> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2970473-principal-software-engineer-ai-ml](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2970473-principal-software-engineer-ai-ml). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Software Engineer (AI/ML) - **Company:** Leonardo UK - **Location:** Luton, UK (Remote available) - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** £54,000.0 - £70,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Agile Methodology, Artificial Intelligence, Systems Engineering, Machine Learning, Tensorflow, Software Deployment, Software Engineering, Software Systems, Data Processing, High Performance Computing, Pytorch, Large Language Models, Prompt Engineering, Parallel Computation, Generative AI, Kubernetes, Information Technology, Data Management - **Published:** September 18, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.apply4u.co.uk/jobs/principal-software-engineer-aiml/47416530 ## About the Role well-established software community within our Electronics UK business. Successful candidates will contribute to the delivery of leading-edge solutions for challenging civilian and military projects. Leonardo has a significant interest in exploiting AI/ML technologies. In this role, you will support our systems engineers on research projects while developing deployable software solutions that leverage AI/ML capabilities. What you'll bring You will have experience of, and a passion for, AI/ML. You should hold a degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical discipline, combined with practical experience in delivering high-integrity software products within a regulated environment. We are looking for candidates with the following technical skills: Industry experience working on Agile projects across the full software life cycle. Proficiency in machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch and TensorFlow, as well as tools for model integration. A strong foundation in AI/ML, including transformer architectures, tokenisation, embeddings, and fine-tuning large language models (LLMs). Experience building scalable pipelines, including APIs, vector databases, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and orchestration frameworks. Experience curating datasets, managing embeddings, and ensuring security, privacy, and responsible AI practices. Experience in prompt engineering, with the ability to design, test, and systematically improve prompts, while measuring the accuracy, bias, and robustness of LLM outputs. Awareness of agentic workflows involving AI agents that can plan, reason, and take autonomous actions. Awareness of governance, security, and compliance considerations relating to data management and AI deployment. Awareness of mathematical libraries used for signal, image, and data processing. Awareness of high-performance computing and the challenges associated with parallel processing. This list is not exhaustive, and we are keen to hear from you even ## Description Job Description Salary Range: £54,000 - £70,000 Leonardo UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity. Your Impact Are you a software engineer with a working knowledge of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)? Are you interested in developing software for some of the most cutting-edge defence and aerospace projects in the UK? If the prospect of developing software for projects such as a sixth-generation stealth fighter jet or a revolutionary Laser Directed Energy product excites you, then Leonardo would like to hear from you. Leonardo is seeking to recruit Senior or Principal Software Engineers with an interest in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to join our ## Related Videos - [Coffee with Developers - Maria Apazoglou](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1209-coffee-with-developers-maria-apazoglou) - [Machine learning in the browser with TensorFlowjs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/155-machine-learning-in-the-browser-with-tensorflowjs) - [Understanding Kubernetes in a visual way](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100085-understanding-kubernetes-in-a-visual-way) - [Photonic Computing: Programming a New Class of AI Accelerators (incl. Live Coding)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100196-photonic-computing-programming-a-new-class-of-ai-accelerators-incl-live-coding) - [How AI Models Get Smarter](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1374-how-ai-models-get-smarter) - [How We Built a Machine Learning-Based Recommendation System (And Survived to Tell the Tale)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/752-how-we-built-a-machine-learning-based-recommendation-system-and-survived-to-tell-the-tale) ## Related Articles - [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer) - [What Are Large Language Models?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/304-what-are-large-language-models) - [MLOps And AI Driven Development](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/82-mlops-and-ai-driven-development) - [The Prompt Engineer ✍️](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/216-the-prompt-engineer) - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs) - [Prompt Engineering is a Job of the Past](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/342-prompt-engineering-is-a-job-of-the-past)