Software Engineer; Python and Java

Position: Software Engineer (Python and Java)
Description Software Engineer Programme Name:
Maritime Internal Research & Development

Location:

Farnborough, with flexibility to work from home dependent on business demands Salary: £47,600 - £61,000 Are you ready for your next career challenge? We are seeking a Software Engineer (Python and Java) to play a key role in advancing Maritime Internal Research and Development (IRAD) within our National Security & Defence (NS&D) Division. You will help shape next‑generation capabilities in AI, autonomy, and machine learning, taking innovative concepts from research through to solutions ready for integration with operational platforms.

Working in a fast‑paced and collaborative environment, you will contribute to problem analysis, solution design, and the delivery of high‑quality software across a diverse range of applications. Based at our Farnborough office, with flexibility for primarily remote working, you will join a high‑performing, multidisciplinary team operating across the UK. This is an opportunity to make a tangible impact, working within a creative team at the forefront of internal innovation and strategic business growth.

We are looking for engineers with a strong foundation in software development and a passion for delivering robust, assured solutions. Due to the nature of the work, candidates must hold, or be eligible to obtain, UK SC clearance and be a sole UK national. The role offers exposure across multiple IRAD work streams and the full software development lifecycle, providing the opportunity to grow your skills while contributing to mission‑critical outcomes The role is a full-time, permanent position that will make an impact from Day 1 and may Key Activities Develop Software Requirements and Software solutions/recommendations Contribute to architecture and design baselines Fast-paced experimentation and solution development to meet mission focused use cases Software development of solutions to quality/safety/security software standards Integration of bespoke and COTS software products Configuration of software products and tool chains Software modelling and simulation Ability to demo capabilities and rapidly iterate based on feedback Change and release management Curious and inquisitive issue investigation and a flexible and adaptable approach to resolution Technical risk and opportunity management Liaison with UK-wide and global colleagues, suppliers and end user representatives Close working with other disciplines (i.e. Systems Engineering and Test Teams)

Skills Required:

Proficiency in Python and Java; experience with C++ and JavaScript is desirable Experience working in Agile development environments Familiarity with Secure Dev Ops and CI/CD pipelines, including tools such as Jira, Bitbucket, JFrog, Ansible, Grafana, Splunk, Confluence, and Kubernetes Experience designing and implementing service‑oriented and microservices architectures Containerisation experience, preferably using Docker Use of automated testing frameworks and tools Experience developing solutions on AWS Delivery of software in line with quality, safety, and security standards, including Secure by Design principles Understanding of integrating sensor inputs, effects of latency, decision and behaviour trees, failure modes, autonomy algorithms, performance tuning and assessing AI accuracy

Experience with LLMs, AI agents, and generative AI techniques Exposure to AI‑assisted and agentic software engineering tools, frameworks, and patterns (e.g. MCP, Claude Code) Integration and configuration of COTS products Clearance Requirements:
Current UK SC Clearance, or the ability to gain UK SC Clearance. Sole UK National. What we do for you:
At Leidos we are PASSIONATE about customer success, UNITED as a team and INSPIRED to make a difference. We offer meaningful and engaging careers, a collaborative culture, and support for your career goals, all while nurturing a healthy work-life balance. We provide an employment package that attracts, develops and retains only the best in talent. Our reward scheme includes:
• Contributory Pension Scheme
• Private Medical Insurance
• 33 days Annual Leave (including public and…