At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and delivery of innovative AI solutions in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Pearson's cutting-edge Enterprise Innovation team focused on high-impact projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Thriving in ambiguity and a builder mindset are key to success.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI while collaborating with top talent and partners.
- 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.
Required Skills and Competencies
- 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.
Qualifications (Education & Experience)
- 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 employer: Pearson
At Pearson, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. As a Principal Software Engineer in AI Innovation, you will be at the forefront of cutting-edge technology, working alongside talented professionals in a dynamic environment that encourages personal and professional growth. With a commitment to ethical responsibility and a focus on impactful projects, you'll have the unique opportunity to shape the future of AI solutions while enjoying a supportive work culture that values creativity and adaptability.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Software Engineer, AI Innovation
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the AI and software engineering space. Attend meetups, webinars, or even local tech events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your AI projects and full-stack work. This is your chance to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and innovative mindset. Make sure it’s easy to access and share with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its innovation initiatives. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their mission and bring your unique ideas to the table. Practice common technical questions and be prepared to showcase your thought process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Tailor your application to highlight your experience with early-stage projects and collaboration, and let us see how you can drive innovation with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Software Engineer, AI Innovation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for AI Innovation:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for AI and innovation shine through. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to tackle undefined problems and drive impactful solutions.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your full-stack engineering skills and any experience with early-stage products. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects and achievements.
Collaborate and Communicate:Since this role involves working closely with various teams, emphasise your collaboration skills. Mention instances where you’ve successfully partnered with UX, Product, or external stakeholders to co-develop innovative solutions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our new innovation-focused team!
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 AI solutions and how you've tackled ambiguous problems 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 Full-Stack Skills
Since this position requires a broad full-stack skillset, prepare to talk about your experience across frontend, backend, and infrastructure. Bring examples of projects where you’ve built and prototyped end-to-end solutions. Highlight any modern development tools you’ve used and how they contributed to your success.
✨Collaboration is Key
This role involves working closely with various teams, including UX and Product. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams in the past. Discuss how you’ve influenced ideas and driven solutions that have made a measurable impact.
✨Embrace Ambiguity
The job description mentions comfort with ambiguity and a builder mindset. Prepare to discuss situations where you thrived in undefined environments. Share how you approached early-stage projects and what strategies you used to shape direction rather than just follow orders.
