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- Tasks: Own the technical direction of an innovative AI platform and lead its evolution.
- Company: Join a tech-enabled advisory firm transforming financial services with cutting-edge technology.
- Benefits: Equity participation, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be a founding engineer and shape the future of AI in finance.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in AI/ML systems, strong JavaScript/Node.js skills, and a passion for innovation.
- Other info: Collaborate with senior partners and grow in a dynamic, supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
My client is a tech-enabled advisory business serving insurance, wealth management, and broader financial services. They combine deep industry partners, a high-calibre consulting network, and a proprietary AI platform that is already live and in production. They are looking for someone who will own the full technical direction of the platform and grow with the Firm on this unique and exciting journey.
The platform includes:
- A 25+ entity relational data model
- Multi-LLM orchestration across Claude, Gemini, and GPT
- Deep Microsoft 365 integration
- A commercial intelligence layer built on Microsoft Fabric and Power BI
What you'll own:
- End-to-end architecture: frontend, backend, data layer, AI infrastructure
- Evolution toward a scalable, modular, multi-tenant platform
- RAG pipelines, document indexing, LLM orchestration at scale
- Data integrations: SharePoint, Fireflies, Zapier, Xero and Zoho
- Team growth and engineering practice maturity
- AI strategy conversations directly with senior partners and clients
Tech stack: Next.js · Node.js / Express · Azure · MS SQL · MongoDB · LlamaIndex · BullMQ · Redis · Microsoft Fabric · Power BI · GitHub Actions
Who this is for: A senior or staff engineer ready for full ownership. You have shipped production systems, you think clearly about architecture, and you can hold a room with non-technical stakeholders. We will also consider a PhD, with the right type of exposure, knowledge, and approach. Financial services experience is also a genuine advantage — but not a requirement. Equity participation is also part of the package for the right candidate.
Essential requirements:
- Strong academic background — a rigorous foundation matters here
- At least 2 years working with AI or ML systems in production and 3–5 years of substantive software/platform engineering
- Deep JavaScript/Node.js skills
- Azure Fluency
- JSON data structures, REST API design, and complex semi-structured data
- Practical LLM application — RAG architectures, prompt engineering etc.
- Comfort with both relational (MS SQL) and document (MongoDB) databases
This is a founding role in every sense. If this sounds like you, or someone you know, please apply here, or contact me on 07808 782801.
Founding Engineer in London employer: Tarka Talent
Contact Detail:
Tarka Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Founding Engineer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects, especially those related to AI and software engineering. This gives you a chance to demonstrate your expertise and passion directly to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common technical questions and scenarios relevant to the role. Think about how you would approach end-to-end architecture or LLM orchestration, and be ready to discuss your thought process with confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to 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 being part of our exciting journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Founding Engineer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Tech: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for technology shine through. We want to see how excited you are about the role of Founding Engineer and the impact you can make on our platform. Share your journey in tech and what drives you!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience with AI, ML, and software engineering. We’re looking for someone who can own the technical direction, so be specific about your past projects and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon unless it’s necessary. Use bullet points if it helps convey your skills and experiences more effectively. Remember, we want to understand your qualifications quickly!
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 shows you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tarka Talent
✨Know Your Tech Stack Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the tech stack mentioned in the job description. Brush up on Next.js, Node.js, Azure, and the databases listed. Be ready to discuss how you've used these technologies in past projects and how they can be applied to the role.
✨Showcase Your Architectural Thinking
Prepare to talk about your experience with end-to-end architecture. Think of specific examples where you’ve designed scalable systems or worked on multi-tenant platforms. This will demonstrate your ability to own the technical direction of the platform.
✨Engage in AI Strategy Conversations
Since this role involves AI strategy discussions, be prepared to share your insights on AI and ML systems. Discuss any relevant projects where you’ve implemented RAG architectures or prompt engineering, and how you see these evolving in the financial services sector.
✨Connect with Non-Technical Stakeholders
As a Founding Engineer, you'll need to communicate effectively with non-technical stakeholders. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. This will show that you can bridge the gap between tech and business, which is crucial for this role.