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# AI Software Engineer- National Security and Defence

- **Company:** Forward Role Recruitment
- **Location:** Manchester, UK
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** £65,000.0 - £100,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), Artificial Intelligence, Automation of Tests, C Sharp (Programming Language), C++ (Programming Language), Secure Coding, TypeScript, Rust (Programming Language), Devsecops
- **Published:** October 15, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.securityclearedjobs.com/job/802085581/ai-software-engineer-national-security-and-defence/

## About the Role

* Strong, proven background in solutions architecture or solving customer problems with technology, with evidence of doing so
 * Depth of experience in complex, strongly typed languages (for example TypeScript, C++, Rust, C# or Java). Backgrounds from games, consultancy and smaller technology companies are very welcome
 * A security-first mindset, including working knowledge of threat modelling frameworks such as MITRE and an understanding of secure coding, DevSecOps and shift-left practices
 * Demonstrable ability to learn and adapt very quickly. Specific tools matter less than technique and pace of learning
 * Pragmatic judgement and the ability to reflect honestly on past solutions
 * A positive, curious outlook on AI-led engineering and on the way the role of a software engineer is changing

Additional for Principal:

 * Leadership, mentoring and team management experience
 * Appetite for business development, customer ownership and product leadership

Security clearance (SC or DV) is highly desirable but not essential. Candidates without clearance must be willing to work in security-cleared environments and to go through the vetting process. Experience of air-gapped environments is advantageous.

## Description

* Translating client needs into well-designed technical solutions, and speaking directly to customers to do so
 * Delivering secure, high-quality software across a wide and varied range of technologies and problem types
 * Using AI-assisted development and agentic tooling to accelerate delivery, while reviewing and validating everything that is produced
 * Building security into every stage of delivery, including threat modelling, automated testing and build, dependency management and code scanning
 * Reflecting on each solution and improving the approach next time
 * Mentoring colleagues and helping automate good practice so that mistakes are not repeated

At Principal level, all of the above, plus:

 * Owning key customer relationships and helping to win and grow new ones
 * Leading teams and acting as a technical leader and mentor to more junior engineers
 * Taking ownership of products, technology direction and architecture
 * Taking a meaningful share of the running of the business alongside the founders