Lead Python Engineer – Security Cleared

LEAD PYTHON ENGINEER – DV PREFERRED

NEW PERMANENT OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE FOR A SECURITY CLEARED LEAD PYTHON ENGINEER

• Salary: Up to £130,000 base
• Location: London
• Working Pattern: Hybrid – 2–4 days per week on-site
• Clearance: DV Preferred but happy to accept SC Clearance

I’m currently working with an organisation delivering innovative AI and software solutions within the UK Defence sector, who are looking for an experienced Lead Python Backend Engineer with knowledge of machine learning to join their growing team.

This is a hands-on technical leadership role focused on designing and building scalable backend systems and infrastructure that support AI and machine learning solutions. You’ll take ownership of technical architecture and engineering decisions, working alongside data scientists and other engineers to turn ML capabilities into robust, production-ready software.

THE ROLE

• Leading the technical design and architecture of scalable backend applications and services using Python.
• Building production-grade software, APIs, integrations and infrastructure to support AI and machine learning solutions.
• Working alongside data scientists to integrate and operationalise ML models within production environments.
• Developing reusable software components and engineering standards to improve the delivery of AI-enabled applications.
• Making architectural decisions across cloud infrastructure, application security, scalability and performance.
• Working with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure or GCP.
• Using Docker and Kubernetes to build, deploy and manage applications at scale.
• Driving engineering best practices around code quality, testing, maintainability and deployment.
• Collaborating with engineers, data scientists and client stakeholders to scope solutions and deliver complex technical projects.
• Acting as a technical point of contact for clients, translating complex technical concepts into practical solutions.
• Mentoring engineers and contributing to the development of the wider engineering team.

WHAT THEY’RE LOOKING FOR

• Extensive commercial experience developing backend applications and services using Python.
• Strong software engineering fundamentals, with experience designing robust, reusable and maintainable systems.
• Proven experience with technical leadership, software architecture and engineering decision-making.
• Experience building APIs, integrations and scalable backend services.
• Knowledge of machine learning concepts and experience integrating and operationalising ML models in production.
• Experience working with ML-enabled applications or frameworks such as TensorFlow and PyTorch.
• Strong hands-on experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure or GCP.
• Extensive experience with Docker, Kubernetes and modern deployment practices.
• An understanding of infrastructure, application security and production-grade system design.
• Confidence engaging with clients and advising both technical teams and senior stakeholders.
• Experience mentoring engineers and driving engineering best practices.
• Existing DV clearance preferred.

INTERESTED?

If you’re a Lead Python Backend Engineer with strong software architecture skills, technical leadership experience and knowledge of machine learning, get in touch to discuss the opportunity.

To apply, please send over your latest CV and clearance details.