Senior AI Architect (Contract) – FinTech AI Implementation
We are supporting a UK lending platform entering the next phase of its AI underwriting programme and are looking to engage a Senior AI Architect for a short, high-impact delivery sprint.
The organisation has already developed a working AI underwriting proof of concept and is now moving into the production hardening and pilot stage. The core logic is in place – this phase focuses on governance, audit readiness, architectural control and controlled shadow-mode deployment rather than greenfield development.
Start: Within 2–4 weeks
Duration: 4–6 week sprint
Day Rate: £600 - £800 (outside)
Location: Predominantly onsite (approx. 75%)
The Role
We are looking for a hands-on Senior AI Architect who still codes daily. You will help refactor and productionise existing machine learning models while implementing the architectural and governance controls required for deployment in a regulated financial environment.
Key Experience
* 8+ years software engineering experience
* 4+ years building production ML systems
* Experience in credit risk, underwriting, fraud, or fintech environments
* Proven delivery of ML systems in regulated financial services
* Strong Python engineering capability
* Experience with explainability frameworks (e.g. SHAP)
* API-first microservice architecture
* Strong understanding of governance, model auditability, and regulatory considerations
Key Responsibilities
* Refactor and productionise existing ML models
* Define model and rule versioning frameworks
* Implement explainability at decision level
* Establish architectural and governance controls
* Lead engineering direction and prepare the platform for a 14-day shadow-mode deployment
This is a focused engagement with a clear outcome, ideal for a senior engineer who enjoys stabilising and operationalising AI systems ahead of live rollout.
If you are available in the coming weeks and have experience deploying AI/ML within regulated fintech environments, I’d welcome a conversation.