Forward Deployed Software Engineer

Forward Deployed Software Engineer – AI & Robotics

Location: London (On-site)

Compensation: Up to £120k + Equity + 7% Employer Pension

Benefits: Free meals, private health and dental, high-growth AI startup

I’m working with a mission-driven AI company building the software foundation for the next generation of autonomous systems and robotics. They are looking for a Forward Deployed Software Engineer to work directly with customers, deploying and integrating advanced AI into complex, real-world environments, from defence applications to autonomous operations.

This is a highly hands-on role with high ownership, technical challenges, and a clear line of sight from your code to real-world impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deploy and integrate cutting-edge AI and robotics software in live customer environments
• Collaborate with AI researchers, roboticists, and systems engineers to build robust, scalable solutions
• Write clean, production-grade code in Python, C++, or Java, and develop tools using React and TypeScript
• Gather user feedback to inform product development and deployment strategy
• Travel occasionally to customer sites across the UK and internationally

What They’re Looking For:

• Strong software engineering experience, ideally with AI or robotics systems
• Hands-on experience in Python, C++, or Java, and familiarity with front-end tooling is a plus
• Comfortable working directly with customers and understanding operational requirements
• Problem-solving mindset with an ability to deliver robust, production-ready solutions
• Collaborative approach and ability to work closely with multidisciplinary teams

Why Join:

• Work at a high-growth AI startup deploying real-world autonomous systems
• Join an engineering-led team with deep expertise from companies like Palantir, Microsoft, and defence tech
• Enjoy autonomy, ownership, and the chance to see your software power real-world intelligent systems
• Competitive compensation with equity and benefits, plus opportunities for international exposure

If you’re a hands-on engineer passionate about AI and robotics and want to see your work deployed in real-world systems, this is a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact at the frontier of autonomy.