At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to develop AI-driven software for global power grid management.
- Company: Innovative tech company focused on decarbonisation and impactful solutions.
- Benefits: Private medical insurance, dental cover, pension scheme, and local discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in energy markets while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in backend systems, team management, and a passion for energy transformation.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Department: Tech - AI and Data Engineering
Location: Oxford, UK
We are open to considering candidates who require visa sponsorship (subject to eligibility and company approval). Aurora helps governments, investors, and utilities make billion‑dollar decisions on the journey to net‑zero. Based in Oxford, you will work in a dynamic and growing engineering organisation that builds cloud‑based software to track and model power grids around the world.
As a Lead Software Engineer on the AI team you will build systems where LLMs autonomously plan and call tools to navigate large, multi‑dimensional, fast‑evolving data. Your work will amplify the value of Aurora's data, models, and forecasts to researchers, investors, and policy‑makers worldwide, directly impacting decisions that drive the decarbonisation of grids. You will work in a small, fast‑paced team that releases changes multiple times a day. The successful applicant will be an excellent problem solver, a strong team player, and a proven ability to take big projects from conception to production.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a team of Software Engineers and Data Scientists
- Own projects from end‑to‑end, from first conversations with users through to production systems
- Work with modelling and data teams to embed proprietary insights into production systems
- Deploy agentic systems that enable fast, multi‑dimensional, data‑driven decisions
Required attributes
- 10+ years developing impactful, mission‑critical backend systems
- The ability to work in fast‑paced, high‑ownership environments
- Excellence in one or more language (we mostly use Python)
- Strong discipline in testing and automation
- Experienced, judicious user of AI coding tools
- Previous experience managing teams of 5+ engineers
- An exceptional team player – low‑ego, high‑initiative
- Genuine interest in the transformation of energy markets and infrastructure
Desirable attributes
- Hands‑on experience building LLM‑based systems
- Experience testing non‑deterministic systems
- Understanding of statistics and inferential methods
- LangGraph, RAG, MCP, MLOps, IaaC, AWS
Benefits
- Private Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Parental Support
- Salary‑Exchange Pension
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Local Oxford Discounts
- Cycle‑to‑work Scheme
- Flu Jabs
Company Commitment
The Company is committed to the principle that no employee or job applicant shall receive unfavourable treatment on grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity.
Lead Software Engineer (AI) employer: Aurora Energy Research
Aurora is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant city of Oxford, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets purpose. As a Lead Software Engineer on the AI team, you will not only contribute to cutting-edge projects that drive the decarbonisation of energy grids but also enjoy a supportive culture that prioritises employee growth through continuous learning and collaboration. With comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance, a cycle-to-work scheme, and local discounts, Aurora fosters a healthy work-life balance while empowering its employees to make a meaningful impact on global sustainability efforts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Software Engineer (AI)
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Aurora Energy Research or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Aurora Energy Research.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Aurora Energy Research.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Aurora Energy Research that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Software Engineer (AI)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Aurora Energy Research.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Aurora Energy Research and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aurora Energy Research
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Aurora Energy Research uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
