At a Glance
- Tasks: Build AI-powered platforms and solve real-world operational problems.
- Company: Exciting early-stage AI startup with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, share options, hybrid working, and clear career progression.
- Other info: Opportunity for rapid growth into CTO role as the company scales.
- Why this job: Join at the ground level and shape the future of AI in industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in software development, APIs, and a passion for AI products.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 48000 £ per year.
We have partnered with an early-stage AI startup building intelligent software for the maintenance, engineering, and industrial operations space. They're looking for a Founding Software Engineer to join at a genuinely early stage and help shape both the product and wider technical direction of the business as they scale, with growth to CTO level on offer. This is not a ticket‑taking environment. The role is ideal for someone who enjoys ownership, ambiguity, building from scratch, and solving real‑world operational problems with AI.
What you'll be working on:
- Building AI-powered platforms and workflow tooling for industrial and engineering environments
- Developing APIs, integrations, and backend systems connecting operational data into AI-driven products
- Working across AI agents, RAG pipelines, embeddings, vector databases, and LLM orchestration
- Designing scalable cloud-native infrastructure within AWS
- Building customer‑facing product functionality across frontend and backend systems
- Helping shape architecture, engineering standards, deployment processes, and long-term technical direction
- Working directly with founders and customers to turn operational problems into product solutions
Tech Environment:
- Python (~60% of codebase)
- TypeScript / JavaScript
- Node.js / FastAPI
- AWS (Potential for GCP transformation)
- REST APIs
- Vector databases
- AI agents / LLM integrations / RAG
- CI/CD and cloud infrastructure
They're looking for someone who:
- Enjoys startup environments and ownership-heavy roles
- Can operate across frontend + backend engineering
- Has experience building production software and APIs
- Is excited by AI products and modern LLM tooling
- Communicates well with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Wants to help build a company, not just contribute code
Experience scaling AI-powered products into production environments? Amazing! Not required but very beneficial.
What's on offer:
- £35,000–£48,000 base salary
- Share options available
- Hybrid working (Gloucester-based)
- Direct product and architectural influence
- Exposure to enterprise-scale industrial customers
- Clear progression into future technical leadership as the business grows
This would suit someone who wants to get in early, build something meaningful, and grow alongside an ambitious AI-first business.
AI Developer employer: Talent
Join an innovative early-stage AI startup where you will have the unique opportunity to shape the future of intelligent software for industrial operations. With a strong focus on ownership and creativity, our collaborative work culture encourages personal growth and offers clear pathways to technical leadership roles, all while working in a hybrid environment based in Gloucester. Be part of a team that values your input and is dedicated to solving real-world problems with cutting-edge AI technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land AI Developer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the AI and tech space, especially those connected to startups. Attend meetups or webinars, and don’t be shy about sliding into DMs on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those related to AI and software development. This is your chance to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and technical prowess, so make it shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and soft skills. Practice coding challenges and be ready to discuss how you’ve tackled real-world problems with AI. Remember, they want someone who can communicate well with both techies and non-techies!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re all about connecting talent with opportunities, and applying directly can give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our journey. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace AI Developer
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 love for building intelligent software and solving real-world problems. We want to see your excitement for the role!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience with Python, APIs, and cloud infrastructure, as these are key to what we’re looking for. It shows us you’ve done your homework!
Be Yourself:We’re all about authenticity here at StudySmarter. Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your writing. Share your unique perspective on how you can contribute to our team and the exciting journey ahead!
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us directly, apply through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your application and can get back to you quickly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Talent
✨Know Your AI Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of AI technologies, especially those mentioned in the job description like LLMs and vector databases. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in past projects or how you would approach building AI-powered solutions.
✨Showcase Your Full-Stack Skills
Since the role involves both frontend and backend engineering, prepare to talk about your experience with Python, TypeScript, and Node.js. Have examples ready that demonstrate your ability to build APIs and integrate systems, as this will show you can handle the diverse tech stack.
✨Embrace the Startup Mindset
This position is all about ownership and ambiguity, so be prepared to share experiences where you've thrived in similar environments. Highlight your problem-solving skills and how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, especially in a startup context.
✨Communicate Effectively
You'll need to interact with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, so practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. This will not only showcase your communication skills but also demonstrate your ability to bridge the gap between different teams.