Lead Backend Engineer – Defence AI Systems - Python/C++ - On Site Newcastle Area
We’re working on one of the most exciting consulting opportunities in the UK right now. It's a joint venture between a global tier 1 consulting powerhouse, and one of the world’s leading investment funds. They're teaming up and launching a brand new Defence technology arm, and we’re hiring the founding engineering team.
This practice will deliver bleeding edge AI and advanced software systems into some of the most complex and mission critical defence programmes in the UK.
Leading the build is a 20 year defence veteran from one of the UK's most advanced defence organisations, and we are now hiring a Lead Backend Engineer to work directly under him as one of the first three lead technical hires. You will need to be at least eligible to gain SC Clearance, or ideally currently hold SC Clearance.
What You’ll Do
* Architect and build high performance backend systems
* Develop secure, scalable distributed systems
* Work across Python, C++ (and ideally Rust)
* Contribute to AI enabled defence platforms
* Set engineering standards for a team that will scale to 30+ engineers in 2026
What We’re Looking For
* Strong backend engineering fundamentals
* Expertise in Python and/or C++
* Rust experience highly desirable
* Experience in defence, secure systems, or highly regulated environments
* Strong academic background
* Clear, confident communicator (Any client facing experience would be highly desirable)
Why This Role Is Different
* Greenfield builds - Genuine influence on architecture
* Direct exposure to senior defence stakeholders
* Backed by elite consulting and investment capital
* Newcastle based, long term strategic commitment
* High impact, nationally significant projects
If you want to build systems that genuinely matter, this is the opportunity. If you're interested please send an updated CV and I will call ASAP.
Looking forward to hearing from you!