About the Role

The Lead Software Engineer will play a crucial role in a rapidly growing defence AI start-up, focusing on building next-generation autonomous and AI-driven systems. This position involves hands-on technical leadership, mentoring engineers, and shaping the architecture of scalable software solutions.

What You'll Do

Lead the design and delivery of complex, scalable distributed systems.
Mentor engineers and drive engineering best practices.
Influence technical direction while remaining deeply hands-on.
Work on advanced AI, autonomy, and distributed systems.

Who You Are

A Software Engineer with 7+ years of professional experience.
Strong backend engineering expertise in Python, Java, C++, Rust, or Go.
Experience building modern frontends with TypeScript.
Comfortable working in fast-paced, high-growth start-up environments.
Interested in AI, autonomy, defence, or mission-critical technologies.

Bonus Points

Experience within defence, aerospace, robotics, autonomy, or security.
Previous experience in an early-stage or venture-backed start-up.
Experience building mission-critical or safety-critical systems.

Why Join

Build technology that delivers real-world impact within defence and national security.
Join a well-backed, high-growth AI start-up with experienced founders.
Join a small, high-calibre engineering team solving genuinely complex challenges.

Requirements

Backend Engineering Expertise

Strong backend engineering expertise in Python, Java, C++, Rust, or Go.

Distributed Systems Design

Comfortable designing and delivering complex, scalable distributed systems.

Technical Leadership

A hands-on technical leader who enjoys mentoring engineers.

Software Engineering Fundamentals

Language agnostic with excellent software engineering fundamentals.

Nice to Have

Defence Experience

Experience within defence, aerospace, robotics, autonomy, or security.

Start-Up Experience

Previous experience in an early-stage or venture-backed start-up.

Safety-Critical Systems

Experience building mission-critical or safety-critical systems.

Benefits

Impactful Technology

Build technology that delivers real-world impact within defence and national security.

High-Growth Environment

Join a well-backed, high-growth AI start-up with experienced founders.

Hands-On Influence

Influence technical direction while remaining deeply hands-on.