Senior Applied AI Engineer

Reference: 4816124Job ID: 5417474Posted: 2026-09-29Closing date: 2026-12-28Location: LondonSalary: 100,000

The following information provides an overview of the skills, qualities, and qualifications needed for this role.
- 110,000 + Bonus (per annum)Job type: PermanentWorking pattern: Full timeIndustry: Banking & Financial Services / Intelligent AutomationCompany: HaysConsultant: Oliver WoodHays office: London-City — 5th Floor, 107 Cheapside,Phone: Email: new company You will join an Investment Management firm developing the next stage of its portfolio technology platform.

The business is looking to add a new AI layer and wants an engineer who can turn that ambition into a secure, dependable capability used by the wider team.

You will join an existing operation and work closely with colleagues across the product and technical delivery.Your new role This is a hands-on position spanning AI application development, backend engineering, data integration and production delivery.

You will:Design, build and deliver the backend services and APIs that support the new AI layer.Develop controlled integrations with internal data and agreed external information sources, ensuring outputs are current and traceable.Work with a Frontend Engineer to connect the AI capability to the user interface and agree delivery priorities.Build appropriate security controls, including permissions, audit logging and safeguards for sensitive data.Establish automated tests and AI evaluations, then monitor accuracy, reliability, latency and cost once the capability is live.Release iteratively, using feedback from users to improve the product and documenting the systems you build.What you'll need to succeed You will bring strong software-engineering judgement alongside practical experience of building AI systems.

We are particularly interested in:Around five or more years’ relevant experience in software, machine learning or data engineering, with clear examples of taking applications beyond proof of concept and into production.Strong Python skills and experience developing backend services, APIs and data pipelines; SQL experience would be valuable.Hands-on experience with LLM applications, including areas such as agent workflows, tool use, retrieval or RAG, and connecting models to trusted data.Experience deploying and operating applications on a major cloud platform, with a sound approach to CI/CD, automated testing and monitoring.An understanding of AI evaluation, access controls, data protection and auditability when working with sensitive information.The ability to make pragmatic architectural decisions, collaborate with other engineers and explain technical trade-offs to stakeholders.Experience in investment management, wealth management, fintech or another data-sensitive environment would be advantageous, but demonstrable production AI delivery is the priority. xwzovoh What you'll get in return Competitive bonus package (sign on and yearly)Pension schemeAnnual leaveHybrid working arrangementsAdditional benefits in line with company policyWhat you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.

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- Oliver Wood