Lead Software Engineer – Al Product development Job at R16, London Full Time NEW

We are looking for a Lead Software Engineer – Al Product development to join our AI Engineering team in Barcelona. This is an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI-powered software, building reliable, scalable solutions that leverage Python, cloud technologies (Azure/AWS), microservices, and LLM-based applications.

You will be joining a small, highly skilled engineering team, reporting to the Engineering Manager. We have deep expertise in backend development, AI/ML, cloud services, and data engineering, and we would love to speak with you if you have strong skills in Python backend engineering, cloud ecosystems, and AI-driven solution development.

About You – experience, education, skills, and accomplishments

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Software Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

• At least 7 years of professional software engineering experience, including at least 4 years developing backend systems in Python (APIs, microservices, ETL pipelines).

• At least 5 years of experience working in cross-functional, agile teams, collaborating with Product, Cloud Ops, Architecture, Engineering, and SMEs.

• At least 3 years of experience working with LLMs or agentic AI applications, with demonstrable understanding of their reliability challenges.

It would be great if you also have . . .

• Experience contributing to or defining software architecture for complex systems.

• Experience with AI/ML workflows, such as RAG, vector databases, or evaluation techniques.

• Experience mentoring or providing technical guidance to other engineers.

• Experience working in cloud environments (Azure or AWS), including deploying or integrating backend services.

What will you be doing in this role?

• Scoping and shaping AI platform initiatives for LS&H products, from early concepts through implementation, actively influencing technical direction and strategic decisions such as building in-house capabilities, leveraging cloud-native AI services, or adopting open-source and LLM-driven technologies.

• Designing, developing, and maintaining backend services, including APIs, microservices, and ETL pipelines running in Azure or AWS.

• Translating ideas, requirements, and problem statements from multiple teams into high-quality, reliable code and working proof-of-concepts.

• Collaborating closely with Cloud Operations, Solution Architecture, Product Engineering, Product Management, and SMEs to understand needs and deliver technical solutions.

• Building and iterating LLM-based or agentic AI applications, ensuring reliability, quality, and awareness of AI limitations.

• Evaluating and integrating with applications written in other languages (e.g., Java, Typescript) when needed.

• Leading the technical approach on assigned work by taking initiative and ownership from design through implementation.

• Testing, validating, and continuously improving solutions through unit tests, automation, and iterative development.

• Progressing projects from initial concept to prototype and contributing to the technical plans needed to move them toward production.

• Working in an agile, fast-paced environment, adapting priorities based on business needs and contributing to a culture of continuous improvement.

About the Team

Our team is part of the LS&H Innovation group, focused on developing AI-driven capabilities across the organization. The immediate team consists of the Engineering Manager and three Lead Software Engineers. We also work closely with Solutions Architects, who play a key role in shaping technical direction and supporting platform development.

We operate within a broader AI Innovation ecosystem that includes multiple software engineering teams and a dedicated Product Management function. Collaboration across these groups is central to how we explore opportunities, build innovative solutions, and accelerate AI adoption across the organization.

Hours of Work

This is a full-time position, primarily working core business hours in CET time zone, with flexibility to adjust to various global time zones as needed.

This is a hybrid position working in the office 2-3 days a week.

At Clarivate, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons with respect to hiring, compensation, promotion, training, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. We comply with applicable laws and regulations governing non-discrimination in all locations.