Graduate Data & AI Engineer - Middlesbrough or Goldthorpe

Altrad are currently looking for a Graduate Data & AI engineer to join the team based in Middlesbrough or Goldthorpe.

The successful candidate will support the delivery of modern, scalable data, analytics and Artificial Intelligence solutions across ASUK.This is an early-career role designed to build strong capability across AI engineering, Generative AI, data engineering, analytics and automation, with particular focus on developing practical AI-enabled solutions that can be applied across the organisation.

Key Deliverables

• Support the design, development and maintenance of scalable data pipelines using Azure Data Factory, Microsoft Fabric, Databricks and related Azure services.
• Assist with extracting, transforming and integrating data from enterprise systems using SQL, APIs, files, databases and other integration methods.
• Support the development of lakehouse, data warehouse and medallion architecture components.
• Help prepare, structure and govern data so that it can be used effectively within analytics and AI solutions.
• Support the development of Power BI datasets, semantic models, reports and business metrics.
• Design, configure and develop Microsoft Copilot Studio agents that allow employees to interact with business information, processes and organisational knowledge.
• Support the development of AI-enabled solutions using Microsoft Copilot, Azure AI Services, Azure OpenAI, OpenAI services, Databricks AI and Python-based AI tooling.
• Develop, test and refine AI prompts, system instructions and agent behaviours using prompt engineering techniques.
• Support the development of Natural Language Querying (NLQ) capabilities that allow users to interact with organisational data and information using conversational language.
• Support the use of Databricks AI and Generative AI capabilities, including intelligent data applications, semantic search, vector search and AI-assisted analytics.
• Assist with the development of Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) solutions that securely connect Large Language Models to approved organisational data and knowledge sources.
• Support the development of AI agents and agentic workflows that can automate defined business activities and interact with enterprise systems where appropriate.
• Test and evaluate AI solutions for accuracy, reliability, relevance, hallucination risk and appropriate use of organisational data.
• Help develop reusable prompt libraries, AI agent templates and development standards.
• Support the development of Power Apps, Power Automate workflows and other automation solutions where these complement data and AI use cases.
• Work with business stakeholders to identify opportunities where AI, data and automation can improve processes, productivity and decision-making.
• Assist with testing, reconciliation and data validation to ensure data and AI outputs are accurate and trustworthy.
• Help document technical solutions, data models, AI agents, prompts, business rules and development standards.
• Follow agreed development, deployment, testing, security, AI governance, version control and DevOps practices.
• Work collaboratively with data engineers, analytics engineers, AI developers, business stakeholders, consultants and the wider Digital team.
• Actively explore new technologies and AI capabilities as ASUK’s data and AI platforms continue to evolve.

Essential

Key Requirements / Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics, Science, Engineering or an equivalent relevant discipline/experience.
• Practical experience in data, software development, analytics or AI through university, placement, work experience, personal projects or equivalent.
• Baseline technical capability in one or more areas such as SQL, Python, data analysis, databases, AI, machine learning, Power BI or cloud technologies.
• Strong interest in Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, data engineering and emerging digital technologies.
• Interest in how Large Language Models, AI agents and natural-language technologies can be applied to real business problems.
• Ability to experiment with and improve AI prompts using structured and logical approaches.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail.
• Curious and proactive, with a willingness to explore and learn new technologies.
• Growth mindset, with the ability to learn quickly, ask good questions and respond positively to feedback.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work with both technical and non-technical colleagues.
• Ability to manage assigned tasks responsibly and work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Desirable

• Exposure to Microsoft data platforms such as Fabric, Azure, Power BI or Databricks.
• Experience using Generative AI or Large Language Models through academic, professional or personal projects.
• Exposure to Microsoft Copilot Studio, Azure OpenAI, OpenAI APIs or Databricks AI.
• Experience creating AI prompts, AI assistants, chatbots or Copilot agents.
• Awareness of prompt engineering techniques, including grounding, context management, structured outputs and prompt optimisation.
• Awareness of Natural Language Querying, Retrieval-Augmented Generation, vector databases, embeddings or semantic search.
• Awareness of common data engineering concepts including ETL/ELT, APIs, data pipelines, lakehouses and data modelling.
• Awareness of machine learning or data science concepts.
• Familiarity with Agile delivery, DevOps, Git or software development lifecycle practices.
• Awareness of responsible AI principles including data privacy, security, governance, bias, accuracy and human oversight.