Lead AI Engineer Location: Cheshire (Hybrid – 2 days onsite per week) Type: Permanent Salary: £65,000 Benefits About the Company An innovative and growing technology organisation delivering intelligent business systems to clients across the UK. The company operates within a Microsoft Azure hosted environment and is focused on using AI and automation to improve performance, efficiency, and insight across its software solutions. This is an excellent opportunity to join a forward-thinking engineering team that values collaboration, technical curiosity, and practical problem solving. About the Role The Lead AI Engineer will be responsible for designing, developing, and deploying AI-driven solutions across a Microsoft technology stack. You will work closely with software engineers, data specialists, and product teams to integrate Azure AI, Microsoft CoPilot, and Model Context Protocol into existing business systems. While experience with C# and .NET would be highly beneficial, it is not essential if you have strong hands-on experience integrating AI solutions within Microsoft Azure and related services. Key Responsibilities Lead the design and development of AI features and integrations across Microsoft-based business systems Implement and optimise Azure AI Services, CoPilot, and Model Context Protocol integrations Work collaboratively with software engineers to embed AI functionality within existing applications Manage deployment, testing, and performance monitoring of AI components in production Ensure system reliability, data integrity, and scalability across AI-enabled environments Provide technical guidance and mentoring to other engineers Work with product and delivery teams to align AI initiatives with business objectives Maintain documentation of AI configurations, deployment processes, and troubleshooting Required Skills and Experience Hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure, ideally including Azure AI or Cognitive Services Practical knowledge of integrating AI, automation, or data services within a Microsoft ecosystem Strong understanding of APIs, data flows, and application architecture Experience of .NET and C# development is desirable but not essential Familiarity with CoPilot, Model Context Protocol, or similar AI technologies Excellent problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills Desirable Skills Experience with Microsoft Power Platform (Power BI, Power Automate, Power Apps) Working knowledge of SQL Server or Azure data tools Previous experience mentoring developers or leading small technical teams Understanding of AI evaluation, testing, and performance optimisation Soft Skills Strong analytical and troubleshooting ability Clear and confident communicator Detail-oriented and capable of working both independently and collaboratively Comfortable engaging with technical and non-technical stakeholders Benefits £65,000 Benefits Flexible hybrid working (typically two days onsite per week) Opportunity to lead AI initiatives using the latest Microsoft technologies Collaborative and supportive working environment Professional development opportunities within an expanding technology team Summary This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of AI innovation within a modern Microsoft Azure environment. The successful candidate will lead the delivery of intelligent features using Azure AI, CoPilot, and Model Context Protocol, driving meaningful improvements in automation, efficiency, and user experience across key business systems.