Hedge Fund - Applied AI Engineer – AI Software Engineering, Machine Learning & Generative AI

The RoleHedge Fund - Applied AI Engineer – AI Software Engineering, Machine Learning & Generative AI Martis Search are delighted to be partnering with a successful, entrepreneurial and growing London-based Hedge Fund to appoint a permanent “Applied AI Engineer” to join its team. This is a newly created position offering an exciting opportunity for a technically accomplished “AI Software Engineer” to take ownership of developing and implementing practical Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) solutions across their Front Office Portfolio Management and Investment Research teams. The chosen incumbent will play important role in the firm's adoption and implementation of Artificial Intelligence.The successful candidate will have the opportunity to take ownership of AI software development initiatives, working directly with senior management, Portfolio Managers, Investment Analysts and wider business teams to develop practical applications that deliver measurable business value.Unlike a traditional software engineering position within a large technology organisation, this role offers the opportunity to work closely with the end users of the applications being developed, understand their requirements first-hand and see the direct impact of implemented solutions.The firm is looking for an individual who enjoys solving complex problems, building innovative software applications and applying emerging AI technologies to practical commercial challenges.Our client is seeking a hands-on software engineering professional who understands the underlying principles of AI and Machine Learning and importantly, possesses the technical capabilities to design, build, test and deploy AI-powered applications and tools.The successful candidate will work closely with Portfolio Managers, Investment Analysts, senior management and wider business functions to identify opportunities where AI, Machine Learning, Generative AI and intelligent automation can improve existing processes, enhance analytical capabilities and make better and more informed investment decisions, with the view of creating Alpha within the funds. Our client is looking for either Hedge Fund, Trading, or Investment Banking background and would welcome applications from technically accomplished AI Software Engineers, Machine Learning Engineers, Generative AI Engineers, LLM Engineers and Applied AI Engineers who have developed and implemented practical AI solutions within these types of companies.The emphasis is on identifying an individual with genuine hands-on software development capabilities, strong knowledge of AI/ML technologies and the ability to translate complex business requirements into reliable, practical and commercially valuable applications.The firm currently utilises Enterprise versions of both Anthropic Claude and OpenAI ChatGPT and is looking to significantly expand its use of AI across the business. The successful candidate will play a central role in developing bespoke AI applications, integrating AI technologies with existing systems and identifying opportunities to improve the way the firm operates.This is a hands-on position requiring someone who can take ownership of a project from initial concept and technical design through to software development, testing, deployment and ongoing improvement. The role will report directly into a senior manager, with significant interaction with the firm's Portfolio Managers, Investment Analysts and senior leadership.Key ResponsibilitiesAI Software Engineering & Application Development Design, develop, test and deploy bespoke AI-powered software applications that address real-world business challenges.Build practical AI and Machine Learning solutions that improve business processes, automate workflows and enhance access to information.Develop and integrate applications using Large Language Models (LLMs), including technologies such as OpenAI and Anthropic Claude.Design and implement Generative AI applications, intelligent automation tools and AI-driven analytical solutions.Develop software applications and APIs that integrate AI capabilities with existing business systems, databases and internal technology platforms.Write clean, maintainable and scalable code, applying established software engineering principles and development best practices.Take ownership of the full software development lifecycle, including technical design, implementation, testing, deployment, maintenance and ongoing enhancement.Identify and resolve technical challenges, ensuring that developed applications are reliable, secure and suitable for production use. Generative AI, Machine Learning & LLM DevelopmentApply AI and Machine Learning principles to develop practical software solutions that address complex business requirements.Develop applications using Large Language Models, Generative AI and other relevant AI/ML technologies.Explore and implement Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), AI agents, intelligent search and automated data extraction where appropriate.Develop AI-enabled workflows that combine language models, internal data, external information sources and existing software applications.Design and implement appropriate model evaluation, testing, validation and performance monitoring processes.Understand the limitations of AI technologies and develop appropriate safeguards to improve the reliability, accuracy and security of AI-generated outputs.Evaluate emerging AI/ML technologies, development frameworks and software engineering tools, identifying opportunities for practical implementation.Work with existing AI models and technologies to build functional business applications rather than focusing exclusively on theoretical research or the development of new AI models. Business Collaboration & Practical AI Implementation Work directly with Portfolio Managers, Investment Analysts, senior management and wider business teams to understand existing processes, operational challenges and technology requirements.Translate business problems into clearly defined technical requirements and develop appropriate AI-driven solutions.Identify opportunities to automate repetitive processes, improve information retrieval and enhance the efficiency of existing workflows.Develop applications that help investment professionals access, organise, interpret and analyse relevant financial, company and market information.Build practical tools that improve productivity, reduce manual workloads and support better-informed business and investment decisions.Demonstrate newly developed applications to business users, explain their functionality and incorporate feedback into ongoing development.Support the implementation and adoption of AI technologies across the business.Evaluate the effectiveness of implemented solutions, including improvements in productivity, process efficiency, reliability and commercial value. Software Architecture, Integration & Production Delivery Design and develop scalable software solutions that can be integrated into the firm's existing technology environment.Build and maintain APIs, data integrations and automated workflows connecting AI applications with internal and external systems.Apply appropriate software engineering standards, including version control, testing, documentation and deployment processes.Ensure AI applications are developed with appropriate consideration for information security, data privacy, access controls and operational reliability.Monitor and maintain deployed applications, identifying opportunities to improve performance, functionality and user experience.Work collaboratively with internal technology teams and external providers where required.Key RequirementsAI Software Engineering Experience Approximately five years' professional experience, ideally gained within Software Engineering, AI Engineering, Machine Learning Engineering or a related technical discipline.Strong hands-on programming and software development capabilities, with the ability to independently design and build functional applications.Practical experience developing and implementing AI-powered applications within a commercial or production environment.A strong understanding of AI and Machine Learning principles and how these technologies can be incorporated into software applications.Experience developing software solutions using Python or other relevant programming languages.Experience working with APIs, databases, data integration and software development frameworks.A sound understanding of software architecture, testing, debugging, deployment and ongoing application maintenance.Demonstrable experience taking ownership of software development projects from initial requirements through to successful implementation. Our client is particularly interested in candidates who have personally designed, developed and deployed AI applications, rather than individuals whose experience is limited to using commercially available AI tools or managing AI projects without hands-on development responsibilities. Generative AI & Machine Learning CapabilitiesPractical experience working with Large Language Models, Generative AI or Machine Learning technologies.Experience incorporating AI/ML capabilities into software applications, business tools or automated workflows.Understanding of LLM integration, model APIs, prompt design and the development of reliable AI-powered applications.Experience with technologies such as RAG, AI agents, vector databases, semantic search or AI workflow orchestration would be advantageous.Understanding of model evaluation, AI output validation, data security and the limitations of AI-generated information.Ability to assess different AI technologies and determine how they can be applied to specific business requirements.Candidates are not expected to possess experience with every AI technology or development framework. The priority is demonstrable software engineering capability combined with practical experience applying AI and Machine Learning technologies to real-world business problems. Communication, Problem-Solving & Project Ownership Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.Ability to understand business requirements, ask appropriate questions and translate complex problems into practical software solutions.Comfortable explaining technical concepts and demonstrating applications to business users who may have limited software engineering knowledge.Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with a practical and commercially minded approach to technology development.Experience taking ownership of projects and maintaining responsibility for the applications and solutions delivered.Ability to work independently, manage development priorities and collaborate effectively within a small, entrepreneurial business.A genuine interest in understanding how different business functions operate and identifying opportunities to improve processes through technology.Our client is seeking an individual who enjoys developing practical solutions, working collaboratively with business stakeholders and seeing their technology successfully adopted within an organisation.Relevant Candidate Backgrounds Our client is flexible regarding previous job titles and industry background.Relevant professional backgrounds could include: Applied AI EngineerAI Software EngineerData Scientist Machine Learning EngineerGenerative AI EngineerLLM EngineerAI Application DeveloperAI/ML Software EngineerPython Software Engineer – AI/MLSoftware Engineer – Generative AIAI Solutions EngineerBackend Software Engineer with AI/ML development experienceFull Stack Software Engineer with AI application development experienceCandidates could have gained relevant experience within Financial Services, FinTech, Enterprise Software, SaaS, AI Technology, Healthcare Technology, Data Analytics or other technology-driven commercial environments. Preferred Technology ExposureExperience with some of the following technologies would be advantageous:Programming & Software EngineeringPythonJavaScript / TypeScriptSQLREST APIs and software integrationGit and version controlSoftware testing and deploymentCloud-based application development Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning OpenAI API / ChatGPT EnterpriseAnthropic API / Claude EnterpriseLarge Language Models (LLMs)Generative AIMachine LearningRetrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)AI Agents and Agentic WorkflowsLangChain / LangGraphVector DatabasesAI Model Evaluation and TestingAI Workflow Automation Candidates are not expected to possess experience with every technology listed above. The emphasis is on strong software engineering fundamentals, practical AI/ML development experience and the ability to learn and implement new technologies as business requirements evolve.Education & QualificationsStrong academic background, ideally within Computer Science, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics, Engineering, Physics or another relevant technical discipline.Relevant professional experience and demonstrable software engineering achievements will also be considered.Additional qualifications or professional training in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning or Software Development would be advantageous.Salary & BenefitsBetween £100,000–£500,000 per annum (dependent upon experience and suitability), plus competitive annal bonus, pension, private healthcare and additional benefits.