Senior AI Engineer - Centre of Excellence

About this role

Enterprise software is going through its biggest shift in decades. Applications are moving from deterministic workflows to intelligent, agentic systems that understand context, remember preferences, and act on behalf of users. This isn’t a future prediction, it's happening now, and Columbus is building at the frontier of it.

We're hiring a Senior AI Engineer to become a key part of our Group AI team. In this role, you'll help design and build the next generation of AI-powered systems that will transform how thousands of people work across the Nordics and beyond. You'll work directly with the VP Group AI. No layers. No committees. You build, you ship, you learn.

We're looking for a senior engineer who can operate across the full AI stack, from application design and intelligent agents to enterprise integrations, data platforms, and AI infrastructure. You combine strategic thinking with hands-on execution and thrive in an environment where you can influence both architecture and implementation.

This is not a consulting engagement or a proof-of-concept. It's production engineering at enterprise scale, on the Microsoft platform, using the most advanced AI models available today.

THRIVE, GROW and SHAPE THE FUTURE

People always come first at Columbus. We’re a global digital consultancy with a local presence, helping businesses transform and thrive through technology, data, and human insight. Just as importantly, we’re a workplace where careers are nurtured, and development is supported through clear, structured career paths.

Our culture is built on trust, collaboration, curiosity, and a shared commitment to delivering customer success. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting out, you’ll find the freedom to explore ideas, challenge convention, and shape your own path.

We are looking for someone who has

• Strong expertise in LLM application design, including prompt engineering, agent frameworks, tool integration, and evaluation methodologies.

• A solid understanding of how data platforms and governance enable AI-driven insights and intelligent systems.

• Experience building scalable, production-grade AI solutions, with focus on context management, performance optimisation, observability, and cost control.

• Proven ability to design and implement agentic and multi-agent architectures in enterprise environments.

• Hands-on experience with Microsoft 365 technologies, including Graph, Teams, SharePoint, and cloud-native platforms such as Azure.

• Deep knowledge of retrieval systems, vector databases, embeddings, document processing, and RAG architectures.

• Experience building robust event-driven and API-first systems with strong focus on security, compliance, and enterprise-grade reliability.

• Strong understanding of AI Security, Responsible AI, and AI Governance principles.

• The ability to move confidently between AI applications, integrations, infrastructure, architecture, and engineering leadership.

What we can offer

You will be a part of both a local and global team, where you not only share knowledge but also a laugh or two. We value our employees and leave room for flexibility so that you can enjoy a work-life balance.

At Columbus, you will get;-

• 25 Days Annual Leave (Increasing with Service)

• Columbus Benefits Hub – Discounts on Tickets, Shopping, Car leasing, Holidays, Food and More

• Enhanced Maternity Pay

• Access to Free Training Courses Delivered by Columbus Academy

• Free Microsoft Certifications and access to Microsoft Learn

• Modern air-conditioned office spaces fully managed by Cubo (multiple UK locations)

• Free Barista Coffee and hot drinks made in-house

• Free Beer and Fizz every day (2 - 5pm)

• Casual Dress Code in our Offices

• Personal Pension Plan

• Life Assurance x4 Salary

• Cycle-to-Work Scheme

• £2,500 payment for successful candidate referrals (if eligible)

• Flexi-phone upgrade scheme (if eligible)

• Plus many, many more (check out our careers pages for details)

Employee Wellbeing Program (terms apply)

• Free 24/7 Access to Cubo Gym(s)

• Vitality Medical Insurance

• Westfield Health Cash plan (includes an Employee Assistance Line)

• Mental health first aiders

• Virtual suggestion boxes