Python Software Engineer – R&D / AI

Python Software Engineer – R\&D / AI Location: Cambridge / Hybrid Onsite: 2 days per week in Cambridge – Wednesday \& Thursday Salary: £55,000–£65,000 depending on experience Employment: Permanent The Opportunity We are working with a leading technology organisation that is significantly expanding its R\&D engineering capability following increased investment in its AI-driven product portfolio. They are looking for talented Python Software Engineers who enjoy solving complex technical problems, experimenting with new ideas and building high-quality software within a genuine R\&D environment. This isn't a traditional maintenance-focused development role. Engineers are encouraged to prototype, experiment, challenge existing approaches and take ownership of technical problems from initial concept through to production. What You'll Be Doing * Design, develop and maintain software primarily using Python . * Take ideas from early prototype through to production-quality solutions. * Solve complex and unfamiliar technical problems within an R\&D environment. * Build new functionality across AI-driven products and services. * Develop clean, maintainable and well-tested software. * Work across backend services, APIs and distributed/cloud-based systems. * Use technologies including Docker, Kubernetes and cloud platforms . * Consider the full engineering lifecycle – how solutions are built, tested, maintained, scaled and shipped. * Collaborate with talented engineers and other technical specialists. * Take ownership of technical challenges and contribute to engineering decisions. * Experiment with new approaches and challenge assumptions where appropriate. What We're Looking For We're particularly interested in candidates with strong engineering fundamentals and problem-solving ability . You should ideally have: * Strong programming fundamentals and hands-on experience with Python . * Experience building applications, services or software products. * Strong analytical and logical problem-solving skills. * The ability to work through unfamiliar technical challenges. * Understanding of software engineering principles, testing and maintainable code. * Exposure to Docker/containerisation . * Exposure to cloud technologies and modern development environments. * An understanding of APIs, backend development or distributed systems. * The ability to work autonomously while collaborating effectively with other engineers. * Genuine technical curiosity and an interest in understanding how things work. Experience with additional languages such as C++, C#, Java, JavaScript/TypeScript or Rust would also be beneficial. Your Background Previous cybersecurity experience is not required . We are interested in strong software engineers and technically minded problem-solvers from a range of industries. Relevant academic backgrounds could include: * Computer Science * Software Engineering * Electronic / Electrical Engineering * Mechanical Engineering * Mathematics * Physics * Other technical or STEM disciplines We are also very interested in candidates who have transitioned from traditional engineering disciplines into software development. The Person This environment is particularly well suited to someone who: * Enjoys difficult technical problems. * Is naturally curious and wants to understand how systems work. * Doesn't need every problem broken down into step-by-step instructions. * Takes ownership and demonstrates initiative. * Enjoys experimenting and prototyping. * Learns new technologies quickly. * Can explain their technical reasoning clearly. * Wants their contribution to have a visible impact. * Enjoys working alongside other highly capable engineers. Technical Environment Python | Backend Engineering | APIs | Docker | Kubernetes | Cloud | SaaS | Distributed Systems | Linux | CI/CD Interview Process The process consists of two stages. Stage 1 – Technical Interview A technical assessment focused on: * Python coding * Problem solving * Algorithms and logical reasoning * Software engineering fundamentals * Discussion around previous technical projects and engineering decisions Stage 2 – Final Interview A further discussion covering technical capability, engineering mindset, motivation and overall fit with the R\&D environment. Why Consider It? This is an opportunity to join a highly technical R\&D environment working at the intersection of software engineering, AI and cybersecurity . You'll have the opportunity to solve challenging engineering problems, build new technology and contribute directly to a rapidly developing AI-focused product portfolio. Please do send across to me the most up to date CV to eobiechefu@welovesalt.com