Software Engineer

Software Engineer – React, WebSockets, Python London, SW7 (Hybrid) £45,000 – £53,000 + Annual Increment We're partnered exclusively with one of the UK's most prestigious research institutions, recruiting a Software Engineer to join a small, highly skilled team behind one of Europe's most distinctive immersive data environments. This is a rare opportunity to work on a bespoke, newly evolved platform where your code will be seen, literally, by MPs, BBC crews, senior academics, and the general public. The Role This is a hands-on software engineering role focused on building and maintaining the platform that powers the engine, alongside developing interactive visualisations that bring complex research to life. The split is roughly 70% engineering and 30% stakeholder engagement, working directly with academics and researchers to scope, build, and present compelling data visuals. What You'll Be Doing Building, maintaining, and evolving the custom visualisation platform and its ecosystem Developing new capabilities and interactive features on a newly rolled-out system Owning CI/CD pipelines, version control practices, and code quality standards Collaborating with academics and researchers to design and build interactive data visualisations Translating research requirements into robust, maintainable technical solutions Developing content for VIP events, public outreach, and institutional showcases Mentor a Junior Software Developer and four interns Engaging with senior internal stakeholders and external research collaborators What They're Looking For Essential Strong React experience — comfortable building and maintaining complex components Hands-on WebSockets experience — real-time data streaming is central to this platform (highest priority) Python across data pipelines and backend scripting Strong Git practices, branching strategies, code review CI/CD pipeline experience (GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, or similar) Container experience — Docker at minimum Understanding of backend systems and how they connect, even if primarily frontend-focused 2–3+ years of industry experience in a software engineering role Creative thinking — ability to go beyond requirements and contribute ideas Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work autonomously Tech Stack React WebSockets Python Git / GitHub or GitLab CI/CD pipelines Docker / containers Bespoke large-scale visualisation platform (full training provided) Additional Information Hybrid working, 2–3 days per week on-site in Kensington, London Permanent, full-time role Annual salary increment every year Work alongside two technical leads with 15+ years institutional experience each Genuine mentorship and line management responsibility from day one Creative scope — significant input into what gets built next Why Join? One of Europe's most advanced immersive environments — nothing else quite like it High-visibility work seen by MPs, senior academics, BBC crews, and the public Greenfield creative scope with real ownership from day one Hybrid working in one of London's most iconic locations