At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and build next-gen AI products in a hands-on, founder-style role.
- Company: High-growth tech company focused on innovative AI solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and full ownership of projects.
- Why this job: Shape the future of applied AI and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Exceptional Python skills, startup experience, and a product-ownership mindset.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for rapid career growth.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
A high-growth technology company is searching for an exceptional hands-on VP of Engineering (AI) to lead and build next-generation AI products. This is not a people-manager or advisory role — it is a deep technical, founder-style position for someone who wants to build, ship, and own AI systems end-to-end.
This opportunity is ideal for a high-calibre engineer who thrives in fast-paced startup environments, enjoys taking full ownership, and wants to shape the next wave of applied AI.
What You'll Be Building- You'll architect, build, and ship real AI products including:
- LLM-driven applications (generation, reasoning, orchestration)
- RAG pipelines, vector search, knowledge systems
- Multi-agent / agentic AI workflows
- High-performance backend systems in Python & Node.js
You'll be expected to write code daily (~80%), make technical decisions with autonomy, and operate like a founder rather than a traditional VP.
What We're Looking For- Recent startup or scale-up experience — ideally 0→1 or 1→10 environments.
- Top academic background: UK: Russell Group / Top 20 with strong academics (First or similar). Overseas: Top 100 global university.
- Exceptional Python engineering — deep-level experience required.
- Strong background in Node.js and modern backend architecture.
- Clear, demonstrable AI build examples: what you shipped, how you built it, the stack, the architecture, the outcomes.
- Founder, co-founder, or product-ownership mindset — full accountability, small-team execution.
- Happy working 5 days per week on-site for the immediate future.
- Ex-founder or early founding team member.
- Experience working in lean teams, not large enterprise engineering groups.
- Track record of building products quickly and iterating fast.
Seniority level: Director
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Information Technology
Industries: IT Services and IT Consulting and Software Development
VP of Engineering — AI in London employer: Experis
Contact Detail:
Experis Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land VP of Engineering — AI in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech world, especially those who are already in AI or engineering roles. A personal introduction can make all the difference when you're aiming for that VP of Engineering position.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your projects! Make sure you have a portfolio ready that highlights your best AI builds and the impact they had. This is your chance to demonstrate your hands-on experience and technical prowess, so don’t hold back!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your coding skills, especially in Python and Node.js. We recommend doing mock interviews with peers or using platforms that focus on technical challenges to get you in the zone.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team and building the future of AI together.
We think you need these skills to ace VP of Engineering — AI in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Technical Skills: Make sure to highlight your hands-on experience with Python and Node.js in your application. We want to see real examples of what you've built, so don’t hold back on the details!
Demonstrate Your Startup Experience: Since we’re a high-growth tech company, it’s crucial to showcase your experience in startup or scale-up environments. Tell us about your journey from 0→1 or 1→10 and how you thrived in those fast-paced settings.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your passion for building AI products shines through without any fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Experis
✨Showcase Your Technical Mastery
Make sure to prepare specific examples of your past work with AI systems, especially those that demonstrate your hands-on experience in building and shipping products. Be ready to discuss the architecture, stack, and outcomes of your projects in detail.
✨Emphasise Your Startup Experience
Highlight your experience in startup or scale-up environments. Share stories that illustrate your ability to thrive in fast-paced settings and how you've taken ownership of projects from inception to delivery.
✨Demonstrate Your Coding Skills
Since this role involves writing code daily, be prepared to discuss your coding practices and even solve technical problems during the interview. Brush up on Python and Node.js, as these are crucial for the position.
✨Adopt a Founder Mindset
Convey your entrepreneurial spirit by discussing how you approach problem-solving and decision-making. Show that you’re not just a manager but someone who takes full accountability and is excited about building innovative AI solutions.