Senior Engineer - Data Science

What is the opportunity? You’ll build the plumbing that gets ML models into the hands of the people who need them. Whether it’s REST APIs feeding internal apps, GraphQL endpoints powering dashboards, or MCP servers fueling AI agents - you own the serving layer that makes models actually useful across RBC. You’ll report to the Director, Data Science, working closely with the Data Science Lead to architect and deliver APIs and integrations that are reliable, secure, and built for scale. This is a permanent, full-time role requiring 4 days in the office at our London location.

What will you do?

• Design and build REST and GraphQL APIs that expose ML models from Databricks to internal apps, CRM platforms, and enterprise systems - handling contract design, versioning, authentication, and clear documentation.
• Build MCP servers that expose models and data products as structured tools for AI agents and LLM apps - enabling new use cases and unlocking what’s possible with AI.
• Create middleware layers when needed - handling transformation, enrichment, or protocol adaptation to bridge gaps between Databricks and downstream consumers.
• Keep APIs stable and well-documented - actively gather feedback from consumers (BI team, app builders, etc.) to fix gaps early and iterate based on what actually works.
• Collaborate with ML engineers and data engineers to ensure the serving layer sits on reliable, well-governed infrastructure.
• Build lightweight prototype applications to test, demonstrate, and validate model outputs and MCP-served capabilities.
• Set the bar for engineering quality - mentoring junior colleagues through code reviews and knowledge sharing; champion clean code, version control, CI/CD, and automated testing.
• Ensure security and governance standards are met across all APIs, MCP servers, and integrations.

What do you need to succeed?

• Must-have: Degree-level qualification (or equivalent professional experience) in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field.
• Extensive professional software engineering experience with strong emphasis on back-end development, API design, and production-grade service delivery.
• Demonstrable experience designing, building, and maintaining REST and/or GraphQL APIs - comfortable with contract design, versioning, authentication, and documentation.
• Proficiency in Python as a primary back-end language, with hands-on experience building and deploying Python-based APIs (FastAPI, Flask, or similar).
• Experience with cloud data platforms - particularly Databricks - and solid understanding of how model outputs and data products are served from these platforms.
• Demonstrable experience designing and building MCP servers, defining tools and resources, and managing server lifecycle.

• Nice-to-have: Hands-on experience with Databricks Model Serving, MLflow, or equivalent model registry and serving infrastructure.
• Familiarity with agentic application frameworks like LangChain, LlamaIndex, or AutoGen, and how they interact with MCP servers.
• Experience working in regulated industries such as financial services.

What is in it for you?

• A comprehensive Total Rewards Programme including bonuses, flexible benefits and competitive compensation.
• Leaders who support your development through coaching and managing opportunities.
• Opportunities to work with the best in the field.
• Ability to make a difference and lasting impact.
• Work in a dynamic, collaborative, progressive, and high-performing team.
• A world-class training programme in financial services.