Lead AI Engineer with Java 17

We are seeking a Lead AI Engineer who is genuinely AI-native and ready to drive hands-on technical leadership of a delivery squad. This is not a role for traditional engineers who have simply layered AI tools on top of old habits — we need a leader who writes code daily, owns architecture, enforces standards, and uses AI-assisted delivery as the core engineering model (targeting 60%+ AI-assisted code output). You will coach engineers, shape specifications, and partner with client architects and leadership across both Agile and project delivery modes.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on technical leadership of a delivery squad while actively contributing code
• Own end-to-end architecture within the squad and lead architecture discussions with client architects
• Drive specification quality, enforce engineering standards, and remain accountable for delivery quality and governance
• Use AI coding tools (such as Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, or Cursor) daily for generating, refactoring, testing, and reviewing code — achieving 60%+ AI-assisted code output
• Configure MCP servers, apply multi-agent patterns, and set up AI/LLM gateways to manage routing, cost, limits, and fallbacks
• Leverage AI to evaluate agent output quality and continuously improve delivery practices
• Coach engineers on prompts, context management, and skill files, and review and approve skill-file contributions
• Step into any full-stack or mobile role as required to support squad delivery
• Present progress, architecture, and AI adoption outcomes to senior leadership
• Mentor teams on AI adoption and promote AI-native ways of working across the delivery organisation

Requirements

• 12-15 years of overall engineering experience, including 3+ years leading AI-assisted delivery teams
• Track record of leading delivery in a regulated sector (financial services preferred), with references available
• Background in Java 17+ and Spring Boot 3.x (mandatory) with microservices architecture
• Expertise in frontend development with React (mandatory), TypeScript, and component design
• Proficiency in responsive UI development and Figma-to-code workflows
• Skills in REST and event-driven APIs, OAuth2 / OIDC, and PostgreSQL
• Competency in messaging platforms, including Kafka and IBM MQ
• Capability to own service pipelines using GitHub Actions, Docker, and Kubernetes / OpenShift
• Qualifications in GitOps practices and automated testing
• Showcase of leading at least one programme where AI-assisted delivery was the primary engineering model (not a pilot)
• Familiarity with MCP server configuration, multi-agent patterns, and AI/LLM gateway configuration
• Proven ability to mentor teams on AI adoption and work comfortably across both Agile and project modes
• English proficiency at an Upper-Intermediate level (B2) or higher

Benefits

CONTINUOUS UPSKILLING, LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT

• Diversity of tasks and projects
• Assessment center for objective review of competency level
• Personal development plan
• Mentoring programs and leadership development
• Certification and professional development support
• Access to learning platforms including more than 2,500 internal courses
• English courses taught by certified teachers

CORPORATE BENEFITS

• Extra leave days
• Referral bonuses

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

• Competitive compensation paid in USD
• Regular salary and performance reviews

MEDICAL & HEALTHCARE

• Private health insurance
• Well-being events

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• Recreation areas and kitchens
• Tea, coffee and snacks
• Sports equipment and game consoles
• IT Equipment
• Microsoft’s Software Assurance Home Use Program (HUP)