At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build backend systems and APIs for cutting-edge AI products.
- Company: Locai Labs, a pioneering AI company based in Paddington, London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team shaping the future of AI technology and applications.
- Qualifications: 2-5 years in software engineering, proficient in Python and JavaScript/TypeScript.
- Other info: Fast-paced start-up culture with opportunities for ownership and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
About Locai Labs
Locai Labs is The British Foundational AI Company, based in Paddington, London. We are dedicated to building world-class large language models at the forefront of cost, efficiency, and capability. Our mission is to advance cutting-edge AI from within the UK by combining deep technical innovation with engineering excellence, creating scalable models and intelligent systems that power next-generation applications for consumers and enterprises alike.
Our work spans across:
- Foundational AI model development
- Bespoke agentic applications for enterprise and consumer domains
- APIs and developer tools that enable intelligent automation
The Role
We are seeking a Software Engineer (Backend, AI Systems) to design and build the backend systems, APIs, and tools that power Locai Labs’ AI models and agentic platforms. You will work on a diverse range of challenges, from model-serving APIs and data pipelines to infrastructure for intelligent agents and automation frameworks. This is a hands-on engineering role for someone who enjoys solving complex technical problems and shipping impactful products. You will collaborate closely with the CTO and engineering team to design, build, and scale production systems that integrate AI into real-world applications.
Responsibilities:
- Design and develop backend systems and APIs for AI-driven products and agent frameworks
- Integrate LLMs into scalable, production-ready systems
- Build internal tools and services to manage agents, workflows, and orchestration logic
- Collaborate with frontend, infrastructure, and research teams to deliver cohesive product experiences
- Contribute to system architecture, technical design, and engineering best practices
- Write clean, maintainable, and well-tested code
Required Experience:
- 2–5 years of professional software engineering experience, ideally working on backend systems, APIs, or AI-related products
- Proficiency in Python and JavaScript/TypeScript (Node.js)
- Strong understanding of backend architectures, REST/GraphQL APIs, and data modelling
- Experience with containerisation (Docker) and cloud platforms (GCP, AWS, or similar)
- Familiarity with LLM or AI APIs
- Exposure to agentic frameworks (LangChain, LlamaIndex, Semantic Kernel, etc.)
- Practical experience with databases (SQL / NoSQL)
- Strong foundation in software design principles and systems thinking
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, early-stage start-up environment with ownership and autonomy
Nice to Have:
- Experience with vector databases or embedding pipelines
- Understanding of event-driven or real-time systems (Kafka, Pub/Sub, etc.)
- Knowledge of API authentication, access control, or multi-tenant architectures
- Familiarity with React or other front-end frameworks (for internal tools)
- Interest in applied AI research, model fine-tuning, or reasoning agents
Environment and Culture:
You will join a small, highly technical team where your contributions directly shape the company’s technology and products. We value ownership, curiosity, and pragmatism; every engineer at Locai Labs helps define architecture, infrastructure, and product direction. You will work on-site at our Paddington HQ, collaborating closely with the CTO and engineering team in a transparent, fast-moving, and innovation-focused environment.
Application Process:
Application Review – We evaluate your background and experience.
Take-Home Technical Assessment – A short exercise to demonstrate your engineering approach.
Technical Interview – Discussion of technical depth, design thinking, and problem-solving.
On-Site Session at HQ – Collaboration exercises and technical discussions with the team.
Offer – Formal offer and next steps.
If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you. Apply directly via the form below: Application Form
Software Engineer (Backend, AI Systems) in City of London employer: Locai Labs
Contact Detail:
Locai Labs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Engineer (Backend, AI Systems) in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those at Locai Labs or similar companies. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a GitHub or portfolio, make sure it’s up to date with your best work. This is your chance to demonstrate your coding chops and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the technical assessment like it’s the final exam! Brush up on your Python and JavaScript/TypeScript skills, and be ready to tackle backend systems and APIs. Practice makes perfect!
✨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 the team at Locai Labs.
We think you need these skills to ace Software Engineer (Backend, AI Systems) in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Software Engineer role. Highlight your experience with backend systems, APIs, and any AI-related projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Locai Labs!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: When detailing your experience, focus on your proficiency in Python and JavaScript/TypeScript. Mention any relevant projects that demonstrate your understanding of backend architectures and data modelling. This is your chance to shine, so let us know what you can bring to the table!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application directly via our website! This helps us streamline the process and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Locai Labs
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re well-versed in Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, and the backend architectures mentioned in the job description. Brush up on REST/GraphQL APIs and data modelling, as these will likely come up during technical discussions.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous roles, especially those related to AI systems or backend development. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your impact.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Their Products
Research Locai Labs and their AI-driven products before the interview. Understanding their mission and the technologies they use will help you ask insightful questions and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Collaboration Questions
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, be ready to discuss your experience in collaborative environments. Think of examples where you’ve successfully worked with frontend developers or contributed to system architecture discussions.