Manager, AI Engineer (Principal/Lead – Hands-on Architect)

About the role

EY Ireland is hiring a Manager-level AI Engineer to lead hands-on architecture work in its UKI Data & AI business. This role is focused on designing enterprise-ready generative AI solutions, multi-agent orchestration approaches, and scalable AI systems that meet global standards and regulatory expectations. The position is available across Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, and Waterford, and it is a permanent full-time role. Work visa sponsorship is not available.

The role is suited to someone who can combine technical leadership with day-to-day coding. You’ll define engineering standards, support safe MVP delivery, and help shape EY’s broader AI direction while working closely with diverse teams.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of enterprise-grade GenAI platforms and multi-agent orchestration solutions.
• Set technical direction, development standards, and delivery practices while remaining actively involved in hands-on coding.
• Guide vendor and foundation model choices across major providers and help shape the wider AI portfolio strategy.
• Build and refine knowledge architectures, retrieval systems, storage layers, and perception components for agents.
• Develop coding, CI/CD, and documentation standards that support compliant and reliable delivery.
• Contribute to organization-level evaluation, scoring, and release-gating processes for AI systems.
• Work across cloud and platform environments to deliver scalable, dependable, and cost-aware solutions.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure AI solutions align with governance, risk, and regulatory requirements.

Technical and professional requirements

• 3 to 5 years of experience spanning software engineering, machine learning, and AI system design.
• Strong background in enterprise delivery; experience in regulated environments is an advantage.
• Ability to act as both team lead and architect, with daily coding responsibilities.
• Advanced knowledge of Python and containerized deployment stacks such as Docker, Kubernetes, or ECS.
• Experience with event-driven systems using tools such as Kafka or RabbitMQ.
• Practical knowledge of observability, reliability, and production support principles.
• Exposure to NLP, computer vision, document intelligence, time-series modelling, and multimodal GenAI.
• Hands-on experience with PyTorch, TensorFlow, and Hugging Face.
• Ability to design evaluation frameworks and release gates for AI/ML models.
• Understanding of AI governance topics such as audit logs, versioning, risk management, ISO 42010, and the EU AI Act.
• Familiarity with LLM ecosystems such as OpenAI, Anthropic, Gemini, Mistral, and Llama.
• Knowledge of vector databases and retrieval platforms such as Pinecone, Weaviate, and Milvus.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• MSc or PhD preferred; equivalent senior industry experience is also acceptable if it includes enterprise-scale delivery.

What EY is looking for

EY is looking for an innovative, curious, and purpose-driven professional who works well in collaborative environments and is comfortable leading transformative AI initiatives. The ideal candidate embraces inclusion, adapts quickly, and is motivated to create practical impact through advanced technology.

Benefits and rewards

• Competitive remuneration package.
• Access to a broader Total Rewards offering with flexible benefits.
• Support for flexible working and career development.
• Coaching and support from experienced colleagues.
• Opportunities to build new skills and progress professionally.
• Freedom to shape the role in a way that works best for you.
• Pension.
• Maternity and paternity leave.
• Discounted health insurance.
• Bike to work scheme.
• Free unlimited online GP consultations for you and your family.
• Recognition awards.
• Option to purchase additional annual leave.
• Referral cash incentives.
• Hybrid working.
• Work mobile.
• Free gym membership.
• TECH MBA funded by EY.
• Travel pass.
• Wellness rooms in some offices.

Career growth and culture

EY emphasizes continuous learning, personalized career development, leadership growth, and an inclusive culture where different perspectives are valued. The company also supports flexible working arrangements to help employees balance client service, career progression, and personal priorities.

Equal opportunity and accommodations

EY welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and provides reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process. Candidates who need disability-related adjustments are encouraged to share those needs as early as possible so the process can be made more accessible and equitable.

Additional information

Agency submissions are not to be sent directly to hiring managers. Unsolicited CVs or profiles provided to EY by recruitment agencies will not be accepted for this vacancy.

EY describes itself as a global organization that helps clients shape the future with confidence through data, AI, and advanced technology, operating across assurance, consulting, tax, strategy, and transactions in more than 150 countries and territories.