At a Glance
- Tasks: Build and improve AI features using Python in a dynamic fintech environment.
- Company: Join a growing fintech scale-up focused on innovative AI solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, remote work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Enjoy ownership of projects and close collaboration with senior tech leaders.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping AI technology in customer-facing products.
- Qualifications: Strong Python skills and a passion for practical AI applications.
I'm working with a growing fintech/scale-up that is building AI into a customer-facing product used within the affordability and financial services space. They already have an AI virtual assistant within the platform, but until now a lot of the specialist AI work has sat with an external partner. They've reached the point where they want to start bringing that capability in-house and are looking for someone who can help them build on what is already there.
This is not a role for someone who wants to train their own LLM from scratch. It is more about taking existing LLMs and AI services, understanding how to use them properly, and building useful product features around them.
The business is fairly open-minded on level. You might be a graduate with a year or two of experience, a Python developer who has started moving into AI, a Machine Learning Engineer, or a Data Scientist with stronger engineering habits. They are not expecting someone to have ten years of LLM experience, because realistically very few people do.
What they do need is someone bright, practical and genuinely interested in building AI that works in the real world. You'll be working on the AI side of a product that helps users complete income and expenditure journeys. In simple terms, the customer can either fill in the form themselves, or interact with the virtual assistant, which helps capture and complete the information for them.
That means the AI work has to fit into a wider software product. It needs to connect with the front end, work safely, be tested properly, and be built with security in mind from the start.
The role will involve:
- Building and improving AI/LLM features using Python
- Creating quick proof of concepts to test ideas
- Taking the right ideas further into production
- Working with existing LLMs, APIs and AI services
- Thinking about guardrails, safety, hallucination risk and validation
- Building software in a secure way, particularly given the regulated nature of the product
- Supporting automated testing rather than treating testing as an afterthought
- Working in a DevOps environment where builds, releases and deployments are automated
- Understanding how the AI module fits into the wider product and customer journey
The key things they are looking for are:
- Strong Python skills
- A good general understanding of LLMs
- Some exposure to GenAI, chatbots, NLP, RAG, prompt engineering or similar
- An interest in AI guardrails and responsible use of AI
- Good software engineering principles
- Awareness of security in modern development
- A willingness to test properly and automate where possible
- Some understanding of cloud platforms - Azure would be ideal, but AWS or GCP is fine
- The ability to learn quickly and work out the right way to use new technologies
It would also be useful if you had experience with JavaScript, deep learning, LangChain, LlamaIndex, Azure OpenAI, OpenAI APIs or similar tools, but none of these are absolute requirements.
This is probably best suited to someone who wants more ownership than they may get in a larger business. You'll be close to senior technology leadership, close to the product, and involved in shaping how AI is used rather than just being handed small pieces of work.
The most important thing is mindset. They want someone who can build, test, learn quickly, and stay focused on why the feature is being built in the first place.
AI Engineer in Birmingham employer: SF Partners
Join a dynamic fintech scale-up that values innovation and creativity, offering a collaborative work culture where your contributions directly impact the development of AI-driven products. With a focus on employee growth, you'll have the opportunity to work closely with senior technology leaders, gaining hands-on experience in building practical AI solutions while enjoying the flexibility of remote work options. This is an excellent environment for those eager to take ownership of their projects and make a meaningful difference in the financial services space.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land AI Engineer in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the fintech and AI space on LinkedIn or at local meetups. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect AI Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio of projects that highlight your Python prowess and understanding of LLMs. This will give you an edge when chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on your knowledge of AI guardrails and responsible AI use. Be ready to discuss how you’d tackle real-world problems using existing LLMs.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that AI Engineer gig, and applying directly can sometimes get you noticed faster than through job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace AI Engineer in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for AI:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for AI shine through! Share any projects or experiences that highlight your interest in building practical AI solutions. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about the technology and its real-world applications.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your Python skills and any relevant experience with LLMs or AI services. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for, so don’t be shy about showcasing your strengths!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. We appreciate candidates who can communicate effectively, as this is crucial when working on AI features that need to fit into a wider product.
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 the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at SF Partners
✨Know Your AI Basics
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of LLMs and AI services. Be ready to discuss how you've used Python in your projects, especially in relation to AI. This will show that you’re not just a coder but someone who understands the tech behind it.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous projects, particularly around building features or improving existing systems. Think about how you can demonstrate your practical approach to using AI in real-world applications.
✨Emphasise Security Awareness
Since the role involves working with regulated products, be prepared to talk about how you ensure security in your development process. Discuss any experience you have with guardrails and responsible AI use, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Be Ready to Learn and Adapt
The company values quick learners, so express your enthusiasm for new technologies and your ability to adapt. Share instances where you’ve had to learn something new quickly and how you applied that knowledge effectively in your work.
