At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI feature design in PyCharm and Python tools, prototyping and shipping features hands-on.
- Company: Join JetBrains, a leader in developer tools with a passion for coding.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work, extra time off, and mental health support.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for learning and growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI in development and make a real impact on coding tools.
- Qualifications: Strong software engineering experience in Python/Kotlin and familiarity with modern AI tooling.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
At Jet Brains, code is our passion.
Ever since we started back in 2000, we have been striving to make the strongest, most effective developer tools on earth.
By automating routine checks and corrections, our tools speed up production, freeing developers to grow, discover, and create.
The Python Ecosystem team builds Py Charm – one of the most popular Python IDEs in the world – along with the Python plugin for Intelli J IDEA.
As AI changes how developers write, debug, and ship code, we’re making our Python tools AI-native.
We’re looking for an AI Lead to drive this effort by shaping the architecture, building key components hands-on, and guiding the team in making strong decisions around AI-powered product development.
In this role, you will
- Lead the technical design of AI features in Py Charm and our Python tooling, including MCP integrations, agent workflows, tool design, and context management.
- Prototype and ship features yourself – this is a hands-on technical leadership role.
- Help the team adopt AI technologies effectively by providing technical guidance, reviewing approaches, and sharing practical patterns.
- Evaluate emerging AI tools, frameworks, and providers, and make pragmatic decisions about what to build and what to integrate.
- Work closely with product managers, ML engineers, QA specialists, and senior developers to turn product ideas into solid technical plans.
- Navigate a large Kotlin/Java codebase and expose Intelli J Platform capabilities – such as code analysis, inspections, refactorings, and type inference – to AI-powered workflows.
- Contribute to cross-team AI efforts and help define shared engineering patterns where appropriate.
We’d love to talk to you if you have
- Strong software engineering experience, particularly in Python and/or Kotlin/JVM.
- Deep, hands-on familiarity with modern AI tooling for developers, including coding assistants, agents, MCP, and LLM-based workflows.
- Experience working in large, mature codebases and delivering meaningful technical change without compromising quality.
- Familiarity with LLM evaluation and benchmarking.
- A track record of making good technical decisions in fast-moving, ambiguous areas like proposing architectures, building prototypes, and iterating based on feedback.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to influence technical direction without formal authority.
- A strong product sense and care about solving real user problems, not just building interesting technology.
Nice to have
- Experience with IDE or developer tooling internals, such as language servers, code analysis, or related systems.
- Experience with the Python AI/ML ecosystem.
Why join Jet Brains?
- Strong base salary. We offer competitive pay that reflects your skills and experience.
- Flexible work location. Enjoy the freedom to work from home or from the office.
- Remote work. Spend up to 30 days per year working remotely from abroad.
- Extra time off. More days to relax, recharge, and do the things you love.
- Medical insurance allowance. Enjoy peace of mind for you and your family
- Learning and development opportunities. Access to conferences, courses, and language classes.
Relocation support. We help make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible. (keep if relevant for the role)
- Language classes. Pick up the local language or sharpen your English skills.
- Fuel your day. Enjoy a hot meal or receive a lunch allowance on workdays.
- Mental health support. To help you feel your best, we provide easy access to professional mental health services.
- Sports benefit. Enjoy an on-site gym or sports club stipend.
- Internal events. Join company-wide celebrations and team gatherings.
*Some benefits may vary depending on location.
- #LI-DNI
- We are an equal opportunity employer
We know great ideas can come from anyone, anywhere.
That’s why we do our best to create an open and inclusive workplace – one that welcomes everyone regardless of their background, identity, religion, age, accessibility needs, or orientation.
We process the data provided in your job application in accordance with the
Recruitment Privacy Policy.
AI Lead, Python Tools in London employer: JetBrains
JetBrains is an excellent employer for those looking to make a significant impact in the software development landscape. With a strong focus on innovation and a collaborative work culture, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while working on cutting-edge AI-first tools. The flexibility of remote work combined with opportunities for professional development makes JetBrains a rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land AI Lead, Python Tools 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 JetBrains 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 JetBrains.
✨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 JetBrains.
✨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 JetBrains 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 AI Lead, Python Tools 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 JetBrains.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at JetBrains 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 JetBrains
✨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 JetBrains 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.
