Software Engineer - Backend (up to £160k)

The Role

This company builds AI software that turns unstructured sensor data into real-time defence intelligence. They operate at the cutting edge of semi-autonomous platforms, localising, navigating, and perceiving the world in dynamic, high-stakes environments. Backed by significant funding from leading investors, they're solving some of the hardest technical problems in the field.

This isn't a typical backend role. You'll build the foundational infrastructure for systems operating under extreme constraints: intermittent connectivity, resource-constrained embedded compute, low-bandwidth radios, and untrusted networks. Reliability isn't a quality metric here; it's the core product. This means an engineering culture built around robustness, rigorous review, and direct impact in high-risk situations.

What You'll Do

• Propose and build features, algorithms, and infrastructure for real-time defence intelligence systems.
• Engineer for extreme environments: intermittent connectivity, resource constraints, and untrusted networks.
• Drive robustness through rigorous testing, benchmarking, and deep failure mode analysis.
• Contribute to an engineering culture that prioritises RFCs, code review, and shared ownership.

Who You Are

• Backend development experience in a systems language (Rust, Java, Go, C++, or similar).
• Deep expertise in one area: edge computing, latency, or platform engineering.
• Experience building and operating large-scale, complex distributed systems, with a focus on partial degradation.
• Familiarity with backend interface tools: REST, GraphQL, gRPC/Protocol Buffers, and Arrow.

Why Apply Through Dex

Roles like this, at the intersection of AI and critical infrastructure, are rare and often oversubscribed. Dex helps you cut through the noise. We'll brief you thoroughly on the company and role, ensuring you're prepared to make an informed decision and stand out from other applicants.