Software Engineer - Python & AI (DV Cleared) (IT)

CGI UK | Space, Defence & Intelligence | Gloucester | On-site, 5 days per week | DV Clearance At CGI, we're developing innovative software and AI-powered solutions that help protect the UK and strengthen national security. As a Software Engineer within our Space, Defence and Intelligence business, you'll help design and deliver secure, scalable applications that solve complex challenges and support mission-critical operations. You'll take ownership of meaningful development work, explore emerging AI technologies and bring creative ideas to life, turning technical innovation into real-world impact. Working alongside experienced engineers and specialists, you'll have the freedom to develop your expertise, contribute to important technical decisions and help shape future capabilities. Supported by CGI's collaborative culture and commitment to professional growth, you'll build solutions that genuinely make a difference. CGI was recognised in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work List 2025 and has been named a UK ?Best Employer? by the Financial Times. We offer a competitive salary, excellent pension, private healthcare, plus a share scheme (3.5% + 3.5% matching) which makes you a CGI Partner not just an employee. We are committed to inclusivity, building a genuinely diverse community of tech talent and inspiring everyone to pursue careers in our sector, including our Armed Forces, and are proud to hold a Gold Award in recognition of our support of the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant. Join us and you?ll be part of an open, friendly community of experts. We?ll train and support you in taking your career wherever you want it to go. Due to the secure nature of this programme, applicants must be sole UK nationals and hold or be willing and eligible to undergo UK Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance. This role is based in Gloucester and requires attendance at CGI or client sites five days per week.

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Candidate profile: In this role, you will design, develop and maintain secure, scalable software solutions that support critical national security programmes. Working across the full software development lifecycle, you'll take ownership of technical challenges, from initial concept and design through to development, testing, deployment and continuous improvement. You'll apply modern engineering practices and automation to build reliable applications that deliver measurable value for clients. You'll also have the opportunity to explore and develop artificial intelligence capabilities, using emerging technologies to solve real-world challenges and enhance existing systems. Working collaboratively with cross-functional teams, you'll contribute fresh ideas, share knowledge and help shape technical solutions. You'll be supported by experienced colleagues who encourage innovation, continuous learning and the development of your technical expertise. Key responsibilities include:

• Design & Develop: Build secure, scalable and maintainable software applications using modern development technologies and engineering best practices.
• Innovate with AI: Explore, prototype and implement AI-driven solutions that address complex client challenges and improve operational capabilities.
• Develop & Deliver: Contribute across the full software development lifecycle, from requirements analysis and solution design through to testing, deployment and ongoing support.
• Build & Integrate: Develop backend services, APIs and application components using technologies such as Python, FastAPI, Pydantic and Celery.
• Create & Enhance: Support the development of responsive user interfaces using React and TypeScript, contributing to effective end-to-end solutions.
• Automate & Optimise: Apply automation, containerisation and cloud technologies, including Docker and AWS, to improve delivery efficiency, reliability and scalability.
• Collaborate & Solve: Work closely with engineers, technical specialists and clients to understand requirements, resolve challenges and deliver effective solutions.
• Learn & Share: Explore emerging technologies, contribute to technical discussions and share knowledge to support continuous improvement across the team.

Required qualifications to be successful in this role To succeed in this role, you should have a strong foundation in software engineering, with hands-on experience developing applications using modern programming languages, frameworks and development practices. You'll bring a proactive approach to problem-solving, an interest in artificial intelligence and the ability to work effectively within agile, multidisciplinary teams. You don't need experience in every technology listed, but you should demonstrate strong capability in relevant areas and a willingness to develop your expertise further. Essential experience and qualifications:

• Software Engineering: Proven experience designing, developing, testing and maintaining software applications across the full development lifecycle.
• Python Development: Strong working knowledge of Python and experience building maintainable, scalable software solutions.
• Modern Development Technologies: Practical experience with some of the following technologies: React, TypeScript, Docker, Pydantic, FastAPI, Celery, LangChain or AWS.
• Agile Development: Experience working within agile delivery environments, contributing to iterative development, testing and continuous improvement.
• AI Development: Knowledge or practical experience of AI development, including applying AI technologies, frameworks or tools to solve business or technical challenges.
• Application Development: Demonstrated ability to apply software engineering principles, development standards and best practices to deliver reliable applications.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to investigate technical challenges and develop effective solutions.
• Collaboration & Communication: Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, share technical knowledge and communicate clearly with stakeholders.
• Security Clearance: Must be a sole UK national and hold, or be willing and eligible to undergo, UK Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance.
• On-site Working: Ability to work from CGI or client sites in Gloucester five days per week.

Desirable experience:

• Full-stack development experience across frontend and backend technologies.
• Experience developing applications using React and TypeScript alongside Python-based backend services.
• Familiarity with AI frameworks such as LangChain and integrating AI capabilities into software applications.
• Experience using Docker, AWS and automation tools within modern development environments.