At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and delivery of innovative AI solutions in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Pearson, a leader in educational innovation and technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a founding team driving high-impact projects in an exciting environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI while solving real-world problems with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in software engineering and AI innovation required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
This is a founding engineer role in a new, innovation-focused team being built from scratch within Pearson's Enterprise Innovation function. The mission of the team is to drive early-stage, high-impact innovation initiatives: solving customer problems, supporting strategic deals, and co-innovating with external partners.
You will lead the design and delivery of advanced AI solutions, collaborate with partners and product leaders to co-innovate, assess technical feasibility, and drive architecture decisions for high-impact, ambiguous, early-stage projects.
Key Responsibilities:- Partner with internal and external stakeholders to identify, assess, and co-develop AI-driven innovation opportunities.
- Shape and prototype early-stage ideas, taking undefined problems and helping define what gets built.
- Lead technical feasibility reviews and shape architecture for enterprise-scale AI initiatives.
- Decide how projects are executed — whether built internally, handed off to partners, or scaled through dedicated delivery teams — and drive that execution.
- Build and prototype across the full stack, using modern tools and infrastructure.
- Guide multiple engineering squads, ensuring execution of the co-innovation strategy and measurable business impact.
- Collaborate closely with UX and Product to deliver differentiated, cross-functional solutions.
- Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Automated AI (AutoAI), AI Agents (Advanced): Architect and deliver innovative AI solutions.
- Full-Stack Engineering, Modern Development Tools (Advanced): Build and prototype end-to-end across frontend, backend, and infrastructure.
- Cloud Computing, API Management, DevOps, Data Security, Information Security (Advanced): Lead technical execution and ensure compliance.
- Collaboration, Innovation, Cross-Functional Working, Technical Acumen, Problem Solving (Advanced): Influence across teams and partners, shape ideas, and drive differentiated solutions.
- Comfort with Ambiguity, Builder Mindset (Advanced): Operate effectively in undefined, fast-moving, early-stage environments.
- Learning to Learn, Adaptability, Ethical Responsibility (Effective–Advanced): Embrace new technologies and maintain high ethical standards.
- Extensive experience in software engineering and AI innovation, with a broad full-stack skillset.
- Proven track record of working on early-stage or 0→1 products, shaping direction rather than only executing defined requirements.
- Demonstrated ability to thrive in ambiguity and collaborate cross-functionally with UX, Product, and external partners.
- Proven track record in partner co-development and technical delivery.
- Deep expertise in software architecture, cloud, and emerging AI technologies.
- A career history showing adaptability across products or problem spaces.
Principal Software Engineer, AI Innovation in London employer: Pearson
At Pearson, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for those in the Principal Software Engineer role within our innovative AI team. Our collaborative work culture fosters creativity and growth, offering employees the chance to lead groundbreaking projects that shape the future of education technology. With a commitment to professional development and a focus on ethical innovation, we provide a unique environment where your contributions can make a significant impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Software Engineer, AI Innovation in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your industry on LinkedIn or at meetups. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Principal Software Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your AI projects and full-stack work. We want to see how you tackle undefined problems and drive innovation, so make sure your work speaks for itself.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to discuss your experience with early-stage products. We’re looking for someone who thrives in ambiguity, so don’t shy away from sharing how you’ve navigated challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Software Engineer, AI Innovation in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Software Engineer role. Highlight your experience in AI innovation and full-stack engineering, and don’t forget to mention any projects where you’ve thrived in ambiguity!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:We want to see how you tackle undefined problems! Include examples of how you've shaped early-stage ideas or led technical feasibility reviews. This will show us your builder mindset and ability to drive innovation.
Highlight Collaboration Experience:Since this role involves working closely with various teams, share instances where you’ve collaborated with UX, Product, or external partners. We love seeing how you influence and co-develop solutions across different functions.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you into our system. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pearson
✨Know Your AI Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and technologies in AI and machine learning. Be ready to discuss your experience with full-stack engineering and how you've tackled ambiguous projects in the past. This role is all about innovation, so show them you're not just familiar with the tech but also passionate about it!
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this position involves working closely with various teams, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with UX, Product, or external partners. Highlight any co-development experiences that demonstrate your ability to influence and drive projects forward.
✨Embrace Ambiguity
This role thrives in undefined environments, so come equipped with stories that showcase your comfort with ambiguity. Talk about times when you've taken a vague idea and turned it into a successful project. They want to see your builder mindset in action!
✨Prepare for Technical Feasibility Discussions
Expect to dive deep into technical discussions during your interview. Brush up on your knowledge of cloud computing, API management, and data security. Be ready to explain how you would assess technical feasibility for AI initiatives and make architecture decisions that align with business goals.
