Job Description

Posted 2 hours ago

Shape the Future of AI Innovation

Move beyond delivery work into structured R&D where your technical insights directly influence strategic technology decisions. You'll explore cutting-edge AI and automation technologies, build evidence-based recommendations, and help define our innovation roadmap.

About the Role

We're building a disciplined R&D capability to explore emerging technologies, validate new approaches, and feed high-quality innovation into our Product and Engineering teams.

As our AI Research Engineer  / Analyst (R&D), you'll generate the technical evidence that supports strategic decisions. You'll research AI and automation technologies, evaluate vendors and tools, build timeboxed proofs of concept in Python and/or C# (accomplished coding skills required, but this is not a "developer" role), and produce clear, decision-ready outputs.

This is not a BAU delivery role. It's structured, evidence-led innovation.

You'll report functionally to the Head of R&D, with day-to-day coaching from the Senior R&D Engineer.

Salary: £45K – £50K Basic + Bonus + Benefits (25 days holiday, 7% matched pension scheme, private health plan, flexible holiday purchase, remote or hybrid working & much more!)

Location: North East. Hybrid office work / flexible. Durham, Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Sunderland, etc. Although, we are very flexible to this, so more remote fine. As far down as Leeds or the other way & up toward Edinburgh!

What You'll Do

Research & Evaluation

Scan the market for emerging AI, orchestration, and automation technologies
Conduct structured vendor and platform evaluations
Assess technical fit, integration complexity, security posture, cost, and viability
Stay current with LLMs, AI APIs, frameworks, and cloud services
Produce concise evidence packs and recommendation summaries

Hands-On Prototyping

Build lightweight PoCs to validate APIs and technical hypotheses
Explore AI capabilities practically (model behaviour, integration patterns, performance limits)
Contribute Python and/or C# code under technical directionFocus: validation and insight — not production-grade implementation.

Documentation & Process

Own R&D documentation, decision logs, and handover packs
Maintain backlog discipline and enforce stage-gate standards
Ensure findings are captured clearly and nothing falls through the cracks

What You'll Bring

Essential

2+ years in a technical analyst, research, or solutions-focused role
Hands-on coding ability in Python and/or C# (We need some here, but you'll work with the Senior R&D engineer who will guide you on coding)
Practical understanding of AI/ML landscape (LLMs, APIs, strengths & limitations)
Strong analytical thinking and structured evaluation skills
Excellent written communication — clear, concise, decision-ready outputs
Self-directed working style with confident stakeholder engagement
Familiarity with workflow orchestration / BPMN fundamentalsDesirable

Experience building AI-integrated applications
API and cloud platform exposure
Vendor/technology selection experience
Knowledge of process automation or orchestration platforms

What Success Looks Like

Within your first 90 days, you will have:

Contributed to live evidence packs
Helped standardise R&D evaluation templates
Supported an initiative through to handover-ready recommendationLonger term, success is measured by the clarity, quality, and adoption of your R&D outputs.

Why Join

Direct exposure to cutting-edge AI and automation
Real influence over technology decisions
Clear progression into Senior R&D or specialist AI roles
Close collaboration with Architecture, Engineering, and ProductWe're looking for curiosity and rigour in equal measure — someone excited by emerging AI, but disciplined enough to separate signal from noise.

Ready to shape our AI innovation strategy? Apply now and help us turn emerging technology into competitive advantage