Associate Data & AI Engineer

Bytes is a top provider of premium IT solutions and services, working with SMEs, corporations, and public sector organizations to modernize and digitally transform their IT infrastructures. Founded in 1982, Bytes has experienced significant growth, now employing over 750 people across seven locations in the UK and Ireland, with a turnover surpassing £1.8 billion in 2023. At Bytes, we nurture talented individuals to achieve remarkable outcomes and are dedicated to supporting our employees through continuous training, guidance, and development to help you advance and fulfil your career goals. We foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, recognition and inclusivity and offer a wide range of benefits to support staff wellbeing.

PURPOSE OF JOB:

We’re looking for a motivated and technically capable Graduate Data & AI Engineer to join our growing Microsoft consultancy team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone early in their career to gain hands-on experience delivering real-world Data and AI solutions on the Azure platform, while also developing consulting skills through direct customer engagement. In this role, you’ll support the design, development, and deployment of data pipelines, analytics solutions, and AI-powered applications. You’ll work alongside experienced engineers and consultants, contributing to a wide range of projects - from traditional data engineering and reporting to modern machine learning and Generative AI initiatives.

We’re looking for someone who is passionate about technology, eager to learn, and comfortable working in a dynamic environment. You should have a foundation in Python, data handling, and cloud concepts, and an interest in the Microsoft Azure ecosystem. Over time, you’ll also gain exposure to customer-facing activities such as workshops, demos, and project delivery sessions.

Key areas you’ll gain experience in:

• Azure Data & AI services (e.g., Azure Machine Learning, Azure OpenAI, Cognitive Services, Synapse)
• Programming with Python for data and AI workloads
• Data pipelines, ETL/ELT processes, and analytics foundations
• App development techniques to integrate AI capabilities
• Working in secure, enterprise-ready cloud environments
• Consulting fundamentals and effective customer communication

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support the design, development, and deployment of Data & AI solutions using Microsoft Azure technologies
• Assist in delivering client-facing engagements, including workshops, solution demos, and project implementation
• Collaborate with senior engineers and consultants to contribute to proofs of concept, pilots, and production projects
• Learn and apply best practices in data engineering, AI/ML model integration, and cloud architecture
• Stay up to date with evolving Azure services and modern AI frameworks (e.g., Azure OpenAI, LangChain, Prompt Flow)
• Help document technical solutions and contribute to internal knowledge sharing

INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Take ownership of assigned technical tasks, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery
• Proactively develop knowledge across key Azure Data & AI services and contribute to team discussions
• Engage with customers under the guidance of senior consultants to gather requirements and demonstrate solutions
• Build scripts, data flows, or notebooks in Python or similar tools for data processing or AI model integration
• Log and track tasks using project management tools (e.g., DevOps, Jira, or similar)
• Seek feedback and act on it as part of your personal and professional development plan

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, & SKILLS:

Education Qualifications: A degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field - ESSENTIAL

Professional Qualifications: Any Microsoft certification (e.g., Azure Fundamentals, DP-900, AI-900) is a bonus but not required - DESIRABLE

Other Requirements:

• Strong foundational knowledge of Python, data structures, and basic ML/AI concepts - ESSENTIAL
• Awareness of cloud computing fundamentals, preferably Microsoft Azure - ESSENTIAL
• Strong problem-solving skills and eagerness to learn new technologies - ESSENTIAL
• Clear written and verbal communication skills - ESSENTIAL
• Exposure to Azure services such as Azure Machine Learning, Cognitive Services, Azure Data Factory, or Azure OpenAI - DESIRABLE
• Experience with Jupyter Notebooks, version control (e.g., Git), or working with APIs - DESIRABLE
• Demonstrated interest in AI/ML through coursework, personal projects, or internships - DESIRABLE

CORE COMPETENCIES & SKILLS:

• Growth mindset – actively seeks opportunities to learn and improve
• Team collaboration – works well within delivery teams, supporting peers and contributing positively
• Customer focus – demonstrates empathy, listens well, and communicates clearly with non-technical stakeholders
• Accountability – takes ownership of assigned tasks and sees them through to completion
• Adaptability – comfortable navigating ambiguity and learning in a fast-paced, evolving field
• Attention to detail – produces accurate work, follows standards, and tests thoroughly
• Curiosity & innovation – keeps up with trends in AI/ML and cloud technology, suggesting new ideas or tools