Software Engineer

The Design Project; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - GBP 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading AI research organization is seeking a Software Engineer with a strong background in UX to design and develop innovative front-end solutions. This role emphasizes user-centered designs and collaboration with cross-functional teams to create impactful AI-driven applications. Ideal candidates will excel in modern web technologies and possess relevant experience in AI/ML prototyping. The position offers competitive compensation and exciting opportunities within a cutting-edge research environment.

Benefits

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

Generous paid time off

Professional development budget

Qualifications

• Experience with front-end technologies and web application development.
• Ability to independently drive implementation from conception to delivery.
• Demonstrated skills in prototyping for AI/ML systems.

Responsibilities

• Implement versatile front-end solutions using modern web technologies.
• Design dynamic workflows tailored to user needs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather requirements and deliver projects.

Skills

Front-End Expertise

AI/ML Prototyping

Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Angular

React

CSS

Job description

Job Title: Software Engineer, UXCompany: DeepMindLocation: London, UKJob Type: Full-TimeCategory: Software Engineering / User Experience (UX) / AI ResearchDate Posted: 2026-01-15Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)Remote Status: On-site

• Spearhead the design and development of experimental and stable front-end solutions for cutting-edge AI research, driving user-centric futures for emerging technologies.
• Leverage advanced prompt engineering techniques to build innovative, AI-driven workflows and tools, pushing the boundaries of user interaction.
• Collaborate closely with UX Designers, UX Researchers, Product Managers, and UX Engineers in iterative cycles of design, rapid prototyping, and user research.
• Translate complex, early-stage AI concepts into effective, efficient, and usable software solutions, taking ownership of the front-end implementation.
• Champion a human-centered approach to AI development, challenging briefs and setting a vision for user-centered AI development within Google DeepMind.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a unique intersection of Software Engineering, User Experience, and cutting-edge AI research, with a significant emphasis on prompt engineering. Candidates should possess strong front-end development skills and a deep understanding of human-centered design principles, coupled with an aptitude for working with nascent AI technologies. The "UX" in the title signifies a strong focus on the user's interaction with AI systems.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Front-End Solution Delivery: Implement versatile and stable front-end solutions using modern web technologies to address complex user problems and research questions within AI.
• AI-Driven Development & Prompt Engineering: Design and develop dynamic workflows and collaborative tools tailored to specific user needs, with a core focus on prompt engineering to create intelligent, AI-driven user experiences.
• Prototyping & Iteration: Design, develop, test, and iterate on experimental but stable front-end code for new user-facing features, ensuring a human-centered approach guides the research and technology integration.
• Operational Excellence & Quality Assurance: Take full ownership of the front-end implementation lifecycle, including bug fixes, performance enhancements, and ensuring the delivery of a polished, high-quality final product.
• Cross-functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: Partner effectively with designers, researchers, product managers, and engineers across diverse teams to gather requirements, align on vision, and ensure successful project delivery in nascent and ambiguous product areas.
• Technical Vision & Innovation: Proactively challenge existing technical approaches, embrace new technologies, and contribute to setting a vision for user-centered AI development that can inspire the broader Google DeepMind organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on robust front-end engineering and innovative AI integration through prompt engineering. Expect to work on highly experimental projects where translating abstract AI capabilities into tangible user experiences is key, requiring strong problem-solving and adaptability.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.

Experience:

• Significant professional software development experience, with a focus on front-end technologies and modern web application development.
• Experience building prototypes for AI/ML systems, AI-native development toolchains, and workflows.
• Demonstrated ability to take high-level direction and independently drive the implementation of complex features from conception to delivery.

Required Skills:

• Front-End Expertise: Extensive experience with modern front-end technologies, including modern web libraries and frameworks (e.g., Angular, Svelte, React).
• AI/ML Prototyping: Experience building prototypes for AI/ML systems, AI-native development toolchains, and user-centric workflows.
• User Interface (UI) Design & Development: Strong understanding of the latest methods and tools in AI technologies, with a strong point of view on building usable and innovative UIs, capable of delivering comprehensive prototypes.
• Problem-Solving: Proven ability to tackle ambiguous technical challenges and translate early-stage AI concepts into effective software solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Web Technologies Proficiency: Highly proficient in web technologies such as JS/ES6, HTML5, CSS, REST, mobile web, and mobile applications.
• User Experience (UX) Acumen: Strong sense of UI design, deeply attuned to the fundamentals of user experience, including accessibility best practices.
• Cloud Platform Experience: Demonstrable experience with Google Cloud or similar cloud platforms.
• Communication & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively across different time zones and communicate clearly with a distributed team.
• Independent Drive: A proven track record of taking high-level direction and independently driving the implementation of complex features.
• Demonstrated Front-End Projects: Showcase a portfolio of well-architected and functional front-end applications, highlighting complex UI implementations and responsive design.
• AI/ML Integration Examples: Include projects that demonstrate experience with prototyping AI/ML systems, AI-native toolchains, or AI-driven workflows, even if conceptual.
• Prompt Engineering Use Cases: Provide examples or case studies illustrating how prompt engineering was used to achieve specific outcomes or enhance user experiences within AI-powered applications.
• Process Optimization & Efficiency: Highlight projects where you improved application performance, streamlined user workflows, or implemented efficient coding practices.
• Collaboration & Iteration: Showcase projects that involved cross-functional collaboration, iterative design processes, and the incorporation of user feedback.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Be prepared to discuss how you approach designing and optimizing user workflows, particularly within the context of AI-driven applications.
• Prototyping & Development Methodologies: Articulate your preferred methodologies for rapid prototyping, iterative development, and testing of front-end features.
• AI Integration Strategy: Be ready to discuss strategies for integrating AI capabilities into user interfaces and the development processes involved.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on experimental AI and UX, a portfolio demonstrating not just technical skill but also creative problem-solving, adaptability, and an understanding of user-centric AI is crucial. Be prepared to articulate the "why" behind your design and development choices, especially concerning user interaction with AI.

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: £70,000 - £110,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Methodology: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for experienced Software Engineers with UX/AI specialization in London, UK, considering the prestige of DeepMind and the specialized nature of the role. Market data from reputable sources like Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, and industry-specific salary surveys for tech roles in London were consulted.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off (PTO), including holidays and sick leave.
• Retirement savings plan (pension) with company matching.
• Professional development budget for conferences, courses, and certifications.
• Relocation assistance for candidates moving to London.
• Potential for stock options or performance-based bonuses.
• Access to cutting-edge AI research and development resources.
• On-site amenities such as cafeterias, gyms, and collaborative workspaces.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week).
• While on-site, DeepMind often fosters a flexible working environment, allowing for some autonomy in scheduling core working hours to accommodate project needs and personal well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate. DeepMind, as a leading AI research lab, likely offers competitive compensation and benefits packages commensurate with the high demand for specialized talent in AI and software engineering within London's tech hub.

Industry: Artificial Intelligence Research and Development, Technology.Company Size: Large (Google DeepMind is a significant entity within Google, employing thousands globally). This size offers resources, stability, and impact, while the team structure likely remains agile for research.

Founded: DeepMind was founded in 2010 and acquired by Google in 2014. This history brings a blend of startup agility and established corporate backing, fostering a culture of ambitious innovation and rigorous scientific pursuit.

Team Structure:

• Cross-functional Teams: The role is within a team that comprises Software Engineers, UX Designers, UX Researchers, Product Managers, and Program Managers, emphasizing close collaboration.
• Reporting: Typically, engineers report to an Engineering Manager or Team Lead, who in turn may report to a Director or VP level within DeepMind's Research or Engineering divisions.
• Collaboration Hubs: Expect frequent collaboration with other AI research teams, product groups within Google, and external academic partners.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Research: Decisions are heavily influenced by scientific rigor, empirical data, and user research findings.
• Agile & Iterative Development: Embraces iterative cycles of design, prototyping, testing, and refinement, particularly crucial for experimental technologies.
• Human-Centered AI: A core principle is ensuring AI technologies are developed with user needs, safety, and ethical considerations at the forefront.

📝 Enhancement Note: DeepMind's culture is known for its intense intellectual curiosity, scientific rigor, and a drive to solve complex problems. The integration of UX and prompt engineering into a core software engineering role suggests a strong commitment to making advanced AI accessible and usable.

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Software Engineer with a specialized focus on UX and AI, typically requiring 2-5 years of professional experience. It offers a path for deep technical specialization rather than traditional operational management.

Reporting Structure: You will report to an Engineering Manager or Team Lead within a specialized AI research and development group. This structure provides guidance and mentorship while allowing for significant autonomy on project execution. Collaboration will be extensive with peers in design, research, and product management.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role, this position has a profound impact on the usability and adoption of AI technologies. By translating complex research into intuitive user experiences, you directly influence how users interact with and benefit from DeepMind's advancements, thereby accelerating the impact of AI research.

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in front-end development, AI/ML system prototyping, and advanced prompt engineering techniques.
• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gain in-depth knowledge of UX research methodologies, AI ethics, and the broader landscape of AI research at DeepMind.
• Leadership Potential: Opportunity to lead technical initiatives, mentor junior engineers, and influence the technical direction of experimental AI projects.
• Advancement: Potential to move into Senior Software Engineer roles, Technical Lead positions, or explore adjacent areas like AI product development within Google.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is a specialist role, not a typical Revenue or Sales Operations position. Growth here is about becoming a leading expert in the intersection of front-end development, UX, and AI, rather than managing operational processes.

Office Type: On-site, within DeepMind's state-of-the-art research facilities in London. These environments are typically designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and deep work.

Office Location(s): London, UK. Specific office details would be provided upon inquiry or during the interview process, but expect modern facilities conducive to high-tech research and development.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Access to meeting rooms, brainstorming areas, and open-plan workspaces designed to encourage interaction and knowledge sharing among diverse teams.
• Cutting-Edge Technology: Provision of high-performance computing resources, advanced development tools, and the latest software and hardware for AI research and front-end development.
• Team Integration: Opportunities for regular interaction with your immediate team and broader DeepMind researchers and engineers, fostering a strong sense of community and shared purpose.

Work Schedule: While the core role is on-site, DeepMind often offers flexibility for employees to manage their schedules around critical deadlines and personal needs, encouraging a sustainable work-life balance within a demanding research environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration, spontaneous discussions, and hands-on work with specialized hardware and software typical of leading AI research labs.

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by a recruiting team to assess foundational qualifications and alignment with the role's technical and UX requirements.
• UX & AI Focus Interview: A discussion centered around your understanding of user experience, human-centered design, experience with prototyping AI/ML systems, and your approach to prompt engineering.
• System Design Interview: You may be asked to design a scalable front-end architecture for an AI-driven application, considering aspects like performance, usability, and integration.
• Behavioral & Team Fit Interview: Questions assessing your collaboration skills, problem-solving approach, ability to handle ambiguity, and alignment with DeepMind's culture and values.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A final discussion to assess overall fit, career aspirations, and alignment with the team's strategic goals.
• Highlight Relevant Projects: Prioritize projects that showcase strong front-end development skills, innovative UI design, and any experience with AI/ML systems or prompt engineering.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects (e.g., performance improvements, user engagement increases, efficiency gains).
• Explain Your Process: Be prepared to walk through the design and development process for key portfolio pieces, detailing your decision-making, challenges faced, and solutions implemented.
• Showcase Prompt Engineering: If you've used prompt engineering, clearly articulate the problem it solved, your approach, and the resulting user experience improvements.
• Demonstrate Collaboration: If team projects are included, clearly define your specific contributions and how you collaborated with others.
• AI/UX Concepts: Familiarize yourself with current trends in AI and UX, particularly concerning user interaction with generative AI and large language models. Understand the basics of prompt engineering.
• System Design: Practice designing scalable web applications, considering trade-offs in architecture, performance, and user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is rigorous, reflecting DeepMind's commitment to hiring top talent. A strong portfolio that clearly articulates your contributions to AI-driven user experiences and prompt engineering is paramount.

Primary Tools:

• Front-End Frameworks/Libraries: Angular, Svelte, React (and related ecosystem tools like Webpack, Babel).
• Web Technologies: HTML5, CSS, RESTful APIs, WebSockets.
• Version Control: Git (GitHub, GitLab, or similar).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated as a primary responsibility for this specific role, understanding and utilizing data for UX improvement is key. Expect to work with tools that might include:
  • Analytics Platforms: Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel (for user behavior tracking).
  • Performance Monitoring: Tools for identifying front-end performance bottlenecks.

CRM & Automation:

• This role is unlikely to directly manage CRM systems in a traditional operations sense. However, understanding how front-end applications integrate with backend systems and data sources is important.
• Cloud Platforms: Google Cloud Platform (GCP) experience is a significant advantage for integration and deployment.
• CI/CD Tools: Familiarity with continuous integration and continuous deployment pipelines (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions).

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is on modern web development stacks and proficiency in multiple programming languages. Experience with Google Cloud Platform is highly beneficial due to DeepMind's integration within the Google ecosystem.

Operations Values: (Interpreted as Engineering/UX Values for this role)

• Scientific Rigor & Curiosity: A deep commitment to understanding complex problems through research, experimentation, and data analysis.
• Impact & Ambition: Driving towards significant breakthroughs in AI that have widespread positive impact on humanity.
• Collaboration & Openness: Fostering an environment where ideas are shared freely, diverse perspectives are valued, and cross-functional teamwork is paramount.
• User-Centricity & Responsibility: Developing AI technologies with a strong focus on user needs, safety, ethics, and societal benefit.
• Excellence & Innovation: Striving for the highest standards in both research and engineering, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
• Interdisciplinary: Expect close collaboration with researchers, designers, product managers, and other engineers, requiring clear communication across different technical and creative domains.
• Iterative & Feedback-Driven: A culture that embraces constructive feedback, continuous iteration, and learning from both successes and failures.
• Knowledge Sharing: Emphasis on sharing learnings, best practices, and insights through internal talks, documentation, and team discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: DeepMind values intellectual horsepower, a collaborative spirit, and a drive to solve some of the world's most challenging problems. For this role, translating that ambition into user-friendly AI experiences is key.

• Ambiguity in Early-Stage Research: Working with novel, often ill-defined AI concepts requires comfort with uncertainty and the ability to define problems and solutions proactively.
• Translating Complex AI to Usable UX: Bridging the gap between cutting-edge AI research and intuitive, accessible user experiences is a significant technical and design challenge.
• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with the fast-evolving landscape of AI and front-end technologies requires continuous learning and adaptation.
• Balancing Experimentation with Stability: Delivering stable front-end solutions for experimental technologies means managing technical debt and rapid iteration cycles effectively.
• Front-End Mastery: Opportunities to deepen expertise in modern JS frameworks, performance optimization, and advanced web technologies.
• AI & Prompt Engineering Expertise: Become a leader in designing and building user interfaces for AI, including mastering prompt engineering techniques.
• Cross-Functional Skill Development: Gain hands-on experience and knowledge in UX research, product management, and AI ethics.
• Industry Exposure: Access to world-class AI research, internal talks, and potentially opportunities to attend leading tech conferences.
• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced engineers and researchers at the forefront of AI innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is ideal for engineers who thrive on tackling complex, open-ended problems and are passionate about shaping the future of human-AI interaction.

Strategy Questions:

• AI-Driven UX Design: "Describe a complex AI concept and how you would design a user-friendly interface for it, considering potential challenges and prompt engineering needs." (Focus on user empathy, iterative design, and practical application of AI).
• Technical Problem-Solving: "You're tasked with building a real-time collaborative AI tool. What are the key front-end architectural considerations, and how would you ensure performance and scalability?" (Prepare to discuss component design, state management, API integration, and error handling).
• Prompt Engineering Application: "Imagine you need to build a tool that helps users generate creative text. How would you approach prompt engineering to guide the AI and ensure high-quality, relevant output?" (Discuss prompt structure, parameters, iterative refinement, and user feedback loops).

Company & Culture Questions:

• DeepMind's Mission: "What excites you most about DeepMind's mission, and how do you see your role contributing to it?" (Research DeepMind's latest projects and ethical AI principles).
• Handling Ambiguity: "Describe a time you had to work on a project with unclear requirements or rapidly changing priorities. How did you navigate it?" (Highlight your adaptability, proactivity, and problem-solving skills).
• Cross-functional Collaboration: "Tell me about a challenging collaboration experience with designers or researchers. How did you overcome the obstacles?" (Focus on communication, empathy, and finding common ground).
• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio projects as narratives – the problem, your approach, the solution, and the impact.
• Technical Depth: Be ready to dive deep into the technical details of your implementations, explaining your choices and trade-offs.
• UX Rationale: Clearly articulate the user-centered design decisions made for each project, especially how they relate to AI interaction.
• Prompt Engineering Clarity: If applicable, present prompt engineering examples with clear explanations of the input, output, and the value it delivered.
• Conciseness: Practice presenting your key projects within a defined timeframe, focusing on the most impactful aspects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss not just what you built, but why you built it that way, with a strong emphasis on user experience and the innovative application of AI and prompt engineering.

To apply for this Software Engineer, UX position:

• Submit your application through the provided job portal link.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly states your proficiency in required programming languages and front-end frameworks. Quantify achievements where possible, focusing on impact and problem-solving.
• Interview Practice: Practice coding challenges and prepare detailed explanations for your portfolio projects, focusing on your role, technical decisions, and UX considerations. Be ready to articulate your approach to prompt engineering.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research DeepMind's mission, recent projects, and values. Understand their commitment to ethical AI and human-centered development.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description provides a comprehensive overview based on the provided input and industry standards for similar roles. Specific details regarding compensation, benefits, and the interview process should be confirmed directly with DeepMind during the application process.

Application Requirements