AI Engineer

Job Description

Purpose of the role:
To develop, implement and maintain solutions that support the safeguarding of the bank’s systems and sensitive information. Accountabilities:
Provision of subject matter expertise on security systems and engineering patterns;
Development and implementation of protocols, algorithms, and software applications to protect sensitive data and systems;
Management and protection of secrets, ensuring that they are securely generated, stored, and used;
Execution of audits to monitor, identify and assess vulnerabilities in the bank’s infrastructure/software and support response to potential security breaches;
Identification of advancements to support innovation and adoption of new cryptographic technologies and techniques;
Collaboration across the bank, including developers and security teams, to ensure cryptographic solutions align with business objectives, security policies and regulatory requirements;
Development, implementation and maintenance of Identity and Access Management solutions and systems.

To advise and influence decision making, contribute to policy development and take responsibility for operational effectiveness. Collaborate closely with other functions/business divisions. Lead a team performing complex tasks, using well‑developed professional knowledge and skills. Set objectives, coach employees, appraise performance, determine reward outcomes. If the position has leadership responsibilities, People Leaders are expected to demonstrate a clear set of leadership behaviours: L‑Listen and be authentic, E‑Energise and inspire, A‑Align across the enterprise, D‑Develop others.

If the role is an individual contributor, they will lead collaborative assignments, guide team members through structured assignments, identify the need for additional specialisation, and identify new directions for assignments and projects. They will consult on complex issues, advise People Leaders on escalated issues, mitigate risk, develop new policies/procedures, manage risk and strengthen controls. They will collaborate with other areas, engage in complex analysis of data, communicate complex information, influence stakeholders.

• Good understanding of Large Language Models (LLMs), prompt engineering, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and modern AI frameworks such as Lang Chain, Lang Graph, MCP.
• Experience developing AI-powered applications, working with vector databases, semantic search, retrieval optimisation techniques, evaluating, testing and monitoring AI agents and automated workflows, including benchmarking and observability in production.
• Strong knowledge of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) and containerisation technologies (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Strong programming and scripting skills, particularly in Python and Bash, and use of AI-assisted coding tools such as Claude.
• Strong research, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within cross‑functional teams.
• Proactive approach to learning new technologies and adapting to a rapidly evolving AI landscape.

• Contribute to the design and development of innovative AI‑powered cybersecurity solutions and capabilities.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends, technologies and best practices within AI/ML.
• Produce high‑quality technical documentation, implementation guides and user‑facing materials.
• Over the next 18 months, the successful candidate will support the Chief Information Security Office’s GenAI portfolio and help secure innovation at scale.

This role can be based in Manchester, Knutsford, Northampton, Glasgow or London.

All colleagues will be expected to demonstrate the Barclays Values of Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Stewardship. They will also demonstrate the Barclays Mindset – to Empower, Challenge and Drive.