AI Engineer (PHP/Python) - Perm or Contract

Senior / Lead AI Engineer – AI-First Product Platform Tech4Good
Location: Remote-first (UK) | London preferred
Salary: Negotiable 

Engagement: Permanent preferred (contractors also considered)
I’m working with a high-growth, product-led technology company that is embedding AI at the core of its platform rather than treating it as an add-on. They already operate a mature, production system and are now scaling their AI capability across real customer workflows.

They’re looking to hire a Senior / Lead AI Engineer who can operate as a technical bridge between a core backend platform and an AI engineering function, owning delivery from early design through to production.

This is a hands-on role with genuine technical ownership and influence.

The Role You’ll sit at the intersection of core product engineering and AI delivery, working closely with backend engineers, AI specialists and senior stakeholders.

Key responsibilities include:

Acting as the technical link between a PHP/Laravel platform and Python-based AI services
Designing and delivering AI-enabled features end-to-end (prototype → production)
Implementing and maintaining integration patterns between backend systems and AI/LLM components
Defining best practices for AI-native development, CI/CD and deployment
Taking ownership of ambiguous requirements and driving them to delivery
Providing technical leadership, mentoring and coordination across teamsRequired Experience:
Strong software engineering background with several years of PHP and Laravel experience
Practical, hands-on experience with AI systems, including LLMs and prompt engineering
Solid Python experience and the ability to work directly with AI/ML codebases
Experience deploying production systems (AWS or equivalent) and working with CI/CD pipelines
Comfortable leading workstreams, making decisions and delivering through ambiguity
Strong communication skills and experience working across multidisciplinary teamsDesirable Experience:
Exposure to managed ML platforms (e.g. SageMaker or similar)
Previous experience in a lead or coordinating role bridging platform and AI teams
Familiarity with modern frontend frameworks (e.g. Next.js)Working Pattern:
Remote-first role (approximately 80–90% remote)
Preference for candidates based in or near London for periodic in-person collaboration
Occasional visits to a secondary UK office
Open to both permanent hires and experienced contractors