At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop cutting-edge generative AI services using Python and Java.
- Company: Join Elsevier, a global leader in information analytics and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, wellbeing initiatives, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate in a dynamic team and mentor the next generation of engineers.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI while making a real-world impact in research and healthcare.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in software engineering with expertise in Python, Java, and cloud-native architectures.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Are you excited about shaping the future of generative AI in a global technology environment? Do you enjoy building scalable, production-ready AI services that deliver real-world impact?
About the Team
Our team builds LeapSpace, the research companion for the people working at the frontier of human knowledge: researchers, clinicians, and innovators advancing science, healthcare, and life sciences. We help them ask better questions, follow ideas across disciplines, and reach decisions they can stand behind. LeapSpace fits into the real workflow of a researcher. It reads with them, drafts with them, and remembers context across a project, so the heavy lifting of reviewing literature, comparing evidence, and structuring arguments becomes lighter and faster. Our team shapes every part of that experience, from the moment a user types a question to the moment they cite a result in their work.
As part of this mission, the AI Engineering team is focused on building reusable generative AI capabilities that can be embedded across products and platforms. We create scalable, secure, and production-ready AI services — enabling downstream teams to integrate cutting-edge GenAI features with confidence.
About Role
We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer I with a passion for generative AI and platform architecture. In this role, you will implement robust systems to deliver reusable AI services and components, collaborating closely with cross-functional stakeholders to solve meaningful challenges. You will also contribute to mentoring other engineers and help evolve our engineering practices.
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and maintain generative AI services and reusable components using mostly Python and a little bit of Java.
- Define and promote best practices in engineering, including scalability, observability, testing, and CI/CD.
- Contribute to system designs spanning multiple services and modules, aligning with architectural best practices.
- Collaborate with product, platform, and research teams to translate AI prototypes into production-ready capabilities.
- Work within a Kubernetes (EKS) environment to deploy scalable, containerized applications.
- Contribute to the resolution of complex technical challenges across distributed systems.
- Mentor less-senior developers on engineering principles, GenAI patterns, and platform development.
- Participate in code reviews, architecture sessions, and cross-team initiatives to ensure quality and maintainability.
- Stay informed of the latest developments in generative AI and advocate for responsible integration into product ecosystems.
Requirements
- 5+ years of software engineering experience.
- Solid understanding of software development methodologies and data modeling principles.
- Deep expertise in Python and Java.
- Strong proficiency in backend development and familiarity with modern AI/LLM tools and frameworks (e.g., LangChain, LangGraph).
- Strong experience with Kubernetes (EKS) and cloud-native architectures.
- Proven track record building scalable backend systems and APIs.
- Experience mentoring engineers and contributing to architectural decisions.
- Ability to work collaboratively across functions in an Agile or Kanban environment.
Nice to Have
- Experience operationalizing LLMs or building internal AI platforms.
- Familiarity with observability practices (metrics, logging, alerts).
- Exposure to knowledge graphs or semantic search systems.
Work in a Way That Works for You
We promote a healthy work-life balance across the organization. With numerous wellbeing initiatives, shared parental leave, study assistance, and sabbaticals, we will help you meet your immediate responsibilities and your long-term goals.
Working Pattern
Working flexible hours — flexing the times you work in the day to help you fit everything in and work when you are the most productive.
About the Business
Elsevier is a global information analytics business that helps institutions and professionals advance healthcare, open science, and improve performance for the benefit of humanity.
We are an equal opportunity employer: qualified applicants are considered for and treated during employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship status, disability status, protected veteran status, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Senior Software Engineer I – AI Engineering in London employer: RELX
At Elsevier, we are committed to fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where innovation thrives. As a Senior Software Engineer I in AI Engineering, you will not only contribute to groundbreaking generative AI solutions but also enjoy a flexible working pattern that promotes a healthy work-life balance. With ample opportunities for professional growth, mentorship, and participation in cutting-edge projects, you'll be part of a team dedicated to making a real-world impact in science and healthcare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Software Engineer I – AI Engineering in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with people on LinkedIn. 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 projects, especially those related to generative AI. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do and sets you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common technical questions and coding challenges. Use platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to sharpen your skills. Remember, confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Software Engineer I – AI Engineering in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with generative AI and platform architecture. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since we’re looking for someone with deep expertise in Python and Java, be sure to include specific examples of your work in these languages. Mention any frameworks or tools you’ve used, especially those related to AI and cloud-native architectures.
Highlight Collaboration Experience:We value teamwork, so share instances where you’ve collaborated with cross-functional teams. Whether it’s product, research, or engineering, showing how you’ve worked together to solve challenges will make your application stand out.
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 ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at RELX
✨Know Your Generative AI Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and technologies in generative AI. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these concepts in your previous roles, especially in building scalable AI services. This shows you're not just familiar with the tech but passionate about it!
✨Showcase Your Python and Java Skills
Since the role requires deep expertise in Python and Java, prepare to talk about specific projects where you've used these languages. Bring examples of how you've implemented robust systems or contributed to backend development, as this will highlight your technical prowess.
✨Collaboration is Key
This position involves working closely with cross-functional teams, so be ready to share experiences where you've successfully collaborated with product, platform, or research teams. Highlight any Agile or Kanban methodologies you've used to ensure smooth teamwork.
✨Mentorship Matters
As a senior engineer, you'll be expected to mentor others. Think of instances where you've guided less-senior developers or contributed to architectural decisions. Discussing your approach to mentoring can demonstrate your leadership skills and commitment to team growth.
