At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI-powered solutions that transform client workflows and drive impactful results.
- Company: Join Invisible Technologies, a leader in AI innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, equity, and flexible work arrangements.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with unmatched growth opportunities and a focus on innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI while working closely with top-tier clients.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in software engineering with expertise in Python and ML frameworks.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 88000 £ per year.
About Invisible
Invisible Technologies makes AI work. Our end-to-end AI platform structures messy data, automates digital workflows, deploys agentic solutions, measures outcomes, and integrates human expertise where it matters most. Our platform cleans, labels, and structures company data so it is ready for AI. It adapts models to each business and adds human expertise when needed, the same approach we have used to improve models for more than 80% of the world’s top AI companies, including Microsoft, AWS, and Cohere. Our successes span industries, from supply chain automation for Swiss Gear to AI-enabled naval simulations with SAIC, and validating NBA draft picks for the Charlotte Hornets. Profitable for more than half a decade, Invisible reached $134M in revenue and ranked as the number two fastest growing AI company on the 2024 Inc. 5000. In September 2025, we raised $100M in growth capital to accelerate our mission of making AI actually work in the enterprise and to advance our platform technology.
About The Role
As a Principal Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) at Invisible, you'll lead high-impact, AI-powered solutions that reshape how our clients operate their most critical workflows. You won’t just build and deploy — you’ll drive the strategy, architecture, and execution of end-to-end systems, working directly with clients. This is a hybrid role: equal parts AI engineer, software builder, and technical consultant. It's perfect for someone who wants to be hands-on with models and close to the impact they generate.
Please note - We are always looking to connect with talented individuals for this role. This posting is part of our ongoing effort to build a strong pipeline of candidates and may not correspond to an immediate opening. Candidates who move forward in the process may be considered for current and future opportunities as they arise.
What You’ll Do
- Partner with delivery and executive stakeholders to scope, design, and lead implementation of AI-driven solutions
- Identify transformational opportunities in messy, ambiguous workflows and turn them into repeatable systems
- Lead architecture design and trade-off discussions across performance, scalability, cost, and reliability
- Own projects from first discovery call through full deployment — including client-facing delivery, internal coordination, and post-launch iteration
- Build shared infrastructure, reusable components, and internal playbooks to level-up the team
- Coach and mentor mid-level engineers and help shape the culture of forward-deployed AI engineering at Invisible
What We Need
- 10+ years of software engineering experience, including significant time spent building data, ML, or backend systems
- Python & ML/LLM Frameworks: Deep proficiency in Python with hands-on experience using Hugging Face, LangChain, OpenAI, Pinecone, and related ecosystems
- Deployment & Infrastructure: Skilled in full-stack and API-based deployment patterns, including Docker, FastAPI, Kubernetes, and cloud environments (GCP, AWS)
- Platform Orchestration: Experienced with workflow orchestration libraries, pub/sub systems (Kafka), and schema governance
- Data Management: Expertise in data governance and operations, including Unity Catalog and policy management, cluster/job orchestration, data contracts and quality enforcement, Delta/ETL pipelines, and replay processes
- Strong product and system design instincts — you understand business needs and how to translate them into technical architecture
- Experience building usable systems from messy data and ambiguous requirements
- Excellent communication and client-facing skills; you’ve led conversations with technical and non-technical stakeholders alike
- Proven experience owning projects from scoping through deployment in ambiguous, high-stakes environments
- Be willing to be on-call for our customers when situations arise
- Ability to travel roughly 25–50% of the time, sometimes short-notice trips—primarily across North America with occasional international roll-outs—to work directly on-site with clients
- Strong engineering background demonstrated by a Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science and related fields OR equivalent professional experience
What’s In It For You
Invisible is committed to fair and competitive pay, ensuring that compensation reflects both market conditions and the value each team member brings. Our salary structure accounts for regional differences in cost of living while maintaining internal equity. For this position, the US annual salary range is: $250,000 - $300,000* Offers will also include bonus + equity. You can find more information about our geographic pay tiers here. During the interview process, your Invisible Talent Acquisition Partner will confirm which tier applies to your location. For candidates outside the U.S., compensation is adjusted to reflect local market conditions and cost of living. Bonuses and equity are included in all offers. Final compensation is determined by a combination of factors, including location, job-related experience, skills, knowledge, internal pay equity, and overall market conditions. Because of this, every offer is unique. Additional details on total compensation and benefits will be discussed during the hiring process.
What It's Like to Work at Invisible:
At Invisible, we’re not just redefining work—we’re reinventing it. We operate at the intersection of advanced AI and human ingenuity, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible to unlock productivity and scale. Ownership is at the core of everything we do. Here, you won’t just execute tasks—you’ll build, innovate, and shape the future alongside world-class clients pushing the boundaries of AI. We expect bold ideas, relentless drive, and the ability to turn ambiguity into opportunity. The pace is fast, the challenges are big, and the growth is unmatched. We’re not for everyone, and we’re okay with that. If you’re looking for predictable routines, this isn’t the place for you. But if you’re driven to create, thrive in dynamic environments, and want a front-row seat to the AI revolution, you’ll fit right in.
Country Hiring Guidelines:
Invisible is a hybrid organization with offices and team members located around the world. While some roles may offer remote flexibility, most positions involve in-office collaboration and are tied to specific locations. Any location-based requirements or hybrid expectations will be communicated by our Talent Acquisition team during the recruiting process.
AI Interviewing Guidelines:
Our hiring team thoughtfully uses AI to support an efficient, engaging, and inclusive interview process. Since AI can also be a helpful tool for candidates, we've outlined expectations for using it ethically throughout your interview journey.
Accessibility Statement:
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please submit your request using our accommodation request form. A member of our team will follow up to support your request.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
We’re an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. Due to a high volume of candidates, Invisible may use automated decision-maker technologies to filter candidates based on response to our application questions and other provided information. Our use of automated decision-making enables us to be efficient by providing a manageable list of possible candidates that meet our mandatory hiring criteria. If you object to our use of automated decision-making please contact us.
Principal Backend Engineer (Forward Deployed) in London employer: Invisible Technologies
Invisible Technologies is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and ownership, offering a dynamic work culture where employees can thrive in fast-paced environments. With significant growth opportunities, competitive compensation, and a commitment to fair pay, team members are empowered to shape the future of AI while collaborating with world-class clients. Join us to be part of a transformative journey that values creativity and bold ideas, making a real impact in the enterprise landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Backend Engineer (Forward Deployed) in London
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Invisible Technologies or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Invisible Technologies.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Invisible Technologies.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Invisible Technologies that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Backend Engineer (Forward Deployed) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Invisible Technologies.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Invisible Technologies and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Invisible Technologies
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Invisible Technologies uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.