Principal AI Engineer

AXA UK; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 92,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

A global insurance firm in Bristol is seeking a Principal AI Engineer to lead groundbreaking AI projects. This role requires extensive experience in software engineering and a deep understanding of Generative AI and Machine Learning. The ideal candidate will drive innovative solutions with Large Language Models (LLMs) and collaborate with cross-functional teams. A competitive salary and a flexible working model are part of the offer.

Benefits

Competitive annual salary up to £100,000

Annual performance-based bonus

Contributory pension scheme

Life Assurance up to 10x annual salary

Private medical cover

28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays

Purchasing extra leave option

AXA employee discounts

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in full stack engineering with practical knowledge of deployment pipelines.
• Proven track record in developing cloud-native applications.
• Experience in Generative AI applications including RAG and prompt engineering.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and deployment of AI applications.
• Oversee creation of AI Agents using multi-agent frameworks.
• Architect and develop core components of the Agentic AI system.

Skills

Full stack engineering experience

DevOps deployment pipelines

Containerisation tools (Docker, Kubernetes)

Generative AI applications

LLM API integration

Programming languages (Python, SQL, Node.js)

Tools

Azure

React

Job description

Description

Are you passionate about pushing the boundaries of AI and eager to lead exciting projects that shape the future of technology? We’re on the lookout for a Principal AI Engineer to spearhead our AI initiatives. If you have a wealth of experience in software engineering, combined with deep expertise in Generative AI and Machine Learning, we’d love to hear from you! Join us to lead the development of innovative solutions around Large Language Models (LLMs) and help drive our pioneering efforts in Agentic AI, shaping the next chapter in AI innovation.

At AXA we work smart, empowering our people to balance their time between home and the office in a way that works best for them, their team and our customers. You'll work at least two days a week (40%) away from home, moving to three days a week (60%) in the future. Away from home means either attendance at our Bristol office, visiting clients or attending industry events. We’re also happy to consider flexible working arrangements, which you can discuss with Talent Acquisition.

What you’ll be doing:

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of AI and GenAI applications, ensuring alignment with AXA SDLC standards and seamless integration into existing systems.
• Oversee the creation of AI Agents such as Task, Domain, and Orchestrator, using multi-agent frameworks, guiding best practices across the team.
• Architect and develop core components of the Agentic AI system, including memory, guardrails, orchestration, and tools marketplace.
• Drive the development of AI products across Conversational AI, DocAI, Predictive Analytics, and Content Generation, leveraging the latest AI tools.
• Collaborate with Data Engineers to design scalable data infrastructure supporting AI solutions, and establish performance metrics for evaluation.
• Lead cross-functional, Agile teams to deliver AI solutions, organise ceremonies, and ensure continuous improvement and delivery.
• Stay abreast of emerging AI and machine learning trends, advocating for innovative adoption and sharing knowledge within the team.
• Promote thorough documentation and a culture of learning, ensuring knowledge sharing and best practices are embedded throughout the team.

Due to the number of applications we expect to receive for this role, we reserve the right to close this advert earlier than the listed closing date to ensure we’re able to effectively manage interest. Therefore, if you’re interested in joining us at AXA, please don’t hesitate to apply.

What you’ll bring:

• Extensive full stack engineering experience, with practical knowledge of DevOps deployment pipelines and containerisation tools such as Docker and Kubernetes.
• Proven track record in building cloud-native applications, with a strong preference for Azure environments.
• Demonstrable experience in developing Generative AI applications, including RAG, prompt engineering, context management, and LLM API integration.
• Deep understanding of Agentic AI components and infrastructure, including orchestration and evaluation methodologies.
• Experience working within regulated environments, with an understanding of the Financial Services sector.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, SQL, and Node.js.
• Knowledge of React would be advantageous.

As a precondition of employment for this role, you must be eligible and authorised to work in the United Kingdom.

What we offer:

At AXA UK, we’re appreciative of the people who work for us and our rewards package is reviewed regularly to reflect that. You can expect to receive:

• Competitive annual salary of up to £100,000 dependent on experience
• Annual company & performance-based bonus
• Contributory pension scheme (up to 12% employer contributions)
• Life Assurance (up to 10 x annual salary)
• Private medical cover
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Opportunity to buy up to 5 extra days leave or sell up to 5 days leave
• Wellbeing services & resourcesAXA employee discounts

To apply, click on the ‘apply for this job’ button, you’ll then need to log in or create a profile to submit your CV. We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer and don’t discriminate against employees or potential employees based on protected characteristics. If you have a long‑term condition or disability and require adjustments during the application or interview process, we’re proud to offer access to the AXA Accessibility Concierge. For our support, please send an email to [e-mail].

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Who we are:

AXA UK Support Functions power AXA’s three customer‑facing business units, providing the infrastructure, support and expertise to ensure our customers can always count on us. Whether you’ve got heaps of experience and qualifications behind you, or you’re just starting out, we’ll give you the support and opportunities to help you grow and develop with confidence.