Job Description
Data Engineer
Our client, an innovative UK technology company is building a next-generation AI platform for defence and health applications. Their systems operate in highly regulated, mission-critical environments where reliability, security, and performance truly matter.
We’re looking for a Data Engineer, with programming skills in Python/C++ to work on key platform components. This is a hands-on role — you’ll be writing code, shaping systems, and directly influencing the future of the platform.
This is a genuine ground-floor opportunity to shape both the technology and the engineering culture within a growing, mission-driven business.
What You’ll Be Working On
- Leading the design, development, and evolution of intelligent, distributed systems
- Architecting and building AI-driven capabilities, including:
- Large Language Models (LLMs)
- Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)
- AI agents and orchestration workflows
- Designing and maintaining backend services and APIs (primarily Python, FastAPI / Flask)
- Building and scaling data pipelines and search systems using:
- ElasticSearch, Weaviate, Pinecone, and other vector databases
- Engineering secure, containerised architectures using Docker and Kubernetes
- Ensuring high availability, fault tolerance, and performance for mission-critical workloads
- Providing technical leadership and mentorship to other engineers
- Contributing to technical strategy, tooling choices, and engineering best practices
What We’re Looking For
Essential
- Active SC clearance
- Degree in Computer Science, AI, or a related field — or equivalent industry experience
- Strong background in Python or similar languages
- Significant experience with backend development, microservices, and distributed systems
- Hands-on experience with AI/ML systems, including LLMs, RAG, or vector databases
- Solid understanding of containerisation and orchestration (Docker / Kubernetes)
- Experience delivering secure, on-premise or regulated systems
- Proven ability to lead technically, mentor others, and take ownership of complex problems
Desirable
- Experience in defence, government, healthcare, or other regulated domains
- Familiarity with DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and infrastructure as code
- Exposure to data engineering, ETL pipelines, or high-volume data processing
- Experience working in SME or start-up environments, comfortable wearing multiple hats
Salary: £40,000 - £60,000 (DOE) + Bonus + Benefits
Hybrid working – Office Locations in Winchester/Basingstoke