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Haystack

Software Engineer - AI

Hybrid

Leeds, United kingdom

Full Time

06-03-2026

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Skills

Java CI/CD DevOps Training Architecture Cloud Architecture Machine Learning Autonomy Organization AWS AWS Cloud Spring Spring Boot Large Language Models CI/CD Pipelines Microservices

Job Specifications

Principal Software Engineer - AI and Innovation | London | Remote-Friendly | £100,000 - £120,000

We're working with a forward-thinking technology consultancy building out a greenfield AI & Innovation powerhouse on this exciting opportunity.

This is a rare chance to sit at the helm of a newly created AI & Innovation team, where you will bridge the gap between architectural excellence and cutting-edge machine learning. You will utilize your deep expertise in Java, Spring Boot, and AWS to build scalable, high-performance systems that push the boundaries of what is possible with Large Language Models (LLMs).

The Role

• Lead the design and rapid prototyping of innovative AI-driven MVPs to validate transformative product ideas.

• Architect and implement scalable Microservices systems within an AWS cloud environment, ensuring high performance and security.

• Act as a technical visionary, evaluating and experimenting with new technologies, frameworks, and LLM tooling to keep the organization ahead of the curve.

• Mentor and coach senior engineers, fostering a culture of creative thinking, continuous improvement, and technical excellence.

• Collaborate directly with Product and Design leaders to align technical strategy with high-level business goals and product roadmaps.

What You'll Need

• Extensive experience in a Principal or Senior Software Engineering role with a focus on large-scale system design.

• Deep technical mastery of Java and the Spring Boot framework, combined with a strong understanding of modern web architectures.

• Hands-on experience delivering AI solutions, including practical application and training of Large Language Models (LLMs).

• Expert-level knowledge of AWS cloud architecture, CI/CD pipelines, and DevOps best practices.

• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex technical challenges and a track record of contributing to open-source or secure-by-design projects.

What's On Offer

• Competitive salary up to £120,000 with a generous benefits package.

• Remote-friendly working environment with a focus on output and impact over hours at a desk.

• The opportunity to shape a brand-new innovation lab and influence the long-term tech strategy of a major organization.

• A high-autonomy culture that encourages experimentation, learning from failure, and technical curiosity.

Apply via Haystack today!

About the Company

Discover Haystack - the UK's fastest growing tech hiring marketplace. Driven by our award-winning mobile app and web platform, Haystack connects active and passive tech talent directly with hiring managers and talent acquisition teams. We're trusted by over 150,000+ UK-based techies, working in Software Engineering, Data, Design, DevOps, Cloud, Tech Management, Testing, Product & Delivery, Architecture and more. 100s of employers from startups and scale-ups like Atom Bank, DuckDuckGo and Football Radar to established e... Know more