AI & Defence Software Jobs in European Defence42 jobs

Among the startups and SMEs tracked on DefenceJobs, companies hiring AI and software roles include Helsing (AI-enabled defence, Munich), Faculty (applied AI for government, London), Harmattan AI (autonomous systems, Paris), PhysicsX (AI for engineering simulation, London), Arondite (London), SensusQ (Tallinn) and Adarga (AI for intelligence analysis, London). Roles typically fall into a few clusters. ML engineering and data science positions tend to require Python, PyTorch or TensorFlow and experience with deploying models outside cloud environments. Systems and platform engineering roles lean toward C++, Rust and real-time operating systems, reflecting the need to run inference on constrained hardware.

Defence-specific AI experience is generally not required at the startup level. Companies like Helsing and Faculty have hired extensively from commercial tech, autonomous vehicles and robotics. Familiarity with edge deployment, real-time systems or safety-critical software is typically more relevant than a defence background. Security clearance requirements vary by employer and programme. Most startups do not require clearance at the point of application, and the employer initiates the vetting process after a conditional offer. English is the working language at most internationally-focused firms, though French-headquartered companies like Harmattan AI may expect French for some roles.