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# Software Engineer

- **Company:** FDM Group
- **Location:** UK
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Contract:** Temporary to permanent
- **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Python (Programming Language), Language Modeling, Rapid Prototyping Process, Software Engineering, Systems Integration, User-Centered Design, SC Clearance, Build Management
- **Published:** August 9, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.totaljobs.com/job/software-engineer/fdm-group-limited-job107814601

## About the Role

* Minimum of 5 years' experience in software engineering, R&D, or prototyping-focused roles
 * Proven experience in rapid prototyping or R&D-focused software engineering roles
 * Strong proficiency in Python for building and iterating prototype solutions
 * Experience integrating AI or advanced analytics, including exposure to language models or similar technologies
 * Solid understanding of software and systems design principles, including user-centred design
 * Experience working within secure, restricted, or regulated environments, including air-gapped systems
 * Ability to work effectively in ambiguous environments where requirements evolve rapidly
 * Eligibility for UK security clearance or already clearable

## Description

About The Role FDM is a global business and technology consultancy seeking a Software Engineer to support our client within the Defence and Secure Technology sector. This is an initial 6-month contract with potential to extend, offered on a hybrid basis in London with two days per week onsite. Candidates must be eligible for UK security clearance (or already hold clearance).

The role will support a new secure innovation project focused on early-stage R&D and rapid prototyping. The role will contribute to the delivery of a Technology Readiness Level 3 proof of concept, demonstrating how security-first engineering and emerging technologies such as AI can enhance collaboration and information sharing in high-trust, defence-aligned environments. This opportunity is well suited to engineers who enjoy experimentation, fast iteration, and working in environments where requirements evolve.
Responsibilities

 * Design and build rapid proof-of-concept prototypes within a secure system environment
 * Iterate quickly based on experimentation, feedback, and learning
 * Apply security-first thinking to collaboration and information-sharing challenges
 * Contribute to system architecture and design suitable for secure or restricted environments
 * Integrate AI capabilities, including but not limited to language models, into prototype solutions
 * Build maintainable and well-structured prototype code using Python, with clear documentation
 * Collaborate closely with engineers, security specialists, and product stakeholders


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