At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to design, build, and deploy innovative AI solutions.
- Company: OakNorth, a leader in empowering ambitious businesses across the UK and US.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, competitive salary, and exposure to senior stakeholders.
- Other info: Opportunity for rapid career growth in a collaborative and autonomous environment.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of AI innovation and make a real impact in finance.
- Qualifications: Recent Computer Science graduates or early-career developers with AI coding skills.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
At OakNorth, we’re on a mission to empower the UK’s most ambitious businesses. Since 2015, we’ve lent over $21 billion across the UK and US, helped create more than 58,000 new homes and 36,000 new jobs, and supported hundreds of thousands of personal savers — all while fuelling the UK economy.
We are hiring Junior Software Engineers, recent Computer Science graduates or early-career developers. You will join our new AI-native engineering team: small, highly autonomous teams working in an entirely new way. With your peers, you will contribute across the full product development lifecycle—design, build, test, and deploy—within a highly autonomous pod. This isn’t an experiment at OakNorth. It’s the clear direction for all our development practices, and you will be at the forefront of this innovation.
You will push the limits of modern AI tools, then turn that capability into working systems used by real teams. We’re looking for curious builders—people who instinctively test, compare, break, rebuild, and optimize. You will help shape what AI-native engineering culture looks like inside the bank. The focus is execution: rapid prototyping, deployment, and measurable impact.
Key Responsibilities- Research emerging AI tools, frameworks, and coding methods
- Experiment with new approaches and validate technical feasibility
- Identify operational bottlenecks and redesign them using AI-native solutions
- Prototype rapidly using tools like Claude Code, Cursor, Copilot, and Codex—then deploy into live environments
- Translate technical capability into business value
- Test and compare emerging AI tools for business impact
- Contribute to AI governance, standards, and best practices
- Direct exposure to multiple business functions and senior stakeholders
- Hands-on experience designing and deploying automation and AI solutions in a regulated financial environment
- Deep understanding of process optimization and automation best practices
- The opportunity to contribute to the development of AI governance, standards, and best practices
- A portfolio of real AI and automation builds with measurable business impact
- Strong understanding of software development principles, best practices, and system design
- Fluency in AI coding tools (Claude Code, Cursor, Copilot, Codex, ChatGPT, etc.)
- Experience with Python and API integrations
- Demonstrated ability to build projects or automations using AI tools
- Ability to research AI concepts and translate them into practical business applications
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to break down complex processes
- Clear communication skills for working with cross-functional teams and senior leaders
- Curiosity, initiative, and passion for exploring new technologies
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple stakeholders, and deliver value in a fast-paced environment
Junior Software Engineer (AI Native Pod) - Entry Level employer: OakNorth
Contact Detail:
OakNorth Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Software Engineer (AI Native Pod) - Entry Level
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or at university. Let them know you're on the hunt for a Junior Software Engineer role, and ask if they can refer you to any openings at OakNorth or similar companies.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in tech communities! Join local meetups or online forums related to AI and software development. This is a great way to learn, share ideas, and potentially meet someone who can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving AI tools like Claude Code or Copilot. When you apply through our website, include links to your work to impress potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by practising common technical questions and coding challenges. Use platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to sharpen your skills. Remember, confidence and clear communication are key when discussing your problem-solving approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Software Engineer (AI Native Pod) - Entry Level
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for AI: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for AI and software development shine through. Share any projects or experiences that highlight your curiosity and initiative in exploring new technologies. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about the field!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Junior Software Engineer role. Highlight relevant skills, like your experience with Python and AI coding tools. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at OakNorth, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your experiences and skills. We appreciate candidates who can communicate effectively, especially when it comes to complex topics like AI and software development.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at OakNorth. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at OakNorth
✨Know Your AI Tools
Familiarise yourself with the AI coding tools mentioned in the job description, like Claude Code and Copilot. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in your projects or studies, and think of specific examples where they helped you solve a problem or improve a process.
✨Showcase Your Curiosity
Demonstrate your passion for exploring new technologies by discussing recent trends in AI or software development. Prepare a few insights or questions about emerging AI tools that could be relevant to OakNorth's mission, showing that you're not just a passive learner but an active participant in the tech community.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect to face questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Practice breaking down complex scenarios into manageable parts and explaining your thought process clearly. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Understand the Business Impact
Be ready to discuss how your technical skills can translate into business value. Think about how AI solutions can optimise processes or create efficiencies, and prepare to share your thoughts on how you would approach identifying operational bottlenecks at OakNorth.