Forward Deployed Engineer

Upward Trend; Greater London; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Upward Trend in London seeks a Forward Deployed Engineer to join the central Data & AI team, building AI-powered tools that directly support front-office investment teams. You will translate complex business challenges into scalable technical solutions using state-of-the-art AI and data infrastructure.

You will work with portfolio managers, analysts and researchers to automate workflows, design scalable software, and contribute to strategic initiatives in a fast-paced hedge fund environment.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of software engineering experience.
• Quantitative degree in CS, math, engineering, or physics.
• Strong programming skills and software quality focus.
• Interest in AI, ML, and data platforms.

Responsibilities

• Partner closely with portfolio managers, analysts and researchers to understand investment workflows and opportunities for automation.
• Design, build and deploy AI-powered applications and data tools used by front-office teams.
• Develop solutions that integrate large-scale data, ML models and modern software engineering practices.
• Work within a collaborative central Data & AI team and contribute to strategic initiatives.

Skills

Software engineering

Programming

Problem solving

ML interest

Education

Quantitative degree

Tools

Python

ML libraries

Job description

We are seeking a talented Forward Deployed Engineer to join the central Data & AI team of a leading Equity Long/Short hedge fund in London.

This is a unique opportunity to work alongside experienced engineers, data scientists, and investment professionals, building cutting‑edge tools that directly support front‑office investment teams. You will help translate complex business challenges into scalable technical solutions, leveraging state‑of‑the‑art AI and data infrastructure in a fast‑paced, high‑performance environment.

What You'll Do

• Partner closely with portfolio managers, analysts, and researchers to understand investment workflows and identify opportunities for automation and innovation.
• Design, build, and deploy AI‑powered applications and data tools used by front‑office teams.
• Develop solutions that integrate large‑scale data, machine learning models, and modern software engineering practices.
• Work within a highly collaborative central Data & AI team, learning from experienced mentors and contributing to strategic initiatives across the firm.

What We're Looking For

• 1–2 years of software engineering experience.
• Outstanding academic record, ideally in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, or a related quantitative discipline.
• Strong programming skills and a passion for building high-quality software.
• Intellectual curiosity, problem‑solving ability, and a desire to work at the intersection of technology and investing.
• Interest in AI, machine learning, and modern data platforms.