Senior AI Software Engineer (Research and Development) (Culham)

Luffy AI is an exciting high-tech startup developing adaptive neural networks for industrial control & robotics (Physical AI). Luffy specialises in “Micro AI” controllers (sometimes referred to as TinyML) that can be trained in simulation on digital twins and successfully transferred into real world systems. The Micro AI controllers can be deployed on existing controller hardware with a small footprint and no internet connection. Our networks use neuroplasticity to learn the dynamics of the equipment they are placed in and continue to adapt long after training. These innovations allow us to overcome the difficulty of applying AI in control system applications. Our transformative AI technology allows process industries and manufacturers to improve productivity and save energy, and allows industrial automation vendors to simplify and extend the operating envelope of their machines. This revolutionary control technology is a key enabler of Industry 4.0, with huge potential in foundation industries such as metals, glass and cement manufacturing, as well as in automation sectors such as electric motors and robotic systems. We are based at the Culham Science Centre near Oxford, UK and have a satellite office in the centre of Bristol.

We are looking for a passionate Senior AI Software Engineer to work with our CTO and AI Architect to work on our proprietary AI stack, both delivering operational improvements for our AI Control Engineers who use the stack to train controllers, and working on R&D projects to drive step changes in the Stack’s capabilities longer term. The code frameworks you will work on include neural network execution engines, genetic algorithms and training frameworks. This dynamic role will require you to have a broad interest in and experience in software engineering, working collaboratively with other developers on innovative code bases. Experience of genetic algorithms, low level neural network execution and concepts such as neuroplasticity, recurrent neural networks and reinforcement learning frameworks like OpenAI Gym would be a huge advantage. This role requires specific experience with Python and familiarity with C/C++ or GPU programming would be a bonus. As an early team member in a growing startup you will be in a unique position to influence the direction of the company and tailor the role to your interests.

The specific role can be adapted to your skill-set, but we are broadly looking for someone to take on the following responsibilities:

• Development of proprietary AI training and inference framework used by our AI Control Engineers
• Research and development activities to drive significant step improvements to our AI Stack
• Engage with academic partners and the AI community through collaborations, conferences, and open-source contributions
• Liaise with applications engineers and our commercial teams to identify and develop new features and capabilities
• Contribute to or lead the development of internal software libraries
• Champion and maintain code quality standards and professional software development practices across our code base.

Behaviours and personal characteristics:

• Passionate about software engineering and about writing robust, efficient code that is well thought out and tested.
• Keen interest in AI research, with an interest in following new scientific and technical developments in the field
• Fast learner, comfortable picking up new technologies and techniques.
• T-shaped person, deep expertise in a few areas but able to be a generalist when needed.
• Team player.
• Strong organisational skills.

Essentials:

• At least BSc in Computer Science or relevant discipline
• 3-5 years professional software development experience
• Strong Python skills
• Some experience with Reinforcement Learning
• Solid grounding in API design, algorithms, design principles
• Well versed with industry standard development practices, testing frameworks, source control (git), CI, etc
• Experience of agile development practices, especially Scrum

Desirable:

• Master’s or PhD in Computer Science or relevant discipline
• Strong experience with a statically typed language, preferably C, C++, or Rust
• Experience with genetic algorithms or neuroevolution
• Experience with neural network concepts such as neuroplasticity and recurrent neural networks
• Experience of reinforcement learning frameworks like OpenAI Gym
• Experience with software optimisation or high performance computing
• Fluent in English with excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience of leading agile processes especially Scrum Master

Full time salary will depend on experience and capability assessment during the interview process. EMI share options scheme. 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays. Flexible working – we require a minimum level of on-site presence, but will accommodate your work style preferences where possible. We can’t accept fully remote candidates.