---
title: 'Lead Software Engineer at Faculty'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/lead-software-engineer-faculty-united-kingdom-vbdme6n0ewc7'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-11'
---

# Lead Software Engineer at Faculty

- **Company:** [Faculty](https://feeny.ai/companies/faculty)
- **Location:** United Kingdom
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** hybrid
- **Posted:** 2026-03-18
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-11
- **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/faculty/043ba183-f468-4b8d-a61c-c536247c803e/application

**Skills:** Python, Rust, C++, Go, Docker, Kubernetes, GitLab CI/CD, CI/CD, System Architecture, Design Patterns, DevOps

> Lead backend and edge/IoT engineering for high-stakes Defence projects, mentoring a squad of engineers and delivering scalable software solutions. The role involves implementing robust CI/CD processes, shipping production-ready code in Python and compiled languages, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to i...

## Job description

Why Faculty?

We established Faculty in 2014 because we thought that AI would be the most important technology of our time. Since then, we’ve worked with over 350 global customers to transform their performance through human-centric AI. You can read about our real-world impact [here](https://faculty.ai/impact).

We don’t chase hype cycles. We innovate, build and deploy responsible AI which moves the needle - and we know a thing or two about doing it well. We bring an unparalleled depth of technical, product and delivery expertise to our clients who span government, finance, retail, energy, life sciences and defence.

Our business, and reputation, is growing fast and we’re always on the lookout for individuals who share our intellectual curiosity and desire to build a positive legacy through technology.

AI is an epoch-defining technology, join a company where you’ll be empowered to envision its most powerful applications, and to make them happen.

## About the team

Our Defence team is focused on building and embedding human-centered AI solutions which give our nation a competitive edge in the defence sector. We collaborate with our clients to bring ethical, reliable and cutting-edge AI to high-stakes situations and maintain the balance of global powers essential to our liberty.

Because of the nature of the work we do with our Defence clients, you will need to be eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC) and willing to work between 2 to 4 days per week on-site with these customers which may require travel to locations throughout the UK.

When not required on client sites, you’ll have the flexibility to work from our London office or remotely from elsewhere within the UK.

## About the role

As a Lead Software Engineer, you will spearhead our backend and edge/IoT engineering for high-stakes Defence projects, implementing patterns and practices that are both scalable and future-proof. You will bridge the gap between proof-of-concept and robust systems, raising the engineering bar across your team and the wider business unit.

Acting as both a technical authority and a mentor, you’ll work alongside Machine Learning Engineers and Data Scientists to deliver production-grade solutions that provide immediate value to our customers in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

What you'll be doing:

- Leading and mentoring a dedicated squad of engineers to ensure the delivery of high-quality, scalable software.
- Designing and building complex components of client deliverables across backend and edge/IoT domains.
- Implementing robust CI/CD processes and containerisation strategies using Docker and Kubernetes.
- Shipping production-ready code in Python and compiled languages such as Rust, C++, or Go.
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to integrate advanced AI and Machine Learning capabilities into software architectures.
- Distilling complex technical concepts into clear, actionable insights for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Who we're looking for:

- You have extensive experience in application development and a deep understanding of modern system architecture and design patterns.
- You are proficient in Python and at least one compiled language, with a proven track record of shipping code to paying customers.
- You bring a leadership mindset, with the ability to empower engineers and foster a culture of technical excellence.
- You possess strong hands-on experience with DevOps tools, including GitLab CI/CD, Docker, and deployment on bare metal or Kubernetes.
- You are a compelling communicator who can build trusted relationships with client-side engineers and senior business leaders.
- You thrive in ambitious environments and are passionate about solving real-world problems with immediate impact.

The Interview Process

- Talent Team Screen (30 minutes)
- Introduction to the role (45 minutes)
- System Design Interview (90 minutes)
- Pair Programming Interview (90 minutes)
- Commercial & Leadership Interview (60 minutes)

Our Recruitment Ethos

We aim to grow the best team - not the most similar one. We know that diversity of individuals fosters diversity of thought, and that strengthens our principle of seeking truth. And we know from experience that diverse teams deliver better work, relevant to the world in which we live. We’re united by a deep intellectual curiosity and desire to use our abilities for measurable positive impact. We strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, religions and sexual orientations.

If you don’t feel you meet all the requirements, but are excited by the role and know you bring some key strengths, please don't hesitate in applying as you might be right for this role, or other roles. We are open to conversations about part-time hours.

A note on AI: we're happy for you to use it for research and interview prep, but please don't use it to generate answers during live interviews. We also use an AI note-taker (Metaview) in interviews so interviewers can stay present (which you can opt out of just let us know,) and every application is reviewed by a human, never decided by AI.

## About Faculty

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Faculty is a British AI company that builds and deploys safe, human-led AI systems to help organizations across government and industry make better decisions and improve performance.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Growth Stage)
- **Headquarters**: London, United Kingdom
- **Founded**: 2014
- **Founders**: Dr. Marc Warner (CEO), Dr. Angie Ma, and Andrew Brookes (CTO)

## Core Business
- **Primary industry/industries**: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, AI Safety
- **Target customers**: B2B, Enterprise, Government (including UK Ministry of Defence, NHS, and leading global brands)
- **Mission or purpose statement**: "Putting AI to work for the world" — making AI useful by helping clients access cutting-edge AI to improve business performance.

## Products & Services
- **Frontier (AI Operating System)**: Faculty’s proprietary AI platform that serves as the backbone for building, deploying, and managing AI solutions at scale. It enables clients to operationalize AI across their organizations.
- **AI Consulting & Solutions**: Custom AI projects for clients, spanning decision intelligence, predictive analytics, and process automation. Notable work includes the NHS Covid Early Warning System and mission-critical projects for the UK Ministry of Defence.
- **Fellowship Programme**: A prestigious, highly selective program that retrains academics (PhD-level) into commercial data scientists. It has over 425 alumni and is considered one of the best in Europe.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed (private company)
- **Key Metric**: Revenue has grown by more than 20x under the tenure of Chief Commercial Officer John Gibson. Specific revenue figures are not publicly available.
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Not publicly disclosed in detail, but the company has worked with hundreds of organizations globally, including the UK Government, NHS, and major brands. The CCO, John Gibson, is a member of the Innovate UK Council.
- **Growth Signals**: 
  - 663 total employees (as per Built In profile)
  - Revenue growth of 20x+ under current commercial leadership
  - Over 425 alumni from its Fellowship programme
  - Active hiring across multiple senior roles (ML Engineer, Research Scientist, Full Stack Engineer, Data Scientist)
  - Strong government and defense sector relationships

## Competitive Advantages
- **Deep Government & Defense Ties**: Proven track record with the UK Ministry of Defence and NHS, creating a high barrier to entry for competitors.
- **AI Safety Focus**: Explicit commitment to safe, human-led AI — a key differentiator as AI regulation and ethics become paramount.
- **Proprietary Platform (Frontier)**: A mature, in-house AI operating system that provides a technical moat and enables rapid deployment.
- **Elite Talent Pipeline**: The Fellowship programme creates a unique, high-quality talent pool of PhD-level data scientists.
- **Decade of Focus**: The company has been exclusively focused on AI since 2014, avoiding hype cycles and building deep expertise.

## Strategic Focus
- **Scaling AI Impact**: Moving from bespoke consulting to platform-driven solutions via Frontier.
- **AI Safety Leadership**: Investing heavily in AI safety research and roles (e.g., Principal Research Scientist - AI Safety).
- **Government & Enterprise Expansion**: Deepening relationships with public sector clients while expanding into new commercial verticals.
- **Talent Development**: Continuing to grow the Fellowship programme and invest in internal training and development.

## Why Work Here
- **Mission-Driven Work**: Employees work on "the world’s most important problems" — from pandemic response to national security.
- **Autonomy & Trust**: The company emphasizes operating with "an unusual amount of trust and autonomy."
- **Culture of Depth & Kindness**: Values include "Be Humble & Kind," "Seek Truth," and "Maximise Impact." The culture is described as intellectually rigorous but collaborative.
- **Hybrid Work Model**: Based in London with a hybrid working policy. Some roles are listed as remote (UK-based).
- **Strong Benefits Package**: Includes equity, performance bonuses, generous parental leave, health/dental/vision insurance, free snacks and drinks, employee discounts, and job training/conferences.
- **Diversity & Inclusion**: Offers diversity-based Employee Resource Groups and publishes a Gender Pay Gap report.
- **Elite Peer Group**: Described as a place where you work with "conspicuously smart and kind" people — a "professional challenge of a lifetime."

## Sources
1. [faculty.ai](https://faculty.ai/company)
2. [faculty.ai](https://faculty.ai/current-vacancies)
3. [jobs.ashbyhq.com](https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/faculty)
4. [builtin.com](https://builtin.com/company/faculty-0)

## Other roles at Faculty

- [Senior Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-manager-faculty-london-9651z715vzmm) — London, United Kingdom
- [Platform Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/platform-engineer-faculty-london-f11p2az0kcse) — London, United Kingdom
- [Machine Learning Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/machine-learning-engineer-faculty-london-79d036wwxsx4) — London, United Kingdom
- [Delivery Manager (Safety)](https://feeny.ai/job/delivery-manager-safety-faculty-london-5j0k9ctbwe6d) — London, United Kingdom
- [Frontend Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/frontend-engineer-faculty-london-3djra6jpccye) — London, United Kingdom
- [Full Stack Software Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/full-stack-software-engineer-faculty-london-czxqccttb608) — London, United Kingdom
- [Learning and Development Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/learning-and-development-manager-faculty-london-srqkx83pxwkj) — London, United Kingdom
- [Senior Software Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-software-engineer-faculty-london-4b4mw5w5vzj1) — London, United Kingdom
- [Senior Data Scientist](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-data-scientist-faculty-london-h98ke65ga8nf) — London, United Kingdom
- [Senior Manager - PE](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-manager-pe-faculty-london-3150yhf6c0qy) — London, United Kingdom