AI Engineer (Contract)

AI Engineer (Contract)

Freelance 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Houseful

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Build and maintain AI automations to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience.
  • Company: Join Alto Software Group, a leading B2B SaaS platform in the UK property industry.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on innovation and collaboration in a fast-paced environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by embedding AI into core operations and reducing costs.
  • Qualifications: Experience with LLM-based automation, Python, SQL, and API integrations required.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

6 months Initial Contract - Must work from the UK.

Alto Software Group (ASG) is a leading B2B SaaS platform serving the UK property industry. We power thousands of estate agency branches and support a significant proportion of UK housing transactions each year. We are building a data-driven, operationally efficient platform business. AI will be a structural lever in improving internal productivity, reducing operational cost, and enhancing customer experience.

This is a hands-on delivery role responsible for building the automations and AI integrations that embed AI into how we operate.

The Role:

We are hiring a contract AI Engineer to build, deploy and maintain AI-enabled automations across our core systems stack. Working with the Principal Engineer and the Head of AI Operations, you will take prioritised automation opportunities from design through to production. You will deliver against an internal AI roadmap spanning Customer Operations, Marketing, Finance, Education and Training to:

  • Automate high-volume, manual administrative workflows
  • Build AI-enabled workflows in Salesforce, Zendesk, HubSpot, Zuora and Thrive LMS
  • Turn the Mission Control data platform into an engine for event-triggered automation
  • Reduce operational overhead and improve reporting speed and accuracy

Core Responsibilities:

Automation Build & Integration:
  • Build and maintain automation pipelines using n8n, Zapier/Make and direct LLM API integrations (OpenAI/Anthropic)
  • Develop API and webhook integrations across Salesforce, Zendesk, HubSpot, Zuora and Thrive LMS
  • Implement workflows such as ticket summarisation, tagging, routing and AI triage
AI Engineering:
  • Design and implement RAG pipelines and vector database integrations over internal knowledge
  • Develop, test and version prompts; evaluate and improve output quality
  • Build event-triggered automations and AI-enabled reporting on Mission Control
Quality, Security & Handover:
  • Apply sound engineering standards: error handling, logging and monitoring of automations in production
  • Ensure GDPR-compliant, secure handling of customer and company data
  • Document solutions clearly and hand over to internal teams for ongoing operation

What Success Looks Like (First 6 Months):

  • Priority automation workflows live, stable and monitored in production
  • Measurable reduction in manual effort in targeted workflows
  • Reliable integrations across the core systems stack
  • Clear documentation enabling internal teams to operate and extend what you build

Required Experience:

Technical:
  • Proven delivery of LLM-based automation in production environments
  • Strong experience with automation platforms (n8n, Make or Zapier)
  • Proficiency in Python and SQL
  • Strong API and webhook integration capability
  • Experience working with OpenAI/Anthropic APIs and prompt engineering
  • Experience building RAG pipelines and working with vector databases
  • Experience automating CRM (Salesforce) and support (Zendesk) environments preferred
Delivery:
  • Experience operating in B2B SaaS or similar fast-moving environments
  • Track record of delivering as a contractor: scoping, building and handing over cleanly
  • Comfortable working with non-technical stakeholders to refine requirements
Personal Attributes:
  • Delivery-focused and pragmatic
  • High agency and accountability
  • Structured, with strong attention to reliability and security
  • Comfortable working in ambiguity
  • Clear communicator with technical and non-technical audiences

Why This Role Matters:

AI will be a structural margin lever for ASG. The automations you build will directly reduce operational cost, increase capacity without incremental headcount, and embed AI as core operational infrastructure rather than experimentation.

AI Engineer (Contract) employer: Houseful

Alto Software Group (ASG) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets operational efficiency. As a contract AI Engineer, you will have the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the UK property industry while collaborating with a talented team dedicated to leveraging AI for meaningful improvements. With a focus on employee growth and a culture that values accountability and clear communication, ASG provides a unique platform for professionals looking to advance their careers in a fast-paced B2B SaaS setting.

Houseful

Contact Details:

Houseful Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land AI Engineer (Contract)

Get Involved in Automation Communities

Join online groups and forums where automation enthusiasts hang out, like certain subreddits or dedicated Facebook groups. Share your insights, ask questions, and connect with others in the field—it's a great way to find freelance opportunities and showcase your expertise.

Build a Standout Portfolio

Make sure you’ve got a killer portfolio that highlights your past automation projects. Whether you’ve developed control systems or automated industrial processes, displaying your work visually can help attract clients. Don’t forget to include testimonials from previous collaborations to boost your credibility!

Reach Out to Local Businesses

Many companies are on the lookout for freelancers with automation skills but don’t know where to find them. Visit local manufacturers or businesses that could benefit from optimising their systems, and pitch your services. A personal connection can make all the difference!

Explore Industry Events and Conferences

Keep an eye out for automation and control systems conferences or networking events happening nearby. Attend these gatherings to meet potential clients or collaborators face-to-face—plus, it’s a chance to keep up with industry trends that can inform your freelance projects.

We think you need these skills to ace AI Engineer (Contract)

Automation Platforms (n8n, Zapier/Make)
LLM API Integrations (OpenAI/Anthropic)
Python
SQL
API and Webhook Integration
RAG Pipelines
Vector Database Integration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Projects:When applying for a freelance role in automation control systems, it's all about showcasing your projects. Include detailed case studies or examples of past work in your portfolio that demonstrate your technical skills and innovative solutions, especially the ones that highlight your experience with control systems or automation processes relevant to Houseful.

Highlight Relevant Certifications:Get your certifications front and centre! Many clients in the automation and control systems field value industry-specific qualifications. Be sure to emphasise any relevant certificates you've earned that pertain to automation technologies or software; this can really help you stand out to Houseful.

Include Your Rates and Availability:As a freelancer, transparency is key. In your application, clearly state your rates and your availability for projects. This allows Houseful to assess if you’re a good fit for their budget and timelines without back-and-forth discussions.

Tailor Your CV Specifically to the Role:Your CV should be tailored for the automation control systems niche. Focus on sector-specific skills, such as familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, and any relevant software. Make sure to adapt your experience to showcase how it aligns with the needs of Houseful!

How to prepare for a job interview at Houseful

Show Off Your Portfolio

Make sure you bring along a well-curated portfolio that highlights your past automation and control system projects. We want to showcase not just the final results but also the process, challenges, and solutions you implemented. This gives potential clients like Houseful real insight into how you work and what you can deliver.

Get Ready for Technical Questions

In this field, you might be quizzed on specific automation tools and programming languages you’ve used. Brush up on common queries about PLCs, SCADA systems, or any relevant software like Siemens TIA Portal or Rockwell Automation. Being prepared to discuss these will certainly set you apart from other freelancers.

Understand Their Needs

Since you’ll be freelancing, it’s important to grasp what Houseful actually requires beyond just the technical skills. Get a good grip on their current systems and any pain points they’re facing. Tailoring your proposal to show how you can resolve these issues will elevate your standing in the interview.

Be Transparent with Rates

Freelance roles are all about negotiation, so be upfront about your rates based on your experience and the value you bring. Be prepared to discuss not just your hourly rate but also project-based costs. We need to demonstrate flexibility while still ensuring you're fairly compensated for your expertise in automation-control systems.