Software Engineer

About the Company

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.

About the Role

This role is based in Portsmouth and offers the exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge immersive training solutions and simulations.

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

Required Skills

• 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

Qualifications

• Degree in software engineering, computer science, AI, games technology, simulation or a related technical discipline

Preferred 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

Pay range and compensation package

• 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