AI Engineer

About The Company A&O Shearman is a renowned global law firm committed to delivering exceptional legal services and innovative solutions to clients across various industries. With a strong presence in key financial and legal markets worldwide, the firm emphasizes a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement. A&O Shearman invests heavily in cutting-edge technology and digital transformation initiatives to enhance client experiences and streamline internal operations. The firm values diversity, inclusion, and integrity, fostering a dynamic environment where talented professionals can thrive and contribute to the firm's strategic growth and success. About The Role We are seeking an experienced Senior AI Engineer (Manager) to join our IT (EA & Technology Platforms) team based in our Belfast office. This pivotal role reports directly to the AI Platform Owner and serves as a senior technical leader responsible for shaping and executing the firm's AI and machine learning strategy. As part of the AI leadership team, you will oversee the design, development, and deployment of advanced AI solutions that address complex business challenges and improve service delivery. You will manage a team of skilled IT professionals and coordinate with external service providers to ensure the successful implementation of AI initiatives across the organization. Your expertise will drive innovation, ensure scalable architecture, and align AI projects with the firm's strategic objectives, ultimately delivering measurable value and competitive advantage. Qualifications The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in machine learning, data analysis, and software development, with demonstrated experience in deploying AI solutions in complex environments. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or C-Sharp is essential, along with hands-on experience with AI frameworks and libraries like TensorFlow, PyTorch, or scikit-learn. Familiarity with cloud platforms such as AWS, GCP, and Azure is required, with Azure experience being advantageous. Knowledge of leveraging AI code-writing assistants (e.g., GitHub Copilot, Codex) with appropriate engineering controls is desirable. Candidates should have a solid understanding of IT strategic planning, design, and operational processes, coupled with proven project and program management capabilities. Leadership experience managing large global teams, particularly within professional services or legal sectors, is highly valued. Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication skills, and a strong business acumen are essential for success in this role. Responsibilities As a Senior AI Engineer (Manager), your primary responsibilities include leading the development and execution of the firm's AI strategy, ensuring the scalability and alignment of AI solutions with industry best practices. You will oversee the full lifecycle of AI projects, from model development and validation to deployment and integration into existing systems. Managing and mentoring a team of AI engineers and collaborating with external vendors will be key to maintaining high standards of performance and innovation. You will work closely with senior stakeholders across business units to understand AI use cases and translate them into technical solutions that deliver measurable business outcomes. Facilitating regular reviews of service providers will ensure that performance targets are met and that innovative approaches are continuously explored and implemented. You will also be responsible for managing budgets, benefits realization, and demonstrating the value of AI initiatives to the firm's leadership. Additionally, you will promote continuous improvement by identifying new opportunities for AI-driven solutions, ensuring adherence to security and quality standards, and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of emerging trends and technologies in AI and data science. Acting as a technical advisor, you will provide expert guidance to teams and stakeholders, fostering a collaborative environment that supports the firm's strategic goals. Benefits Equal Opportunity