AI Cloud Engineer

AI Cloud Engineer
London (Hybrid): Onsite 4:1 WFH
Inside IR35 Contract

We're seeking a forward-thinking engineer ready to sit at the absolute intersection of Cloud Infrastructure and Artificial Intelligence within this international banking group.

This is a unique opportunity to join a small, dynamic team within a leading financial services institution as they evolve their digital engineering capabilities. You will play a pivotal role in building the secure, scalable foundations that underpin critical banking services, transitioning from traditional cloud functions into a high-impact AI enablement powerhouse.

In this hands-on role, you will design and develop bespoke cloud and AI solutions, primarily focusing on Azure while expanding into Oracle Cloud and AWS. You will be the bridge between platforms and software engineering, applying rigorous discipline to deliver automated, sustainable patterns that meet complex regulatory and security standards.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Design & Deliver: Architect and implement cloud and AI-ready solutions on Azure, building repeatable patterns and integration services that support next-generation workloads.
• Innovate with AI: Develop bespoke components using the OpenAI SDK and GPT models, ensuring all AI adoption is underpinned by robust governance and safety guardrails.
• Engineering Excellence: Drive automation through Infrastructure-as-Code (Bicep, Terraform) and CI/CD pipelines, while maintaining REST APIs and identity-aware solution patterns.
• Collaborative Impact: Work autonomously to manage ambiguity, collaborating across infrastructure and application teams to enhance platform stability and cost efficiency.

Skills & Experience Required

• Azure Expertise: Deep hands-on experience with Azure engineering, PaaS services, and Infrastructure-as-Code (Bicep, ARM, or Terraform.
• Software Engineering: Strong proficiency in Python (essential) and PowerShell for building automation frameworks, REST APIs, and identity flows (OAuth2).
• Identity & Security: Solid understanding of Entra ID, IAM patterns, and implementing security controls within a regulated environment.
• AI Integration: Familiarity with Azure OpenAI, embeddings, and vector workflows, with the ability to operationalise responsible AI controls.
• Qualifications: You should hold an Azure certification (AZ-104 or higher) and a Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Desirables: Ideally, you will have experience with Azure API Management, AI orchestration frameworks, or knowledge of AI model lifecycle controls.

This is more than just an infrastructure role; it is a chance to influence a global cloud strategy and gain exposure to multi-cloud environments during a major AI transformation. If you thrive in a results-driven environment and want to make a tangible impact on the future of FinTech, we want to hear from you.

If you've held any of these roles or used these technologies/skills, this role could be a great fit: Cloud Engineer, AI Engineer, Azure Architect, Platform Engineer, DevOps Engineer, Python Developer, Azure OpenAI, Bicep, Terraform, Entra ID, Generative AI Integration, and FinTech Cloud Specialist.

Deerfoot Recruitment Solutions Ltd is a leading independent tech recruitment consultancy in the UK. For every CV sent to clients, we donate 1 to The Born Free Foundation. We are a Climate Action Workforce in partnership with Ecologi. If this role isn't right for you, explore our referral reward program with payouts at interview and placement milestones. Visit our website for details. Deerfoot Recruitment Solutions Ltd acts as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.