Software Engineer - London

FDM is a global business and technology consultancy seeking a Software Engineer to support our client within the Defence and Secure Technology sector. This is an initial 6‑month contract with potential to extend, offered on a hybrid basis in London with two days per week onsite. Candidates must be eligible for UK security clearance (or already hold clearance).

The role will support a new secure innovation project focused on early-stage R&D and rapid prototyping. The role will contribute to the delivery of a Technology Readiness Level 3 proof of concept, demonstrating how security-first engineering and emerging technologies such as AI can enhance collaboration and information sharing in high-trust, defence-aligned environments. This opportunity is well suited to engineers who enjoy experimentation, fast iteration, and working in environments where requirements evolve.

Responsibilities:

• Design and build rapid proof-of-concept applications within a secure development environment.
• Develop user-focused solutions with a strong emphasis on usability, user experience, and rapid iteration.
• Contribute to the enhancement and extension of an existing .NET-based platform and distributed computing architecture.
• Apply distributed computing principles to build scalable, resilient, and secure solutions.
• Integrate AI and machine learning capabilities into prototype applications, including the selection, evaluation, and implementation of appropriate models.
• Collaborate with technical architects and engineering teams to align new capabilities with existing platform architecture.
• Apply security-first engineering principles to collaboration and information-sharing challenges.
• Produce maintainable, well-structured code and supporting technical documentation.
• Work closely with engineers, security specialists, and product stakeholders throughout the prototyping lifecycle.