At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop innovative generative AI services using Python and Java.
- Company: Join Elsevier, a global leader in information analytics and technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, wellbeing initiatives, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with mentorship opportunities and a focus on work-life balance.
- 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 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 benefit from our strong emphasis on employee growth through mentorship and flexible working arrangements. With a focus on work-life balance and numerous wellbeing initiatives, we empower our team members to achieve their professional and personal goals while making a meaningful impact in the fields of science and healthcare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Software Engineer I – AI Engineering
✨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. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to the exciting work we do.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Software Engineer I – AI Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Senior Software Engineer I role. Highlight your expertise in Python, Java, and any relevant AI projects you've worked on. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for generative AI and explain why you're excited about working with us at StudySmarter. Be specific about how your background fits into the role and our team’s goals.
Showcase Your Projects:If you've built scalable systems or worked on AI services, don’t hold back! Include links to your GitHub or any relevant projects in your application. We love seeing practical examples of your work and how you tackle challenges.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our team there!
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 your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Your Python and Java Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency in Python and Java during the interview. You might be asked to solve coding problems or discuss past projects where you used these languages. Have examples ready that highlight your backend development experience.
✨Understand the Architecture
Familiarise yourself with cloud-native architectures and Kubernetes (EKS). Be prepared to discuss how you've designed and deployed scalable applications in a similar environment. This will show that you can hit the ground running in their tech stack.
✨Be a Team Player
Since collaboration is key in this role, think of examples where you've worked closely with cross-functional teams. Highlight your mentoring experiences and how you've contributed to team success. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in an Agile or Kanban environment.