Principal AI Engineer
London (hybrid working) 1 day per week in the London office, with flexibility depending on business needs and stakeholder engagement.
About the role
We're looking for a Principal AI Engineer to help establish, grow and shape AI capability across Railpen, providing technical leadership and expertise as we develop our approach to AI.
This is a newly created role and a key appointment within our Technology team. You'll play a leading role in identifying where AI can create genuine value, design practical solutions and helping us build the foundations needed to scale AI effectively and responsibly across the organisation.
You'll bring together a strong software engineering background with hands-on AI expertise, working closely with colleagues across Technology and the wider business to turn opportunities into real-world outcomes. Whether that's designing new AI-powered solutions, shaping technical standards, evaluating emerging
technologies or helping others understand what's possible, you'll be at the centre of how AI capability is developed and adopted across Railpen.
This role requires someone who enjoys combining deep technical expertise with strong stakeholder engagement. You'll be comfortable engaging with senior leaders, translating complex concepts into clear language and helping build confidence in the use of AI across the business.
To learn more about Railpen including our values, culture and purpose, visit our careers page here.
What you’ll be doing
What we’re looking for
Essential
Desirable
Why is this role exciting now?
AI is creating new opportunities across every industry, and we're committed to building the capability needed to make a meaningful impact at Railpen. This role will play a key part in helping us realise that potential.
This role offers the chance to join at a pivotal stage of our journey. Rather than inheriting a mature AI function, you'll help shape and build it. You'll have the opportunity to influence technology decisions, establish new ways of working and play a key role in defining how AI is adopted across the organisation.
If you're looking for a role where you can combine technical excellence with genuine influence and impact, this is an opportunity to help shape the future direction of Railpen's AI capability.
What you’ll get in return
Next steps
If you’re excited by the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution and grow your career with us, we encourage you to apply by 23rd October 2026.
Inclusion at Railpen
At Railpen, diversity, equity and inclusion are core to who we are. We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, supported and able to thrive. Our mission to secure a better future for our members is strengthened by the different perspectives and experiences our people bring.
We are transparent about our gender pay gap and are actively committed to addressing it through fair and inclusive recruitment, progression and reward practices.
We respect and support individuals’ pronouns and encourage colleagues to share them if they feel comfortable to do so.
We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of age, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, neurodiversity, or any other protected characteristic. If you need adjustments during the recruitment process, just let us know.
Job details are sourced from the employer's original posting.
Open job postingAbout the company
Railpen is responsible for the safekeeping and investment of around £34 billion in assets and the administration of several pension schemes, including the Railways Pension Scheme, one of the UK's largest and longest established pension funds.