Developers who build and deploy AI systems, from research to production. A role that bridges the gap between theory and application, with a focus on creating intelligent software solutions.
AI Engineers are at the forefront of technological innovation, designing and implementing AI systems that solve complex problems. They work across a range of industries, from tech giants to research-heavy startups, and their role involves both theoretical research and practical application. AI Engineers are responsible for developing algorithms, models, and systems that can learn from data, make predictions, and automate tasks. This role requires a strong foundation in computer science, mathematics, and statistics, as well as proficiency in programming languages like Python and frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch.
A typical week for an AI Engineer is a mix of research, development, and collaboration. They spend time coding, testing, and refining models, while also engaging with cross-functional teams to integrate AI solutions into existing systems.
Based on advertised midpoints across the 403 UK listings priced in pounds in the last 12 months. Base salary only.
% of 171 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.
A typical UK progression for ai engineers. Years are guidance — strong people move faster, and many senior folks sidestep into research, product or management.
Assist in the development and testing of AI models, with a focus on learning and gaining hands-on experience.
Take ownership of specific projects, from initial design to deployment, and contribute to the overall architecture of AI systems.
Lead the development of complex AI solutions, mentor junior team members, and ensure the quality and reliability of AI systems.
Drive strategic initiatives, innovate in AI research, and guide the technical direction of the organisation.
There's no single route, but most people follow some version of these steps.
Gain a strong foundation in computer science, mathematics, and statistics. Familiarise yourself with programming languages like Python and AI frameworks.
Work on personal or open-source projects to apply your knowledge. Participate in hackathons and coding challenges to gain real-world experience.
Start your career as a Junior AI Engineer, working on smaller projects and learning from more experienced colleagues.
Choose a specific area of AI, such as computer vision or natural language processing, and deepen your expertise in that domain.
Take on more responsibility by leading AI projects, managing teams, and ensuring the successful delivery of AI solutions.
Contribute to cutting-edge research, influence the direction of AI in your organisation, and mentor the next generation of AI Engineers.
Design and develop enterprise-scale Generative AI applications using LLMs, RAG, and AI Agents to automate business processes and enhance knowledge retrieval. Build production-grade solutions integrated with enterprise systems using Python, SQL, and REST APIs. Collaborate with technical and business teams in a hybrid working environment across major UK cities.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join Luminance, the pioneer of Legal-Grade™ AI for enterprise. Backed by internationally renowned VCs and named in both the Forbes AI 50 list of ‘Most Promising Private AI Companies in the World’ and Inc....
Build and iterate AI agents and automations using LLMs, agent frameworks, and platforms like AWS Bedrock, Microsoft, and Snowflake. Test frontier AI tools against real enterprise use cases and rapidly prototype solutions with measurable impact. Work cross-functionally across commercial, operations, and compliance teams to identify and validate high-value opportunities in a fast-paced innovation lab.
This role involves leading the technical delivery of AI, Machine Learning, and Algorithmic solutions for complex Defence and Security projects. You will work with multidisciplinary teams, provide technical oversight, engage with customers, and contribute to business development and technical standards.
Design and build generative AI applications, intelligent assistants, and automation solutions using LLMs, RAG, and agentic AI frameworks. Work within a major enterprise AI programme for a global bank, integrating AI services via APIs and cloud platforms while supporting engineering teams in adopting cutting-edge AI technologies. Focus on real-world deployment of copilots and AI-driven workflows.
Design and implement AI solutions for customers within a managed service environment, integrating generative AI, LLMs, and automation into existing IT systems. Work across the Microsoft ecosystem to deliver secure, scalable AI tools and workflows. Support customer adoption and contribute to the strategic development of the company's AI capabilities.
This role involves leading the design, prototyping, and evaluation of OpenAI-powered solutions to enhance Cyber Security Operations Centre (SOC) activities. You will work closely with the AI Solution Architect and Business Analyst to develop and validate proof-of-concepts, focusing on the practical application of Large Language Models (LLMs), Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and agentic AI in real-world cyber use cases.
Design and develop AI-powered applications, automation solutions, and intelligent agents using Microsoft Copilot Studio, Azure AI, and Power Platform. Build proof-of-concepts and Python-based services to integrate AI into enterprise systems, focusing on workflow automation and enhancing user experiences. Collaborate with stakeholders and development teams across a higher education environment.
The locations with the most live listings for this role today.
Python is the most widely used language in AI, but knowledge of C++, Java, and R can also be beneficial.
Strong programming skills, a solid understanding of algorithms and data structures, and proficiency in machine learning frameworks are crucial.
While a PhD can be beneficial, especially for research roles, many successful AI Engineers have backgrounds in computer science or related fields without a PhD.
Salaries for AI Engineers can vary widely based on experience, location, and industry. For more detailed salary information, please refer to the salary section on this page.
Post your role in 90 seconds and reach the specialist audience that already reads this page.
