AI Engineer

Job Description We have an exciting opportunity for a AI Engineer to join our IT (EA & Technology Platforms) team, based in A&O Shearman's Belfast office. Enterprise Architecture and Technology Platforms team - Belfast The core of the global technology department's mission is to provide stable, reliable, and secure platforms and services to our partners, staff and clients and fulfil our regulatory obligations across 30+ countries. To ensure that a consistent and standardised IT service is delivered to all offices, IT is managed and led as a global function, enabling all offices to benefit from complete systems integration and economies of scale.

We have around 400 technologists based predominantly in the UK, Singapore and increasingly in the US. To develop and maintain the firm's technology strategy and enterprise architecture. In parallel, own, improve and simplify the firm's key technology 'building blocks' by designing, building and managing the core technology platforms which are fundamental to delivering strategic business goals.

What you will do Reporting to the Senior AI Engineer, this role will be responsible for the strategy, design, and implementation of advanced AI and ML use cases across the firm. The role is a member of AI Platforms team and is an integral part of enabling AI use cases as well as motivating a team of skilled IT professionals and directing external third-party service providers. This individual is accountable for the implementation of the full lifecycle of AI solutions including model development, validation, deployment, and integration into other systems while providing feedback to continue to evolve the AI platform.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in machine learning, data analysis, and software development. The role will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing AI solutions to solve complex problems and enhance our products and services resulting in improved experiences for our fee earners and business teams. Design, develop, and deploy AI models and algorithms to address business challenges.

Conduct data analysis and pre-processing to ensure high-quality input for AI models. Implement and optimise AI models for performance and scalability. Standardise model usage matching fit-for-purpose use cases and personas.

Work with finops to optimise and evaluate cost of AI technologies in relation to business outcomes. Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in AI and machine learning technologies. Document and present findings and solutions to stakeholders.

Champion ethical AI practices and model governance, including bias mitigation, and compliance with data security and privacy regulations. Develop customer relationships with fee earners and business teams to manage the delivery of AI data modelling. Support the Enterprise Architecture & Technology Platforms leadership team to collectively define, implement and operate the firm's AI modeling and deployment.

Act as the focal point for matters related to AI data modelling, providing expert guidance to other teams when required. Other duties and responsibilities as assigned. Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in supporting the design, development, and deployment of the firm's AI models and systems.

What you will have Experience Direct or related experience in machine learning, deep learning, and AI model development, preferably within the legal or professional services sector. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or C-Sharp. Experience with AI frameworks and libraries such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or scikit-learn.

Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure), experience with Azure a plus. Experience leveraging AI code-writing assistants (e.g., GitHub Copilot, Claude Code, Codex) with appropriate engineering controls (code review, testing, security) in professional environments. At least 5 years background in the IT industry, with experience leading/mentoring development teams.

Knowledge of IT strategic planning, design, and operations processes. Knowledge of current IT and data market trends and technology innovations. Knowledge and understanding of AI/ML platforms (eg Azure AI Foundry) and their operational management.

Personal Proven stakeholder engagement and communication skills. Proven business acumen and ability to understand how they add value the function, firm or clients. Ability to lead and develop team members.

Promotes the firm's values at all times and is comfortable working with a wide range of people and departments. What we can offer you We recognise that our people are our most valuable asset, which is reflected in the wide range of benefits that are available to our employees. Some of these benefits include: our occupational pension scheme, group income protection cover, private medical insurance, mental health resources and free apps, health and wellbeing services encompassing GP service, emergency back-up care support, parental and special leave, holiday entitlement increasing with length of service, holiday trading, online discounts and lifestyle management services.

We recognise the value of flexible working and embrace hybrid working, allowing our people to work from home up to 40% of their working time. We do, however, remain committed to working together in person for the remaining 60% of time so that we can learn, grow and succeed together. Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our recruitment team who will work with you to provide any adjustments as required.

We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic. #J-18808-Ljbffr