Senior AI Engineer

1st Central; Haywards Heath; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

1st Central, a leading UK insurer, is hiring Senior AI Engineers to design, develop and deploy advanced AI systems, focusing on Azure OpenAI, RAG, and API integrations. This is a flexible hybrid role with occasional visits to offices in Salford Quays (Manchester) or Haywards Heath (West Sussex).

You will collaborate with Data Science, Software Engineering, Data Engineering, and Enterprise Architecture to deliver end-to-end AI solutions, from concept and prompt design through productionisation,

Qualifications

• Experience designing and deploying AI systems
• Proficient in Python and AI frameworks
• Experience with Azure OpenAI and cloud production environments
• Strong collaboration across cross-functional teams
• Knowledge of NLP/Computer Vision is a plus

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and deploy AI systems and solutions.
• Integrate AI components with Azure OpenAI, APIs and vector stores.
• Collaborate with Data Science, Software Eng, Data Eng, and Enterprise Architecture.
• Oversee end-to-end lifecycle from concept to monitoring and improvement.

Skills

Python

AI frameworks

AI Ops

Communication

Organization

Analytical thinking

Tools

LangChain

Azure OpenAI

Job description

At 1st Central, everything starts with our people.

As one of the UK’s leading motor and home insurers, we use smart technology, data and great service to make insurance fast, fair and simple for over 1.4 million customers. We’re proud to create an environment where people feel supported, trusted and able to grow - whether that’s developing new skills, taking on fresh challenges or making a real impact every day. If you’re looking for a role where you can make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

We’re on the lookout for 2 Senior AI Engineers to play a pivotal role in our AI and Generative AI initiatives, focusing on the design, development, and deployment or integration of advanced AI systems and solutions.

We’re seeking Senior Engineers with deep technical expertise in AI technologies, particularly in areas such as Azure OpenAI, Cognitive Services, prompt engineering, Retrieval‑Augmented Generation (RAG) architectures, vector stores, and API integrations. You’ll be able to demonstrate substantial experience in Azure networking and infrastructure, enabling you to effectively design, and manage secure cloud‑based AI environments. This includes leveraging off‑the‑shelf agentic AI components and orchestrating their integration into robust, scalable agentic systems to accelerate the delivery of intelligent automation outcomes.

You’ll collaborate closely with multiple teams, including Data Science, Software Engineering, Data Engineering, and Enterprise Architecture, to deliver end‑to‑end AI systems, from initial concept and prompt design through development, testing, deployment, productionisation, monitoring, and continuous improvement.

As a Senior AI Engineer, you’ll bring strong proficiency across broader AI disciplines such as Computer Vision and Natural Language Processing (NLP), ensuring solutions that draw on the full spectrum of modern AI capabilities. You’ll stay abreast of emerging industry trends, continually adapting and innovating to deliver state‑of‑the‑art AI capabilities aligned with organisational goals.

This is a flexible hybrid role, with occasional visits to our offices in Salford Quays (Manchester) or Haywards Heath (West Sussex) when required. We offer excellent flexibility in working patterns and a company‑wide culture you can be proud to be part of.

Core skills we’re looking for to succeed in the role:

• Python & AI Frameworks: Advanced proficiency in Python, with familiarity in AI frameworks such as LangChain.
• AI Ops & Cloud Production Environments: Skilled in designing and operationalising AI Ops frameworks within cloud‑based production environments.
• Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.
• Organisation & Time Management: Excellent organisational, time management, and prioritisation skills.
• Analytical & Problem‑Solving Ability: Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, capable of quickly diagnosing and resolving technical issues.

You can read the full job profile on our career pages