Overview

Are you passionate about pushing the boundaries of AI and eager to lead exciting projects that shape the future of technology? We're on the lookout for a Principal AI Engineer to spearhead our AI initiatives. Join us to lead the development of innovative solutions around Large Language Models (LLMs) and help drive our pioneering efforts in Agentic AI, shaping the next chapter in AI innovation.

At AXA, we work smart, empowering our people to balance their time between home and the office. You will work at least two days a week (40%) away from home, moving to three days a week (60%) in the future. Away from home means either attendance at our Bristol office, visiting clients or attending industry events. We are also happy to consider flexible working arrangements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of AI and GenAI applications, ensuring alignment with AXA SDLC standards and seamless integration into existing systems.
• Oversee the creation of AI Agents such as Task, Domain, and Orchestrator, using multi‑agent frameworks, guiding best practices across the team.
• Architect and develop core components of the Agentic AI system, including memory, guardrails, orchestration, and tools marketplace.
• Drive the development of AI products across Conversational AI, DocAI, Predictive Analytics, and Content Generation, leveraging the latest AI tools.
• Collaborate with Data Engineers to design scalable data infrastructure supporting AI solutions, and establish performance metrics for evaluation.
• Lead cross‑functional, Agile teams to deliver AI solutions, organise ceremonies, and ensure continuous improvement and delivery.
• Stay abreast of emerging AI and machine learning trends, advocating for innovative adoption and sharing knowledge within the team.
• Promote thorough documentation and a culture of learning, ensuring knowledge sharing and best practices are embedded throughout the team.

Qualifications

You'll need to have extensive full stack engineering experience, with practical knowledge of DevOps deployment pipelines and containerisation tools such as Docker and Kubernetes.

Proven track record in building cloud‑native applications, with a strong preference for Azure environments.

Demonstrable experience in developing Generative AI applications, including RAG, prompt engineering, context management, and LLM API integration.

Deep understanding of Agentic AI components and infrastructure, including orchestration and evaluation methodologies.

Experience working within regulated environments, with an understanding of the Financial Services sector.

Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, SQL, and Node.js.

Knowledge of React would be advantageous.

As a precondition of employment for this role, you must be eligible and authorised to work in the United Kingdom.

You'll need to show you meet the essential criteria as detailed in the job advert or job description. You don't need to share the details of your long‑term health condition or disability for your application to be considered under the Disability Confident scheme.

All successful candidates will be subject to pre‑employment checks in accordance with the Prudential Regulation Authority's (PRA) Insurance Conduct Standards and the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) Conduct Rules.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of up to £100,000, dependent on experience.
• Annual company & performance‑based bonus.
• Contributory pension scheme (up to 12% employer contributions).
• Life Assurance (up to 10× annual salary).
• Private medical cover.
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays.
• Opportunity to buy up to 5 extra days leave or sell up to 5 days leave.
• Wellbeing services & resources.
• AXA employee discounts.

Equal Opportunity and Inclusion

We believe in hiring people who possess the appropriate skills and values that align with our vision. Our selection process is fair and equitable, ensuring that all candidates have an equal opportunity to join us. We are dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion, and we actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we take pride in treating our employees and potential hires with respect and without discrimination based on any Protected Characteristics.

AXA UK are recognised as a Disability Confident Leader. We actively encourage applications from people who face barriers in the workplace due to a disability or long‑term health condition. We participate in the Disability Confident 'Offer of Interview' scheme. This means a fair and proportionate number of candidates with long‑term health conditions or disabilities who meet the essential criteria of a job, will be offered an interview.