Contract AI Software Engineer (LLM/Node.js/Python) - Remote (UK-based) - Outside IR35 - 6 months (with potential extension)
About the Role
We’re supporting a fast-moving digital product studio that urgently needs an experienced AI Software Engineer to help deliver a series of AI-led projects. The team is scaling to meet high demand, and this role offers the opportunity to work across multiple AI initiatives in a lean, collaborative environment. You’ll need to flex between architecture, hands-on delivery, and guiding others, all while moving at pace.
Key Responsibilities
* Design and build scalable APIs and backend systems using TypeScript/Node.js
* Develop and integrate AI-powered product features using Python and LLM APIs
* Work with frameworks such as LangChain, LlamaIndex, and vector databases (Pinecone, FAISS, etc.)
* Lead the development of Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) pipelines
* Provide architectural input, mentor junior engineers, and own key delivery areas
* Operate proactively within a fast-paced, lean delivery model
* Contribute to prompt engineering, observability, and operational best practices
* Deploy solutions in cloud environments (preferably AWS)
What We're Looking For
* 5+ years of professional software engineering experience
* 2+ years of practical experience building AI/LLM-driven applications
* Strong in TypeScript/Node.js with the ability to work confidently in Python for AI tooling
* Experience with AI/LLM frameworks like LangChain, LlamaIndex, and embedding models
* Proven experience with RAG pipelines and vector search technologies
* Comfortable switching between IC, architecture, and mentorship roles
* Strong time management and proactive working style essential for fast-moving briefs
* Cloud deployment experience (preferably AWS)
* Product-focused mindset with strong collaboration and communication skills