Principal AI Engineer, Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC)

HIRANI; Derry/Londonderry; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Ulster University in partnership with Queen’s University seeks a Principal AI Engineer for the Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC) in Northern Ireland. You will lead a team of AI/ML engineers and drive collaborative R&D with industry partners to deliver real-world value from AI across diverse sectors.

The role requires a degree in AI/Data Science/CS and a proven senior leadership track, with a history of delivering ambitious AI solutions on tight deadlines.

Qualifications

• Degree in AI, Data Science, CS or a related discipline.
• Significant senior leadership experience in AI, data science, or related fields.
• Proven track record delivering ambitious AI solutions to industrial clients on tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day AI/ML engineering work and strategy for the team.
• Frame and deliver collaborative R&D with companies across sectors.
• Collaborate with academics and industry partners to translate research into real-world value.

Skills

Senior technical leadership

AI / Data Science

Industry project delivery

Education

Degree in Artificial Intelligence / Data Science / Computer Science

Job description

Principal AI Engineer, Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC)

We are a university with a national and international reputation for excellence, innovation and regional engagement, making a major contribution to the economic, social, and cultural development of Northern Ireland.

Our core business activities are teaching and learning, widening access to education, research and innovation, and technology and knowledge transfer.

THE ROLE

The Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC) is a £16.3M investment by InvestNI and the Department for the Economy to create a partnership between Ulster University and Queen’s University, based predominantly in Belfast and Derry/Londonderry.

The AICC has the aim of increasing the use of AI by local companies in Northern Ireland by collaborating on a series of applied technology projects. It offers an exciting opportunity for the successful candidates to help lead a world‑class team delivering real‑world value from AI and engaging with a wide range of academics involved in applying AI in their research and with industry.

As a Principal AI Engineer in the AICC team, you will work with the AICC Research Lead to develop the skills and experience of the full team of AI/ML engineers. You will provide day‑to‑day leadership for the team, specifically around framing and delivering collaborative research and development efforts with companies across a wide range of areas such as AI, ML & Data Science.

We may create a 12-month waiting list for the same or similar roles within the Department/Faculty. The University reserves the right to extend the waiting list across the University if required for certain posts.

ABOUT YOU

The postholder will be required to have:

• – A degree in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• – Substantial, demonstrable experience in a senior technical leadership role within AI, Data Science, or closely related fields.
• – A proven track record of delivering ambitious, innovative technology solutions to demanding commercial or industrial clients to tight deadlines.