research & Development Software Engineer to join their innovative team on a permanent basis. This role is based at Portsdown Technology Park in Portsmouth and offers the exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge immersive training solutions and simulations.
Key Responsibilities:
* Build and maintain prototypes, proof-of-concept systems, and technical demonstrators
* Take early-stage feasibility prototypes forward into working implementations, validating technical assumptions and documenting findings
* Implement integrations between AI services, APIs, backend systems, XR applications, simulation environments, and third-party platforms
* Develop microservices, wrappers, connectors, and service interfaces to support solution components
* Support applied AI development including LLM services, speech services, classification models, RAG pipelines, and AI-enabled application features
* Prepare and maintain demo-ready technical builds for internal and customer-facing demonstrations
* Support the preparation of technical handoff to delivery teams, including setup guides, implementation notes, configuration instructions, and known-issue logs
* Test and validate solution components against defined requirements or acceptance criteria, recording issues, limitations, and dependencies clearly
Job Requirements:
* Degree in software engineering, computer science, AI, games technology, simulation or a related technical discipline
* Practical software development experience in Python, C++, or C#
* Ability to build, test, and debug software, integrations, and small services independently
* Understanding of APIs, data formats, and basic system integration concepts
* Willingness to work across different technical areas including AI, XR, backend services, tooling, and prototyping
* Strong problem-solving ability and enthusiasm for learning in a fast-paced R&D environment
* Excellent communication skills to articulate technical issues and blockers clearly
Desirable Skills:
* Experience with AI/ML tools, LLMs, speech services, RAG systems, or AI APIs
* Experience with Unreal Engine, Unity, or other real-time 3D development environments
* Familiarity with Docker, FastAPI, REST APIs, Git, and deployment workflows
* Experience with simulation, defence, XR, training systems, or serious games
* Familiarity with cloud services or local/offline model deployment
* Experience preparing demos, prototypes, or proof-of-concept systems for technical or customer audiences
Benefits:
* Competitive salary
* Family medical and dental cover
* 25 days annual leave, birthday day off + bank holidays
* Additional 5 days annual leave after 1 year of employment
* 5 additional reservist volunteering days on full pay
* 2 volunteering days on full pay
* Pension NEST 7%
* Cycle to work scheme
* EV scheme
* Career development opportunities and progression pathways
* Employee assistance package
* Flexible working
* Company annual socials and wellbeing initiatives
If you are an experienced Software Engineer eager to contribute to transformative digital immersive training solutions within the Defence & Security sector, we would love to hear from you. Apply now to join our client's dynamic and supportive team in Portsmouth.