AI Engineer

Zohorecruit; Chester; Hybrid; GBP 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Job summary

ShortList Recruitment is working with one of the North West's leading employers to recruit an AI Engineer in Chester. This role focuses on AI, ML, or generative AI, taking concepts from proof of concepts to production, collaborating with engineers and stakeholders.

You will develop AI-powered applications using Azure technologies, build RAG-based solutions, and explore AI agents, with a salary up to £60,000 plus benefits and hybrid working near Chester.

Qualifications

• Strong commercial software development experience, ideally with C#/.NET and/or Python.
• Hands-on experience with AI, machine learning or generative AI technologies.
• Experience working with Azure and cloud-based technologies.
• Knowledge of technologies such as Azure OpenAI, Microsoft Foundry, Semantic Kernel, RAG or vector databases.
• Understanding of AI agents, LLMs and modern AI development approaches.
• Strong software engineering fundamentals, including source control, testing and CI/CD.
• Genuine interest in AI and enthusiasm for learning new technologies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and integrate AI-powered applications using modern Microsoft and Azure technologies
• Build and improve RAG-based solutions, intelligent search and knowledge services
• Explore and develop AI agents capable of completing tasks and automating business processes
• Create prototypes and proof of concepts to assess new AI technologies and use cases
• Contribute to the design, testing, deployment and ongoing improvement of AI solutions
• Work closely with software engineers and business stakeholders to turn ideas into practical solutions
• Help establish best practices around AI quality, security, monitoring and responsible use

Skills

C#/.NET

Python

AI/ML

Azure cloud

Azure OpenAI

Microsoft Foundry

Semantic Kernel

RAG

Vector databases

LLMs

CI/CD

Source control

Testing

AI enthusiasm

Job description

Permanent | ShortList Recruitment Limited | United Kingdom

Posted On 28/09/2026

Job Information

Job Opening ID 4727

IT & Internet

City Chester

Province Cheshire

Postal Code CH1

Job Description

Chester

ShortList Recruitment is working with one of the North West's leading employers to recruit an AI Engineer to join its expanding technology team. This is a great opportunity for a strong software engineer with commercial experience of AI, machine learning or generative AI to work on projects that are already being used across a large organisation.

The successful candidate will work across the full development lifecycle, taking AI concepts from initial ideas and proof of concepts through to robust, production-ready solutions. You'll work closely with other engineers and stakeholders to identify practical applications for AI, while keeping up to date with the rapidly evolving technology landscape.

Responsibilities

• Develop and integrate AI-powered applications using modern Microsoft and Azure technologies
  
• Build and improve RAG-based solutions, intelligent search and knowledge services
  
• Explore and develop AI agents capable of completing tasks and automating business processes
  
• Create prototypes and proof of concepts to assess new AI technologies and use cases
  
• Contribute to the design, testing, deployment and ongoing improvement of AI solutions
  
• Work closely with software engineers and business stakeholders to turn ideas into practical solutions
  
• Help establish best practices around AI quality, security, monitoring and responsible use
  

Skills

• Strong commercial software development experience, ideally with C#/.NET and/or Python
  
• Hands-on experience with AI, machine learning or generative AI technologies
  
• Experience working with Azure and cloud-based technologies
  
• Knowledge of technologies such as Azure OpenAI, Microsoft Foundry, Semantic Kernel, RAG or vector databases
  
• Understanding of AI agents, LLMs and modern AI development approaches
  
• Strong software engineering fundamentals, including source control, testing and CI/CD
  
• Genuine interest in AI and enthusiasm for learning new technologies
  

This AI Engineer role would suit an experienced software developer who has built up meaningful hands‑on experience with AI through commercial projects, proof of concepts or personal development. The key requirement is strong software engineering ability combined with a genuine passion for AI and the motivation to keep developing your knowledge as the technology evolves.

The AI Engineer role offers a salary of up to £60,000 plus an excellent benefits package and hybrid working. The office is based near Chester and is easily commutable from Liverpool, Wirral, Warrington, Wrexham and across North Wales.