Principal Applied AI Engineer in London

This is a great job for someone who is a highly experienced applied AI or software engineer and recognised technical authority, with a track record of leading the design and delivery of complex AI systems at scale. You may already be shaping architecture and standards across teams and are motivated by influencing outcomes through expertise rather than line management. This role suits someone who enjoys operating at system and organisational level, partnering with senior stakeholders, and setting the technical direction that others confidently follow.

A bit about the job: This role sits at the heart of Aviva’s Applied AI Engineering capability and exists to provide long‑term technical leadership for applied AI across the organisation. The team designs and delivers Aviva’s most complex and high‑impact AI systems, while establishing the standards, patterns, and safeguards that allow AI to be used responsibly at scale. As a Principal Applied AI Engineer, you will be accountable for the technical direction, architectural quality, and safe operation of critical AI systems, enabling teams to deliver customer and business value with confidence.

Skills and experience we are looking for:

• Extensive experience designing, building, and operating complex applied AI or LLM‑powered systems in production.
• Deep Python engineering expertise, with the ability to define, uphold, and evolve high engineering standards across teams.
• Proven ability to make and lead significant architectural decisions that balance customer value, scalability, reliability, and regulatory risk.
• Strong experience defining evaluation and quality approaches that manage safety, correctness, and compliance in live AI systems.
• Confidence working in regulated environments, acting as a technical authority who can partner with senior stakeholders on risk‑aware AI delivery.

What you’ll get for this role:

• Salary: Circa £140K (depending on location, skills, experience, and qualifications)
• Bonus opportunity – 12% of annual salary. Actual amount depends on your performance and Aviva’s.
• Generous pension scheme – Aviva will contribute up to 14%, depending on what you put in.
• 29 days holiday plus bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days.
• Aviva-funded Private Medical Benefit to help you get expert support when you need it.
• Up to 40% discount on Aviva products, and other retailer discounts.
• Up to £1,200 of free Aviva shares per year through our Matching Share Plan and Save As You Earn scheme.
• Brilliantly supportive policies including parental and carer’s leave.
• Flexible benefits to suit you, including sustainability options such as cycle to work.
• Make a difference, be part of our Aviva Communities and use your 3 paid volunteering days to help others.
• We take your wellbeing seriously with lots of support and tools.

Aviva is for everyone: We’re inclusive and welcome everyone – we want applications from all backgrounds and experiences. Excited but not sure you tick every box? Even if you don’t, we’d still encourage you to apply. We also consider all forms of flexible working, including part time and job shares. We flex locations, hours and working patterns to suit our customers, business, and you. Most of our people are smart working – spending at least 50% of their time in our offices every week – combining the benefits of flexibility, with time together with colleagues.

To find out more about working at Aviva take a look here. We interview every disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the job. Once you’ve applied, please send us an email stating that you have a disclosed disability, and we’ll interview you. We’d love it if you could submit your application online. If you require an alternative method of applying, please give Kirthi a call or send an email.