The Opportunity
This role sits at the intersection of software engineering and applied AI.
You might currently be a Backend Engineer, Platform Engineer, Full Stack Engineer, or Software Developer who has started exploring LLMs, AI-assisted development, agents, RAG architectures, or machine learning applications. What matters most is a strong engineering foundation, curiosity about AI, and a desire to learn.
What You'll Be Doing
- Designing and building production software around AI capabilities
- Taking AI prototypes and experiments into production environments
- Developing APIs, services, integrations, and data pipelines
- Working with LLMs, embeddings, RAG architectures, agents, and model APIs
- Building evaluation, testing, and monitoring approaches for AI systems
- Deploying solutions using modern cloud and infrastructure tooling
- Collaborating directly with clients to understand requirements and solve complex challenges
- Applying strong software engineering principles within multidisciplinary AI teams
- Leveraging AI-assisted development tools while maintaining engineering best practices
- Contributing to internal R&D, experimentation, and knowledge sharing
What We're Looking For
Essential Skills & Experience
Strong experience building and operating production software
Excellent Python development skills
Experience with software architecture, APIs, testing, debugging, and maintainable code
Strong understanding of cloud platforms and modern software delivery practices
Experience with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps methodologies
Proven ability to deliver software from development through to production
Excellent problem-solving skills and a passion for continuous learning
Desirable Experience
TypeScript, Java, Go, or C# development experience
Exposure to LLMs, RAG, semantic search, agentic workflows, or AI integrations
Experience evaluating or monitoring AI systems
Personal AI projects, open-source contributions, or experimentation with AI technologies
An active interest in the evolving AI landscape and emerging technologies
Commercial AI experience is beneficial but not essential. Strong engineering fundamentals and a genuine enthusiasm for AI are valued more highly than specific AI credentials.
Why Join?
- Work on cutting-edge Applied AI projects with real-world impact
- Influence how modern AI technologies are implemented in production environments
- Solve complex engineering challenges across multiple sectors
- Dedicated time for R&D, experimentation, and technical learning
- Opportunity to contribute to open-source projects and technical content
- Be part of a growing engineering organisation with significant career progression opportunities
- Gain exposure to both hands-on engineering and client-facing consulting work
Package & Benefits
- £65,000 - £80,000
- Equity options available
- Hybrid working (3 days per week in Manchester office)
- 25 days holiday, increasing to 30 days with service
- £500 annual learning and development budget
- Healthcare cash plan
- Enhanced family leave policies
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Paid volunteering days
- Regular company socials
- Modern Manchester city centre office with on-site gym
Location & Eligibility
Manchester-based hybrid role
Some occasional client-site travel may be required
Candidates must have 3 + years UK residency due to clearance eligibility requirements
Successful applicants will be required to undergo government clearance checks