Junior Software Engineer (ai Native Pod) - Entry Level

At OakNorth, we’re on a mission to empower the UK’s most ambitious businesses. Since 2015, we’ve lent over $21 billion across the UK and US, helped create more than 58,000 new homes and 36,000 new jobs, and supported hundreds of thousands of personal savers — all while fuelling the UK economy. We're hiring Junior Software Engineers recent Computer Science graduates or early-career developers. You'll join our new AI-native engineering team: small, highly autonomous teams working in an entirely new way. With your peers, you'll contribute across the full product development lifecycle—design, build, test, and deploy— within a highly autonomous pod. This isn't an experiment at OakNorth. It's the clear direction for all our development practices, and you'll be at the forefront of this innovation. You'll push the limits of modern AI tools, then turn that capability into working systems used by real teams. We're looking for curious builders—people who instinctively test, compare, break, rebuild, and optimize. You'll help shape what AI-native engineering culture looks like inside the bank. The focus is execution: rapid prototyping, deployment, and measurable impact.

Key Responsabilities

• Research emerging AI tools, frameworks, and coding methods
• Experiment with new approaches and validate technical feasibility
• Identify operational bottlenecks and redesign them using AI-native solutions
• Prototype rapidly using tools like Claude Code, Cursor, Copilot, and Codex—then deploy into live environments
• Translate technical capability into business value
• Test and compare emerging AI tools for business impact
• Contribute to AI governance, standards, and best practices

What You'll Gain

• Direct exposure to multiple business functions and senior stakeholders
• Hands-on experience designing and deploying automation and AI solutions in a regulated financial environment
• Deep understanding of process optimization and automation best practices
• The opportunity to contribute to the development of AI governance, standards, and best practices.
• A portfolio of real AI and automation builds with measurable business impact

Requirement

Education & Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of software development principles, best practices, and system design
• Fluency in AI coding tools (Claude Code, Cursor, Copilot, Codex, ChatGPT, etc.)
• Experience with Python and API integrations
• Demonstrated ability to build projects or automations using AI tools
• Ability to research AI concepts and translate them into practical business applications

Behavioural & Analytical Skills

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to break down complex processes
• Clear communication skills for working with cross-functional teams and senior leaders
• Curiosity, initiative, and passion for exploring new technologies
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple stakeholders, and deliver value in a fast-paced environment