Contract jobs in United Kingdom

Contract: 6-month contract
Engagement: Inside IR35
Location: Remote (UK candidates only)
On-Site Requirement: Must attend Cambridge or Bristol site on Day 1 to meet the team and collect equipment
Start: ASAP

We are seeking an experienced Python Software Developer to support the development of software tool flows used in next-generation AI chip hardware design. You will work closely with hardware engineers, toolchain specialists, and cross-functional engineering teams to build, enhance, and maintain automation flows, data pipelines, and development tools that accelerate hardware development cycles.

This is a remote role with a mandatory Day 1 on-site visit for laptop collection and onboarding.

• Develop, maintain, and optimise Python-based tool flows supporting AI hardware and silicon development.
• Build robust automation frameworks for data processing, simulation, testing, and verification workflows.
• Integrate tools with existing EDA environments, internal build systems, and CI/CD frameworks.
• Collaborate with hardware designers and verification teams to understand workflow requirements and deliver effective software solutions.
• Troubleshoot toolchain issues and contribute to improving development efficiency across the hardware organisation.
• Produce high-quality, well-documented, and maintainable code following best practices.

• Strong professional experience in Python software development (3+ years desirable).
• Demonstrable experience building automation, tooling, or workflow software for hardware, silicon, or embedded development.
• Familiarity with EDA tools, hardware design concepts, or related engineering workflows.
• Experience with CI/CD tools (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions).
• Strong understanding of software engineering best practices, version control (Git), and code quality principles.
• Excellent problem-solving ability and ability to collaborate in cross-disciplinary engineering teams.

• Experience with AI chip, accelerator, or SoC development environments.
• Knowledge of hardware description languages (Verilog, VHDL) or hardware verification flows.
• Experience with scripting languages beyond Python (e.g., Bash, Tcl).
• Background in high-performance computing or data pipeline automation.

• Must be based in the UK and eligible to work under an inside IR35 contract.
• Must be able to attend Cambridge or Bristol on Day 1 for equipment pickup and team introduction.