Technical Lead-AI
Uses AI-assisted development tools like Claude Code, GitHub Copilot and Cursor but explicitly calls for structured AI-assisted workflows rather than ad-hoc 'vibe coding'.
About the Role
Technical Lead - AI to architect and deliver production-grade generative AI and agentic systems, driving end-to-end model selection, orchestration, and scalable backend implementation. Individual-contributor leadership role collaborating with cross-functional teams to move AI research into production in a hybrid Bristol-based position.
Job Description
Role
Technical Lead - AI responsible for architecting, building and optimising production-grade Generative AI and agentic applications. This is an individual-contributor leadership role focused on defining standards for quality, scalability and innovation across AI initiatives and delivering production-ready solutions.
Key Responsibilities
- Architect and implement generative AI and agentic systems using orchestration frameworks and LLMs
- Design and implement Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) pipelines with vector databases
- Implement guardrails, observability, model fine-tuning and training for domain-specific use cases
- Build multi-modal workflows (text, image, voice, video) and robust prompt/context engineering frameworks
- Develop supporting microservices and modular backends (Python, JavaScript, Java) following DDD, SOLID and clean architecture
- Deploy cloud-native solutions on AWS/GCP/Azure using containerisation (Docker) and orchestration (Kubernetes) or serverless approaches
- Work with event-driven systems (Kafka/MSK, SQS) and a variety of database types (relational, document, key-value, graph)
- Use AI-assisted development tools to accelerate development while maintaining code quality and structured workflows
- Build POCs, internal research experiments and innovation sprints to validate emerging AI techniques
Requirements
- 2–5 years total software development experience, with at least 2 years in AI/ML systems engineering or Generative AI
- Demonstrable experience building and deploying GenAI/LLM systems in production
- Active user of AI-assisted development tools (Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, Cursor) and experience with structured workflows/sub-agents
- Deep understanding of LLMs, context engineering, prompt construction and optimisation for accuracy, latency and cost
- Experience with Python or JavaScript (or Java), OOP, SOLID principles, 12-factor apps and scalable microservice architecture
- End-to-end experience with vector databases and retrieval pipelines
- Ability to balance rapid prototyping with long-term maintainability and to work independently while collaborating across teams
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or related technical discipline
Location & Type
- Bristol, Hybrid
- Full-time
What We Offer
- People-first culture with supportive peers and open communication
- Opportunities for learning, leadership and career development
- Work–life balance and respect for personal time
- Competitive compensation that recognises contribution and potential