At a Glance
- Tasks: Research and build AI-native software systems that run autonomously with minimal human input.
- Company: Innovative startup in King's Cross, London, backed by top-tier investors.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for public research publication.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on impactful research and career growth.
- Why this job: Join a pioneering team tackling the future of software development in an AI-driven world.
- Qualifications: Masters or PhD in a computational field and experience with AI/ML products.
The predicted salary is between 81000 - 99000 £ per year.
Stage | Series A, $100m+ raised
Size | ~50 people and growing
Areas | harness engineering, agentic orchestration, evals
Based | King's Cross, London
Background
Most companies are making today's development workflows faster. This one is asking a different question: what does software development actually look like when agents are contributing meaningfully across design, implementation, and iteration? This is a ~50-person company, backed by world-class investors, building the platform to provide the context, skills, and governance layer that makes AI-native software development actually work at enterprise scale.
What you'd be working on
A core part of this role is building their software production system designed to run largely autonomously, where agents handle the majority of build, test, and delegation work with minimal human intervention. Your workstreams will centre on research and experimentation: figuring out what actually works, what breaks, and how to build this into something customers can run themselves. You'll be encouraged to publish public research on your findings, contributing to one of the most active and contested conversations in AI-native engineering right now.
Who fits here
A Research Engineer with:
- a Masters or PhD in a relevant computational field
- experience shipping AI/ML products in a startup or applied industry setting
- strong product and customer instincts
who can also bring depth in at least one of these areas:
- Agent harness & orchestration - designing how an agent's tools, context, and control flow fit together so it can actually get things done reliably in production
- Eval methodology - building the tests and metrics that tell you whether an agent is genuinely working
- Feedback loops & pipeline design - going beyond a single agent run: building systems that turn results into improvements over time, including reinforcement-style optimisation
- Failure analysis at scale - digging into why agents fail, by instrumenting them and reading through large volumes of logs/traces to find patterns the engineering team can actually fix
The problem they're solving - what software development becomes in an AI-native world - is one of the most consequential open questions in the industry right now.
Research Engineer in London employer: Workonomics
As a Platform Engineer at this innovative London-based company, you'll be part of a dynamic team dedicated to transforming the way large enterprises manage their procurement processes. With a strong focus on employee growth and a collaborative work culture, the company offers unique opportunities to tackle greenfield projects and directly influence product development. Enjoy the benefits of working in a fast-paced environment that values creativity and efficiency, all while contributing to a solution that has a significant impact on global businesses.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Engineer in London
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Workonomics or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Workonomics.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Workonomics.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Workonomics that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Engineer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Workonomics.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Workonomics and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Workonomics
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Workonomics uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
