Lead AI Engineer

Kainos; Belfast; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in Northern Ireland is seeking a Lead AI Engineer to bridge the gap between data science and software engineering. This role involves delivering scalable AI solutions to enhance Workday product offerings, focusing on performance optimization and integration. The ideal candidate has extensive software development experience with proficiency in Python, Java, or C++, and a strong background in deploying AI models. Join us to make a real impact in a diverse and collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in software development with clean, maintainable code.
• Proven experience in deploying AI/ML models to production environments.
• Comprehensive experience with cloud platforms and cloud-native AI tools.
• Strong skills in data engineering and integration with enterprise data systems.
• Exposure to agile software development practices.

Responsibilities

• Bridge the gap between data science and software engineering.
• Deliver robust, scalable AI solutions for Workday product offerings.
• Ensure seamless integration of AI models into production systems.
• Optimize performance and maintain reliability of AI-driven features.

Skills

Python

Java

C++

MLOps

AWS

Azure

Docker

Kubernetes

Data Engineering

Agile Practices

Education

MSc or PhD in Computer Science or related field

Tools

SageMaker

Vertex AI

Azure ML Studio

Job description

Overview

Join Kainos and Shape the Future

At Kainos, we’re problem solvers, innovators, and collaborators - driven by a shared mission to create real impact. Whether we’re transforming digital services for millions, delivering cutting-edge Workday solutions, or pushing the boundaries of technology, we do it together.

We believe in a people-first culture, where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your contributions truly make a difference. Here, you’ll be part of a diverse, ambitious team that celebrates creativity and collaboration.

Ready to make your mark? Join us and be part of something bigger.

Role

As a Lead AI Engineer within the Workday Practice at Kainos, you will play a critical role in bridging the gap between data science and software engineering to production AI and machine learning solutions. You will work closely with data scientists, software engineers, and product teams to deliver robust, scalable AI solutions that enhance our Workday product offerings. Your focus will be on ensuring seamless integration of AI models into production systems, optimizing performance, and maintaining the reliability of AI-driven features.

Essential Experience

• Extensive experience in software development, with proficiency in languages such as Python, Java, or C++. Emphasis on writing clean, efficient, and maintainable code for production-grade AI solutions.

• Proven experience in deploying AI/ML models to production environments, ensuring scalability, reliability, and performance. Familiarity with MLOps practices, including CI/CD pipelines, model versioning, and monitoring.

• Comprehensive experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and cloud-native AI tools, such as SageMaker, Vertex AI, or Azure ML Studio. Ability to design and deploy cloud-based AI solutions.

• Proficiency in using containerization technologies (e.g., Docker) and orchestration tools (e.g., Kubernetes) to build and manage scalable AI solutions.

• Strong skills in data engineering, including building data pipelines, data wrangling, and integrating AI solutions with enterprise data systems.

• Exposure to agile software development practices and experience working in agile teams.

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, translate technical requirements into actionable solutions, and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Desirable Experience

• MSc or PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Software Engineering, or a related field.

• Familiarity with Workday APIs, data structures, and integration patterns.

• Experience designing and implementing generative AI solutions using large language models (e.g., OpenAI GPT, Hugging Face Transformers).

• Expertise in applying deep learning techniques (e.g., CNNs, RNNs, Transformers) to real-world problems.

• Active participation in knowledge-sharing activities such as conferences, workshops, or blogs, contributing to the AI community and fostering innovation.

Who you are

• Determined – you’re flexible and overcome obstacles to get the job done to achieve personal and team goals

• Creative – you actively look for better ways to do things using the latest AI technologies to find fresh solutions to complex problems

• Honest – always constructive when giving or receiving feedback, being transparent and truthful when dealing with others

• Respectful – you treat others as you would like to be treated being encouraging, accepting and supportive to everyone you deal with

• Cooperative – you share information, knowledge and experience, understanding the mutual benefits of team working.

Embracing our differences

At Kainos, we believe in the power of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to building a team that is as diverse as the world we live in, where everyone is valued, respected, and given an equal chance to thrive. We actively seek out talented people from all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other characteristic that makes them who they are. We also believe every candidate deserves a level playing field.

Our friendly talent acquisition team is here to support you every step of the way, so if you require any accommodations or adjustments, we encourage you to reach out.

We understand that everyone's journey is different, and by having a private conversation we can ensure that our recruitment process is tailored to your needs.