Principal Forward Deployed Engineer | Defence

London | Hybrid (1-2x On-Site) | Permanent | Active DV Clearance Required

I’m working with a London-based business building AI solutions for defence, government and other highly regulated environments.

My client is looking for a Principal Forward Deployed Software Engineer who thrives on solving complex engineering challenges, owns technical delivery end to end and enjoys working directly with customers.

This is an opportunity to deploy cutting-edge AI technology into some of the UK’s most secure and technically demanding environments.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead technical engagement with defence and government customers, including senior engineering and security stakeholders.
• Own deployment, integration, testing, troubleshooting and handover of complex AI platforms.
• Adapt GCP-native applications for Kubernetes, OpenShift, private cloud, on-premises and air-gapped environments.
• Build production-ready solutions using TypeScript, Node.js, React and PostgreSQL.
• Drive infrastructure automation using Terraform, Docker and CI/CD tooling.
• Lead technical assurance, security testing, documentation and accreditation support.
• Work independently across the full delivery lifecycle, feeding customer insights back to the core engineering team.

What we’re looking for

• Proven experience as a Principal Engineer, Lead Engineer, Forward Deployed Engineer or similarly hands-on technical leader.
• Experience building and deploying complex software products from the ground up.
• Strong GCP engineering experience, ideally including Cloud Run, Cloud SQL, IAM and networking.
• Hands-on Kubernetes, OpenShift, Terraform, Docker and CI/CD experience.
• Strong full-stack development capability, particularly TypeScript and Node.js.
• Experience deploying across cloud, hybrid or on-premises infrastructure.
• Confidence engaging technical and security stakeholders and taking full ownership of delivery.
• Active UK DV clearance.

Bonus Experience

• MOD, defence, national security or other secure government programmes.
• Air-gapped, classified or restricted infrastructure.
• AI/LLM systems, agentic workflows or model orchestration.
• Technical founding experience or hands-on leadership in an early-stage business.

Why consider this opportunity?

• Work on AI technology supporting critical UK defence and national security programmes.
• Join a growing, well-funded technology company at an exciting stage.
• Take genuine ownership of complex technical deployments.
• Remain hands-on rather than moving into a purely managerial position.
• Work on engineering problems rarely encountered in conventional commercial environments.

Please apply here or drop your CV over