Research Engineer – Fundamental AI Research

Location: London, Hybrid – 3 days onsite
Contract: Initial 12 Months 
Rate: Up to £300 per day PAYE
 
We are looking for a Research Engineer to join a cutting-edge AI research team focused on advancing machine learning systems and developing technologies that accelerate the path towards human-level intelligence. This role combines AI research and engineering, giving you the opportunity to work on large-scale AI models, reinforcement learning, synthetic data generation, multi-agent systems and the infrastructure required to support advanced AI research.

Key Responsibilities
  • Conduct cutting-edge research to advance machine learning and AI systems
  • Develop methods, tools and infrastructure for Large Language Models (LLMs)
  • Build and run complex experiments involving large AI models and datasets
  • Develop reinforcement learning environments and generate synthetic data
  • Research and develop multi-agent AI systems
  • Build robust and scalable infrastructure and sandboxes for AI agents
  • Collaborate closely with researchers and engineers, communicating research plans, progress and results
  • Stay current with the latest AI research and academic papers
  • Translate research insights into practical recommendations and engineering solutions
  • Contribute to research that can influence real-world product development
Essential Skills & Experience
  • 2+ years of hands-on experience in Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Recommendation Systems, Pattern Recognition or Data Mining
  • Proven experience developing machine learning models at scale
  • Strong Python programming skills
  • Hands-on experience with PyTorch or similar ML frameworks
  • Experience working with large AI models, datasets and complex experiments
  • Experience programmatically querying LLMs and/or LLM post-training
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in ambiguous, fast-moving environments
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a related technical discipline, or equivalent practical experience

Desirable Experience
  • Direct experience in Generative AI and LLM research
  • Experience with reinforcement learning, synthetic data or multi-agent systems
  • Research experience within a leading technology company, research lab or similar environment
  • PhD or research-focused Master's degree in Machine Learning or a related field
T
op 3 Non-Negotiable Skills
  1. Hands-on Machine Learning Experience – 2+ years in ML, AI, recommendation systems, pattern recognition or a related field
  2. Developing Models at Scale – proven experience building or working with large-scale ML models
  3. Python – strong hands-on Python programming skills

This is an opportunity to work at the intersection of fundamental AI research and large-scale engineering, contributing directly to advanced AI projects. The role offers significant exposure to emerging technologies and requires engineers who are comfortable with ambiguity, rapid changes in priorities and working closely with research and engineering teams.