Software Engineer - AI and Scheduling Optimisation

BT Group; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 400,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

BT Group is seeking an AI Backend Engineer to modernise a mission-critical scheduling platform and embed AI-driven decision intelligence. You will redesign complex optimisation algorithms, scale a system serving 20,000+ engineers, and push forward intelligent automation across a large workforce.

This role blends software engineering with data science and AI disciplines in a dynamic, senior team environment.

Qualifications

• Strong hands-on experience in ML, analytics, and AI-driven decision support.
• Expertise in scheduling, optimisation, and operations research techniques.
• Proven ability to build scalable, cloud-native AI platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead transformation of scheduling platform to AI-driven, cloud-native architecture.
• Design intelligent scheduling to optimise 20,000+ field engineers and resources.
• Drive decisions to improve efficiency, user experience, and outcomes.

Skills

Machine Learning

Predictive Analytics

Generative AI / LLM

Reinforcement Learning

Operations Research

Workforce Optimisation

Constraint-Based Scheduling

Route Optimisation

Mathematical Modelling

Java

Python

High-Performance Systems

DevSecOps

CI/CD

Observability / SRE

Tools

Feature Stores

Vector Databases

Data Lakes

MLOps Frameworks

AI Model Lifecycle Management

Agentic AI Frameworks

Knowledge Graphs

Job description

AI Backend Engineer

Job Req ID: 61981 Posting Date: 03 Sep 2026 Location: Bengaluru Salary: Competitive

About the role

We are looking for a highly skilled professional to modernise a mission-critical scheduling platform, redesign optimisation algorithms, and embed AI-driven decision intelligence into a system that manages over 20,000 field engineers and partner resources. The role focuses on improving operational efficiency, scalability, and decision-making through advanced technology and intelligent automation. This opportunity goes beyond traditional software engineering and requires a strong blend of engineering, data science, AI, and optimisation expertise. Candidates with experience in scheduling optimisation, operations research, machine learning, and large-scale platform modernisation will be particularly well suited, as these capabilities are critical to solving complex workforce planning and operational challenges.

What you'll be doing

• Lead the transformation of Openreach's Taskforce Scheduling Platform from a legacy scheduling solution to a modern, AI-driven, cloud-native platform.
• Design and deliver intelligent scheduling capabilities that optimise the deployment of 20,000+ field engineers across multiple work types and operational constraints.
• Drive technology decisions that improve operational efficiency, customer experience, and business outcomes.

Essential Skills / Experience

• Strong experience in Machine Learning, Predictive Analytics, and Generative AI/LLM-based decision support solutions.
• Expertise in Reinforcement Learning, Operations Research, Workforce Optimisation, Constraint-Based Scheduling, Route Optimisation, and Mathematical Modelling.
• Proficiency in Java, Python, high-performance system design, performance optimisation, DevSecOps, CI/CD, and observability/SRE practices.

Desirable Skills / Experience

• Experience with Feature Stores, Vector Databases, and Data Lakes for scalable AI and analytics solutions.
• Knowledge of MLOps and AI Model Lifecycle Management frameworks and best practices.
• Familiarity with Agentic AI Frameworks and Knowledge Graphs to support advanced AI-driven applications.
• Thinks holistically about systems and challenges existing approaches to drive better outcomes.
• Comfortable working in ambiguity and solving complex optimisation problems while balancing innovation with practical delivery.
• Demonstrates curiosity, continuous learning, a product-focused mindset, and a passion for applying AI to solve real-world challenges at scale.

BT is the UK's leading communications group and the holding company behind some of the country's most recognised brands - including BT, EE, Openreach and Plusnet. Our purpose is as simple as it is ambitious: we connect for good. Our customers include consumers, small, medium and large businesses, public sector organisations and other communications providers. Having come through the most capital-intensive phase of our fibre investment, our focus now is on what comes next - simplifying how we operate, using technology and AI to work smarter, and organising ourselves to serve customers better and grow sustainably. We have a singular culture that unites all our people: we are customer-first challengers, who are committed, clear and connected. These behaviours unite us as one team to deliver for our colleagues, our customers, our stakeholders and the country. Joining BT means working at the heart of a business that matters to the UK, with the opportunity to shape decisions, influence outcomes and help set the future course of one of the country's most important companies.