Founding AI Automation Engineer / AI Solutions Architect (Fractional)

Founding AI Automation Engineer / AI Solutions Architect (Fractional) Location: Remote (UK/Europe timezone) Engagement: Fractional / Contract Start: ASAP Day Rate: DOE About Us Urban Digital Recruitment is a boutique executive search firm specialising in venture-backed technology businesses. We partner with founders and leadership teams across the UK startup ecosystem, helping them make critical hires during periods of growth. As our business scales, we're investing in proprietary AI and automation capabilities that enhance our team's effectiveness, streamline operations and create a genuine competitive advantage. The Opportunity We're looking for an experienced AI Automation Engineer or AI Solutions Architect to help us design and build the foundations of our internal AI infrastructure. This isn't a simple workflow project or a request to connect a handful of tools. We're looking for someone who can challenge our thinking, recommend the right architecture, and build robust systems that become a core part of how our business operates. The project will focus on automating and enhancing internal workflows across areas including market intelligence, CRM/ATS automation, data enrichment, productivity and operational efficiency. Full project details will be shared with shortlisted candidates. What You'll Do * Understand our existing workflows and identify opportunities for AI and automation. * Design and architect scalable, production-ready automation solutions. * Build the system yourself or lead a small team where appropriate. * Recommend the right technologies and architecture, balancing capability, cost and long-term ownership. * Integrate multiple platforms through APIs and automation frameworks. * Deliver clear documentation and a smooth handover so the platform can be managed internally. Skills \& Experience We're looking for someone who has built production AI systems , not just prototypes. You'll ideally have experience with: * n8n (preferably self-hosted) or similar workflow orchestration platforms. * LLM integration , ideally including Claude and modern AI APIs. * Building AI-powered workflows and agent-based automations. * REST APIs, webhooks and integrating multiple SaaS platforms. * CRM/ATS integrations (Loxo experience is advantageous but not essential). * Data enrichment and automation platforms such as Clay, Apify or similar. * Email and workflow automation platforms such as Instantly, Smartlead, Lemlist or equivalent. * Python, JavaScript or TypeScript for custom integrations where required. * Designing systems that are secure, maintainable and GDPR compliant. * Producing documentation that enables non-technical users to operate the platform confidently. Experience in recruitment, GTM operations, RevOps or sales automation would be beneficial, but isn't essential. The Opportunity This will begin as a fractional consulting engagement with defined project milestones. However, we see this as the first phase of a much broader AI transformation programme. For the right person, there is significant opportunity to become our long-term AI partner, leading future projects as we continue to expand our internal AI capability and develop additional proprietary systems. If you enjoy building from first principles, influencing technical direction and creating solutions with real commercial impact, we'd love to hear from you. To apply, please send your CV, a brief summary of relevant projects you've delivered, your availability and your preferred day rate.