Software Engineer (Python), Defence Targeting & Decision Support

Why this role

At a large prime, you might spend two years on one subsystem of one programme. In this role, you'll ship software that Army users rely on during exercises.

Our Client builds the Sovereign AI Targeting Suite. It turns messy battlefield reporting into structured, assured target data and ranked courses of action, and the commander always makes the final call.

Their AI tools are going into users' hands now, not in five years. They are UK-owned and are building sovereign capability for UK land forces.

What you'll do

• Build Python services that ingest, validate and enrich target data.
• Design and query the databases behind them (PostgreSQL/SQL).
• Integrate with NATO standards such as APP-6 and APP-11.
• Ship containerised deployments that run in air-gapped environments.
• Work directly with intelligence officers and targeteers, then see your code used on Army exercises.
• Own whole features, from the first user conversation to the version that's used in the field.

What we're looking for

• 1–5 years in a software, data or systems engineering role.
• Strong, hands-on Python. We'd rather see it in real projects than in a skills list.
• SQL and relational databases, ideally PostgreSQL.
• Git and collaborative development practices.
• SC clearance, or eligibility to obtain it. We'll sponsor the right person.

Great if you also have

• Defence or MOD experience, at a prime, a defence consultancy, DE&S or Dstl.
• Docker, Kubernetes or other container experience.
• Backend frameworks such as Flask, FastAPI or Django.
• Exposure to targeting, ISTAR, C4ISR or decision-support systems.
• A GitHub, side projects or hackathon entries you're proud of. We'll look at them.

Why join now

• Real impact, fast: your work reaches users in months, not years.
• Breadth: backend, data, deployment and user research, not one narrow slice.
• Small, mission-driven team in Bristol, close to the primes and DE&S at Abbey Wood.
• Room to grow with the company as defence AI scales.

Pay: £40,000.00-£70,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person