Lead Software Engineer (AI)

MCS Group is seeking a Lead Software Engineer to join one of their fastest-growing clients. This is a truly unique role where you'll sit at the centre of a fast-moving, product-focused AI company, working directly with organisations operating at the sharpest end of complexity.

As a lead engineer, you'll act as the primary technical partner to customers, shaping how AI is applied in real-world, high-stakes environments; designing, engineering and delivering bespoke solutions on top of their ground-breaking AI platform.

Please note that sponsorship is unfortunately unavailable for this position and candidates will require eligibility for Security Clearance.

The Role

At its core, this is a lead developer/solutions architecture role with real ownership.

You'll work closely with clients to understand how they operate, uncover where AI can genuinely move the needle, and design solutions that are practical, deployable, and impactful.

From there, you'll help bring those solutions to life; using AI-native development approaches and agentic tooling to move from concept to working product at pace.

You won't just design solutions. You'll see them through.

What You'll Be Doing

• Build deep, trusted relationships with clients across multiple sectors
• Understand complex operational environments and identify high-impact problems
• Design clear, scalable solution architectures on top of a proprietary AI platform
• Work alongside AI coding tools to prototype, build and refine solutions quickly
• Translate ideas into working products through rapid iteration and feedback
• Maintain high standards across security, quality and performance
• Provide technical leadership across engagements, supporting and mentoring others

What We're Looking For

• You'll be an engineer who is comfortable taking an ambiguous problem and turning it into a clear, working solution.
• You'll have a strong background in software engineering (Python preferred), ideally 6+ years
• Experience building production-grade AI-powered applications
• Confident working with LLMs, APIs, data systems and modern deployment approaches
• Able to engage non-technical stakeholders and translate needs into technical solutions
• Comfortable operating across multiple clients and problem spaces
• Naturally curious, adaptable and solutions-focused

Salary

Up to £90,000 with a leading benefits package which includes share options and super generous annual leave.

To speak in absolute confidence about this opportunity, please send an up-to-date CV via the link provided or contact Chris Busby, Associate Director - IT Recruitment, at MCS Group

Even if this position is not right for you, we may have others that are. Please visit MCS Group to view a wide selection of our current and exclusive roles www.mcsgroup.jobs

All conversations will be treated in the strictest of confidence.