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LLM Engineer Jobs

Engineers who build and optimise large language models. A rapidly growing specialism with high commercial demand.

Open roles
2
Hiring companies
1
View 2 live roles → Get an alert

LLM Engineers are at the forefront of the AI revolution, focusing on the development and optimisation of large language models (LLMs). These models are the backbone of many cutting-edge applications, from chatbots and virtual assistants to advanced natural language processing (NLP) systems. LLM Engineers work in a variety of settings, from research-heavy startups to large tech companies, where they collaborate with data scientists, researchers, and product teams to create and refine models that can understand and generate human-like text. The role demands a deep understanding of machine learning, natural language processing, and software engineering.

What the role does

Inside the role of an LLM Engineer

A typical week for an LLM Engineer is a mix of model development, experimentation, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

  1. 01
    Design and implement new model architectures.
  2. 02
    Optimise existing models for performance and efficiency.
  3. 03
    Collaborate with data scientists to improve data quality.
  4. 04
    Conduct experiments to test and validate model improvements.
  5. 05
    Document findings and present results to the team.
  6. 06
    Stay updated with the latest research and industry trends.
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 1 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Python
100%
Machine Learning
100%
LLM
100%
RAG
100%
AWS
100%
GCP
100%
Azure
100%
FastAPI
100%
LangChain
100%
LangGraph
100%
Career ladder

From Junior to Principal

A typical UK progression for llm engineers. Years are guidance — strong people move faster, and many senior folks sidestep into research, product or management.

  1. Level 1

    Junior LLM Engineer

    0–2 yrs

    Assist in the development and testing of LLMs, focusing on understanding the basics of model architecture and data preparation.

  2. Level 2

    LLM Engineer

    2–5 yrs

    Take ownership of specific components of LLMs, contributing to the design, implementation, and optimisation of models.

  3. Level 3

    Senior LLM Engineer

    5–8 yrs

    Lead the development of complex LLM projects, mentor junior engineers, and drive innovation in model architecture and performance.

  4. Level 4

    Principal LLM Engineer

    8+ yrs

    Oversee the entire LLM development lifecycle, from research to deployment, and guide the strategic direction of AI initiatives within the organisation.

Pathway

How to become a LLM Engineer

There's no single route, but most people follow some version of these steps.

  1. 1

    Learn the Fundamentals

    Gain a solid understanding of machine learning, NLP, and software engineering principles.

  2. 2

    Build Practical Skills

    Work on small-scale projects to develop hands-on experience with LLMs and related technologies.

  3. 3

    Specialise in LLMs

    Focus on advanced topics in LLM development, such as model optimisation and data preprocessing.

  4. 4

    Contribute to Research

    Participate in cutting-edge research and contribute to the development of new LLM techniques and applications.

  5. 5

    Lead Projects

    Take on leadership roles in LLM projects, guiding teams and driving innovation.

  6. 6

    Strategic Direction

    Influence the strategic direction of AI initiatives within the organisation, shaping the future of LLM technology.

Live jobs

2 live roles

AI Engineer - LLM & Agentic Systems

This role involves designing and building AI agents and agentic workflows using LLMs, RAG, reasoning, memory, and tool orchestration to solve complex business problems. You will own the delivery end-to-end, from initial exploration to production deployment, and integrate AI into products and core business workflows.

Intec Select Victoria, Greater London, London, SW1P 1BX, United Kingdom £550 – £675 pd
Hybrid Contract
HAYS Specialist Recruitment logo

Senior AI/ML Engineer (LLM's / RAG Pipeline Development)

This role involves hands-on development and deployment of LLM-based applications into production environments. The Senior AI/ML Engineer will bridge the gap between advanced AI/ML and production-grade software, working in a newly formed R&D team to influence how AI capabilities are embedded into existing and new products. The role offers opportunities for leadership and growth within a fast-growing, market-leading company.

HAYS Specialist Recruitment Guildford, United Kingdom £85,000 – £125,000 pa
On-site Permanent
Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

The locations with the most live listings for this role today.

London

Location
1 open
FAQs

Common questions

  • Essential skills include a strong foundation in machine learning, natural language processing, and software engineering. Proficiency in programming languages like Python and frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch is also crucial.

  • Career progression typically starts with a Junior LLM Engineer role, advancing to LLM Engineer, Senior LLM Engineer, and eventually Principal LLM Engineer. Each step involves increasing responsibility and leadership.

  • Key challenges include managing the computational resources required for training large models, ensuring model accuracy and reliability, and addressing ethical and privacy concerns in AI applications.

  • Salary ranges can vary widely based on experience, location, and the specific company. For detailed salary information, please refer to the salary section on this page.

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