At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI engineering strategy and design impactful AI solutions for our customers.
- Company: Join 1st Central, an award-winning insurance company with a people-focused culture.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid work, competitive salary, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor engineers and promote ethical AI practices.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI in a rapidly growing company and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Expertise in Python and experience in AI engineering.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
We’re 1st Central, a market-leading insurance company utilising smart data and technology at pace. Rapid growth has been based on giving our 1.4 million customers exactly what they want: great value insurance with an excellent service. An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Principal AI Engineer to join us as a senior technical authority for AI and Generative AI, defining our long-term AI engineering strategy and leading the design of enterprise‑grade solutions that deliver safe, scalable and high‑impact AI across the business.
You’ll build secure, scalable multi‑provider AI platforms, leveraging third‑party capabilities where they add value that minimise vendor lock‑in and support rapid experimentation across Azure OpenAI and alternative LLM ecosystems. You’ll also shape the design of agentic AI systems, orchestration layers, and integration patterns that support flexible, production‑ready AI solutions at pace.
Working closely with Enterprise Architecture, Security, Data, Platforms, and senior business leaders, you’ll ensure all AI solutions are robust, compliant, and aligned to organisational goals. You’ll also provide technical leadership across the engineering community, mentoring senior engineers, setting technical governance standards, and championing responsible and ethical AI practices.
This is a flexible hybrid role, with occasional visits to our offices in Salford Quays (Manchester) or Haywards Heath (West Sussex) when needed. We offer excellent flexibility in working patterns, along with a supportive, people‑focused culture that we’re proud of.
Core skills we’re looking for to succeed in the role: Python
Principal AI Engineer employer: First Central Services
At 1st Central, we pride ourselves on being an award-winning employer that values both our customers and our colleagues. With a supportive, people-focused culture and a commitment to employee growth, we offer flexible working patterns and the opportunity to lead innovative AI projects in a dynamic environment. Join us in Salford Quays or Haywards Heath and be part of a team that champions ethical AI practices while delivering exceptional value to our clients.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal AI Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with current employees at 1st Central. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your AI projects. This gives you a chance to demonstrate your expertise in Python and AI engineering, making you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge and understanding of AI strategies. We recommend practising common interview questions and scenarios related to AI solutions to show you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to 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 joining our awesome team at 1st Central.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal AI Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal AI Engineer role. Highlight your experience with AI and Generative AI, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant projects or achievements that align with our goals at 1st Central.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about AI and how your skills can help us deliver safe and scalable solutions. Keep it engaging and personal – we want to get to know you!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since we’re looking for someone with strong Python skills, make sure to highlight your proficiency in this area. Include specific examples of how you've used Python in past projects, especially in relation to AI engineering.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. 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 First Central Services
✨Know Your AI Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in AI and Generative AI. Be ready to discuss your experience with Python and how you've applied it in real-world scenarios. This role is all about technical authority, so showing off your knowledge will definitely impress.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal AI Engineer, you'll be expected to mentor others and set technical standards. Prepare examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to champion responsible AI practices and how you've influenced others in your previous roles.
✨Understand the Business Context
1st Central is focused on delivering great value insurance. Familiarise yourself with their business model and think about how AI can enhance their services. Being able to connect your technical skills to their organisational goals will show that you're not just a techie, but someone who understands the bigger picture.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions to ask about their AI strategy, team dynamics, and company culture. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you too.
