> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3520680-vp-director-of-ai-engineering](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3520680-vp-director-of-ai-engineering). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # VP/Director of AI Engineering - **Company:** BlackRock, Inc. - **Location:** UK - **Salary:** £72,880.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Agile Methodology, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Software Engineering, Retrieval-Augmented Generation, Large Language Models, Prompt Engineering, Machine Learning Operations - **Published:** October 1, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.adzuna.co.uk/jobs/details/5904428467 ## About the Role * Strong experience building and operating production AI systems, including LLM-based workflows * Solid understanding of modern AI practices such as prompt engineering, retrieval-augmented generation, fine-tuning, and evaluation * Proven experience designing and delivering shared platforms or services at scale * Deep technical fluency in Java and Python with hands-on experience building scalable, production-grade AI and platform services * Experience designing APIs and operating services in a cloud environment * Experience working with distributed Cloud environments * Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across teams * Experience working in Agile development teams. Nice to Have * Experience working on developer productivity or platform engineering initiatives * Prior people-management experience, including leading small to mid-sized engineering teams * Familiarity with enterprise governance, security, and risk considerations for AI systems ## Description * Design scalable AI architecture leveraging LLMs, RAG, fine-tuning, and model optimization techniques * Establish evaluation frameworks to measure model quality, hallucination control, and precision/recall trade-offs * Lead the design and implementation of scalable AI platform capabilities used across the software development lifecycle * Partner with product and security teams to ensure AI solutions are safe, compliant, and production-ready * Drive delivery through ambiguity by breaking down complex problems into clear plans and milestones * Lead buy vs. build decisions, evaluating third-party solutions alongside internal capabilities * Identify technical risks and dependencies early, with mitigation and escalation where needed * Coordinate across multiple engineering teams and time zones to deliver shared outcomes * Translate complex AI capabilities into clear business values and communicate progress, trade-offs, and risks to senior stakeholders * Lead and develop a team of engineers and senior ICs, providing coaching and technical mentorship * Foster a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement * Support the growth of emerging leaders by delegating responsibility and increasing scope over time ## Related Videos - [Coffee with Developers - Maria Apazoglou](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1209-coffee-with-developers-maria-apazoglou) - [Green Cloud Computing](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/592-green-cloud-computing) - [ShapeShift: Reinventing Agile for a B2B SaaS Scale-Up](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1655-shapeshift-reinventing-agile-for-a-b2b-saas-scale-up) - [Prompt Engineering - an Art, a Science, or your next Job Title?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1032-prompt-engineering-an-art-a-science-or-your-next-job-title) - [Pioneering AI Assistants in Banking](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1627-pioneering-ai-assistants-in-banking) - [WebAssembly: The Next Frontier of Cloud Computing](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/972-webassembly-the-next-frontier-of-cloud-computing) ## Related Articles - [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer) - [Navigating the AI Shift](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/629-navigating-the-ai-shift) - [Coffee with Developers - Maria Apazoglou - Making AI understandable for all in production](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/475-coffee-with-developers-maria-apazoglou-making-ai-understandable-for-all-in-production) - [MLOps And AI Driven Development](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/82-mlops-and-ai-driven-development) - [Stephan Gillich - Bringing AI Everywhere](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/489-stephan-gillich-bringing-ai-everywhere) - [What is Software Engineering in the Age of AI?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/640-what-is-software-engineering-in-the-age-of-ai)