5 jobs found

Shape the Future of AI Innovation Move beyond delivery work into structured R&D where your technical insights directly influence strategic technology decisions. You'll explore cutting-edge AI and automation technologies, build evidence-based recommendations, and help define our innovation roadmap. About the Role We're building a disciplined R&D capability to explore emerging technologies, validate new approaches, and feed high-quality innovation into our Product and Engineering teams. As our AI Research Engineer / Analyst (R&D) , you'll generate the technical evidence that supports strategic decisions. You'll research AI and automation technologies, evaluate vendors and tools, build timeboxed proofs of concept in Python and/or C# (accomplished coding skills required, but this is not a "developer" role), and produce clear, decision-ready outputs. This is not a BAU delivery role. It's structured, evidence-led innovation. You'll report functionally to the Head of R&D, with day-to-day coaching from the Senior R&D Engineer. Salary : £45K - £50K Basic + Bonus + Benefits (25 days holiday, 7% matched pension scheme, private health plan, flexible holiday purchase, remote or hybrid working & much more!) Location : Remote or North East . Hybrid office work / flexible / remote. Durham, Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Sunderland, etc. Although, we are very flexible to this, so more remote fine. As far down as Leeds or the other way & up toward Edinburgh! What You'll DoResearch & Evaluation Scan the market for emerging AI, orchestration, and automation technologies Conduct structured vendor and platform evaluations Assess technical fit, integration complexity, security posture, cost, and viability Stay current with LLMs, AI APIs, frameworks, and cloud services Produce concise evidence packs and recommendation summaries Hands-On Prototyping Build lightweight PoCs to validate APIs and technical hypotheses Explore AI capabilities practically (model behaviour, integration patterns, performance limits) Contribute Python and/or C# code under technical direction Focus: validation and insight not production-grade implementation. Documentation & Process Own R&D documentation, decision logs, and handover packs Maintain backlog discipline and enforce stage-gate standards Ensure findings are captured clearly and nothing falls through the cracks What You'll Bring Essential 2+ years in a technical analyst, research, or solutions-focused role Hands-on coding ability in Python and/or C# (We need some here, but you'll work with the Senior R&D engineer who will guide you on coding) Practical understanding of AI/ML landscape (LLMs, APIs, strengths & limitations) Strong analytical thinking and structured evaluation skills Excellent written communication clear, concise, decision-ready outputs Self-directed working style with confident stakeholder engagement Familiarity with workflow orchestration / BPMN fundamentals Desirable Experience building AI-integrated applications API and cloud platform exposure Vendor/technology selection experience Knowledge of process automation or orchestration platforms What Success Looks Like Within your first 90 days, you will have: Contributed to live evidence packs Helped standardise R&D evaluation templates Supported an initiative through to handover-ready recommendation Longer term, success is measured by the clarity, quality, and adoption of your R&D outputs. Why Join Direct exposure to cutting-edge AI and automation Real influence over technology decisions Clear progression into Senior R&D or specialist AI roles Close collaboration with Architecture, Engineering, and Product We're looking for curiosity and rigour in equal measure someone excited by emerging AI, but disciplined enough to separate signal from noise. Ready to shape our AI innovation strategy? Apply now and help us turn emerging technology into competitive advantage.

Shape the Future of AI Innovation Move beyond delivery work into structured R&D where your technical insights directly influence strategic technology decisions. You'll explore cutting-edge AI and automation technologies, build evidence-based recommendations, and help define our innovation roadmap. About the Role We're building a disciplined R&D capability to explore emerging technologies, validate new approaches, and feed high-quality innovation into our Product and Engineering teams. As our AI Research Engineer / Analyst (R&D) , you'll generate the technical evidence that supports strategic decisions. You'll research AI and automation technologies, evaluate vendors and tools, build timeboxed proofs of concept in Python and/or C# (accomplished coding skills required, but this is not a "developer" role), and produce clear, decision-ready outputs. This is not a BAU delivery role. It's structured, evidence-led innovation. You'll report functionally to the Head of R&D, with day-to-day coaching from the Senior R&D Engineer. Salary : £45K - £50K Basic + Bonus + Benefits (25 days holiday, 7% matched pension scheme, private health plan, flexible holiday purchase, remote or hybrid working & much more!) Location : North East. Hybrid office work / flexible. Durham, Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Sunderland, etc. Although, we are very flexible to this, so more remote fine. As far down as Leeds or the other way & up toward Edinburgh! What You'll DoResearch & Evaluation Scan the market for emerging AI, orchestration, and automation technologies Conduct structured vendor and platform evaluations Assess technical fit, integration complexity, security posture, cost, and viability Stay current with LLMs, AI APIs, frameworks, and cloud services Produce concise evidence packs and recommendation summaries Hands-On Prototyping Build lightweight PoCs to validate APIs and technical hypotheses Explore AI capabilities practically (model behaviour, integration patterns, performance limits) Contribute Python and/or C# code under technical direction Focus: validation and insight not production-grade implementation. Documentation & Process Own R&D documentation, decision logs, and handover packs Maintain backlog discipline and enforce stage-gate standards Ensure findings are captured clearly and nothing falls through the cracks What You'll Bring Essential 2+ years in a technical analyst, research, or solutions-focused role Hands-on coding ability in Python and/or C# (We need some here, but you'll work with the Senior R&D engineer who will guide you on coding) Practical understanding of AI/ML landscape (LLMs, APIs, strengths & limitations) Strong analytical thinking and structured evaluation skills Excellent written communication clear, concise, decision-ready outputs Self-directed working style with confident stakeholder engagement Familiarity with workflow orchestration / BPMN fundamentals Desirable Experience building AI-integrated applications API and cloud platform exposure Vendor/technology selection experience Knowledge of process automation or orchestration platforms What Success Looks Like Within your first 90 days, you will have: Contributed to live evidence packs Helped standardise R&D evaluation templates Supported an initiative through to handover-ready recommendation Longer term, success is measured by the clarity, quality, and adoption of your R&D outputs. Why Join Direct exposure to cutting-edge AI and automation Real influence over technology decisions Clear progression into Senior R&D or specialist AI roles Close collaboration with Architecture, Engineering, and Product We're looking for curiosity and rigour in equal measure someone excited by emerging AI, but disciplined enough to separate signal from noise. Ready to shape our AI innovation strategy? Apply now and help us turn emerging technology into competitive advantage.

Shape the Future of AI Innovation Move beyond delivery work into structured R&D where your technical insights directly influence strategic technology decisions. You'll explore cutting-edge AI and automation technologies, build evidence-based recommendations, and help define our innovation roadmap. About the Role We're building a disciplined R&D capability to explore emerging technologies, validate new approaches, and feed high-quality innovation into our Product and Engineering teams. As our AI Research Engineer / Analyst (R&D) , you'll generate the technical evidence that supports strategic decisions. You'll research AI and automation technologies, evaluate vendors and tools, build timeboxed proofs of concept in Python and/or C# (accomplished coding skills required, but this is not a "developer" role), and produce clear, decision-ready outputs. This is not a BAU delivery role. It's structured, evidence-led innovation. You'll report functionally to the Head of R&D, with day-to-day coaching from the Senior R&D Engineer. Salary : £45K - £50K Basic + Bonus + Benefits (25 days holiday, 7% matched pension scheme, private health plan, flexible holiday purchase, remote or hybrid working & much more!) Location : North East. Hybrid office work / flexible. Durham, Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Sunderland, etc. Although, we are very flexible to this, so more remote fine. As far down as Leeds or the other way & up toward Edinburgh! What You'll Do Research & Evaluation Scan the market for emerging AI, orchestration, and automation technologies Conduct structured vendor and platform evaluations Assess technical fit, integration complexity, security posture, cost, and viability Stay current with LLMs, AI APIs, frameworks, and cloud services Produce concise evidence packs and recommendation summaries Hands-On Prototyping Build lightweight PoCs to validate APIs and technical hypotheses Explore AI capabilities practically (model behaviour, integration patterns, performance limits) Contribute Python and/or C# code under technical direction Focus: validation and insight - not production-grade implementation. Documentation & Process Own R&D documentation, decision logs, and handover packs Maintain backlog discipline and enforce stage-gate standards Ensure findings are captured clearly and nothing falls through the cracks What You'll Bring Essential 2+ years in a technical analyst, research, or solutions-focused role Hands-on coding ability in Python and/or C# (We need some here, but you'll work with the Senior R&D engineer who will guide you on coding) Practical understanding of AI/ML landscape (LLMs, APIs, strengths & limitations) Strong analytical thinking and structured evaluation skills Excellent written communication - clear, concise, decision-ready outputs Self-directed working style with confident stakeholder engagement Familiarity with workflow orchestration / BPMN fundamentals Desirable Experience building AI-integrated applications API and cloud platform exposure Vendor/technology selection experience Knowledge of process automation or orchestration platforms What Success Looks Like Within your first 90 days, you will have: Contributed to live evidence packs Helped standardise R&D evaluation templates Supported an initiative through to handover-ready recommendation Longer term, success is measured by the clarity, quality, and adoption of your R&D outputs. Why Join Direct exposure to cutting-edge AI and automation Real influence over technology decisions Clear progression into Senior R&D or specialist AI roles Close collaboration with Architecture, Engineering, and Product We're looking for curiosity and rigour in equal measure - someone excited by emerging AI, but disciplined enough to separate signal from noise. Ready to shape our AI innovation strategy? Apply now and help us turn emerging technology into competitive advantage.

Shape the Future of AI Innovation Move beyond delivery work into structured R&D where your technical insights directly influence strategic technology decisions. You'll explore cutting-edge AI and automation technologies, build evidence-based recommendations, and help define our innovation roadmap. About the Role We're building a disciplined R&D capability to explore emerging technologies, validate new approaches, and feed high-quality innovation into our Product and Engineering teams. As our AI Research Engineer / Analyst (R&D) , you'll generate the technical evidence that supports strategic decisions. You'll research AI and automation technologies, evaluate vendors and tools, build timeboxed proofs of concept in Python and/or C# (accomplished coding skills required, but this is not a "developer" role), and produce clear, decision-ready outputs. This is not a BAU delivery role. It's structured, evidence-led innovation. You'll report functionally to the Head of R&D, with day-to-day coaching from the Senior R&D Engineer. Salary : £45K - £50K Basic + Bonus + Benefits (25 days holiday, 7% matched pension scheme, private health plan, flexible holiday purchase, remote or hybrid working & much more!) Location : Remote or North East . Hybrid office work / flexible / remote. Durham, Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Sunderland, etc. Although, we are very flexible to this, so more remote fine. As far down as Leeds or the other way & up toward Edinburgh! What You'll Do Research & Evaluation Scan the market for emerging AI, orchestration, and automation technologies Conduct structured vendor and platform evaluations Assess technical fit, integration complexity, security posture, cost, and viability Stay current with LLMs, AI APIs, frameworks, and cloud services Produce concise evidence packs and recommendation summaries Hands-On Prototyping Build lightweight PoCs to validate APIs and technical hypotheses Explore AI capabilities practically (model behaviour, integration patterns, performance limits) Contribute Python and/or C# code under technical direction Focus: validation and insight - not production-grade implementation. Documentation & Process Own R&D documentation, decision logs, and handover packs Maintain backlog discipline and enforce stage-gate standards Ensure findings are captured clearly and nothing falls through the cracks What You'll Bring Essential 2+ years in a technical analyst, research, or solutions-focused role Hands-on coding ability in Python and/or C# (We need some here, but you'll work with the Senior R&D engineer who will guide you on coding) Practical understanding of AI/ML landscape (LLMs, APIs, strengths & limitations) Strong analytical thinking and structured evaluation skills Excellent written communication - clear, concise, decision-ready outputs Self-directed working style with confident stakeholder engagement Familiarity with workflow orchestration / BPMN fundamentals Desirable Experience building AI-integrated applications API and cloud platform exposure Vendor/technology selection experience Knowledge of process automation or orchestration platforms What Success Looks Like Within your first 90 days, you will have: Contributed to live evidence packs Helped standardise R&D evaluation templates Supported an initiative through to handover-ready recommendation Longer term, success is measured by the clarity, quality, and adoption of your R&D outputs. Why Join Direct exposure to cutting-edge AI and automation Real influence over technology decisions Clear progression into Senior R&D or specialist AI roles Close collaboration with Architecture, Engineering, and Product We're looking for curiosity and rigour in equal measure - someone excited by emerging AI, but disciplined enough to separate signal from noise. Ready to shape our AI innovation strategy? Apply now and help us turn emerging technology into competitive advantage.

My client, a Global organisation based in Newcastle city centre are seeking an experienced Head of Security and Platform Engineering to start ASAP. This pivotal role takes the lead in delivering breakthrough improvements in reliability and performance across technology platforms, ensuring our systems consistently exceed expectations. As the leading force behind our cyber security agenda, you will champion a step change in modern security controls introducing cutting-edge measures that protect the business. You will lead four core technology towers, and inspire teams to set bold targets, measure progress, and celebrate success as we raise the bar for platform resilience, scalability, and security. Key Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership & Governance Define and drive the vision, strategy, and roadmaps for Platform towers, aligned with business objectives and risk appetite. Oversee integration and collaboration across the four core platform towers: Digital Workspace Services (DWS) Support and System Reliability Engineering (SSRE) Platform and Cloud Engineering (PaCE) Security & Network Operations (SNOPs) Establish and socialise the Cyber Security Strategy and Roadmap, ensuring alignment with enterprise resilience and regulatory requirements Cyber Security Leadership Shape the cyber security vision and build a corresponding technical roadmap which delivers a world class security controls across cloud infrastructure, networks, end points, identity & access management, application security, and threat detection. Collaborate closely with the SNOPs Lead to adapt the SNOPs roadmap priorities in line with shifts in industry, evolving threat landscape and regulatory requirements. Ensure effective 24/7 security operations (inc. security incident management) Collaborate closely with the Enterprise Resilience function (1st Line of Defence) to ensure integrated risk management and incident response. Promote stakeholder engagement and cross-functional collaboration to embed a culture of security awareness and ownership across the organisation. Operational Oversight Ensure high availability, performance, and security of all technology systems and infrastructure. Monitor and improve service levels, incident resolution times, and system reliability metrics. Lead cross-functional coordination for escalations, major incidents, and service continuity planning. Team Leadership & Development Provide leadership and direction to platform tower leads Foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and innovation across all teams. Support recruitment, onboarding, and capability development to meet evolving technology needs. Technology Platform Delivery Oversee the delivery and lifecycle management of: Microsoft 365 and collaboration platforms Cloud platforms (design, automation, cost optimisation) Network and security operations (compliance, threat management) Monitoring, observability, and backup/recovery systems Ensure alignment with architectural standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., DORA, Cyber Essentials Plus). Stakeholder Engagement Act as the escalation point for unresolved issues across platform towers. Collaborate with product teams, business units, and external vendors to ensure service excellence and alignment with user needs. Represent Technology in all relevant Information Security, Risk and project Committees, ensuring visibility and accountability for and robust management of cyber security risks. Represent Security and Platforms and in governance forums such as the Architectural Review Board (ARB). Essential Skills Proven leadership in managing cyber security and cross-functional technology teams in a complex, global environment. Deep understanding of IT infrastructure, cloud platforms (e.g., Azure), and enterprise collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft 365). Strong grasp of ITIL-based service management, including incident, change, and problem management. Expertise in security and compliance frameworks, including DORA and Cyber Essentials Plus. Prior hands-on experience in delivering security solutions within enterprise environments Knowledge of disaster recovery, business continuity, and vulnerability management. Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and vendor negotiation skills. Qualifications Bachelor s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field (Master s preferred). ITIL Foundation certification (Intermediate or Expert level desirable). Relevant cloud certifications (e.g., Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect, AWS Certified Solutions Architect). Experience 10+ years in IT leadership roles, with at least 5 years managing platform or infrastructure services. Demonstrated success in leading digital transformation or cloud migration initiatives. Experience working in regulated environments with a strong focus on security and compliance The role is Hybrid working 3 office days a week in a central Newcastle location great for transport links by train, car or bus. Apply now for immediate consideration.