Lead AI Automation Engineer 

We are looking for a Lead AI Automation Engineer to take ownership of a new function focused on improving the way customer-facing operations teams work through AI, automation and technology.

This is not a traditional AI/ML or Data Engineering role. We are looking for a strong Technical Lead / Software Engineer / Architect who understands modern AI technologies and can identify where AI and agentic systems can genuinely improve existing processes and ways of working.

You will be the first hire into the team, with responsibility for shaping the function, defining and evaluating projects, setting the target results and leading implementation. You will also help build a small team of around 3 people and determine the long-term technology stack.

Location: Hasselt, Belgium
Working model: Hybrid – 2 days onsite per week
Contract: Freelance

🔹 Your Role

• Take overall responsibility for a new AI automation function focused on customer-facing operations
• Lead the function from project identification through to implementation and measurable results
• Analyse existing processes and ways of working within customer-facing operations teams
• Identify where AI, automation and agentic systems can create genuine efficiency gains
• Define and evaluate potential projects based on business value, feasibility and expected impact
• Establish clear target results and success criteria for each initiative
• Help define the team’s technical vision, architecture and long-term technology stack
• Build and develop the team, including helping determine future hiring needs
• Design and implement agentic AI solutions for relevant business processes
• Understand how AI applications can integrate with existing enterprise systems
• Design and manage APIs and system integrations across multiple applications
• Work with Docker and containerised applications
• Collaborate with multiple teams including Operations, Support and Sales
• Guide stakeholders on what is technically possible with current AI technologies
• Translate business problems and operational processes into practical technical solutions
• Lead the implementation of projects and ensure they deliver the intended results
• Establish best practices around AI architecture, development and deployment
• Ensure AI systems are properly evaluated, observable and governed
• Consider AI security, privacy and compliance requirements
• Continuously identify new opportunities to improve processes and ways of working through technology

🔹 What We’re Looking For

• Strong background in software engineering, technical leadership or solution architecture
• Proven experience designing software architectures and integrations
• Strong understanding of APIs, system integration and application architecture
• Hands-on experience with Docker and containerised applications
• Experience working with Agentic AI / AI Agents
• Strong understanding of modern LLM technologies
• Hands-on experience with Anthropic Claude
• Ability to understand business processes and identify where AI can improve or automate them
• Experience defining, evaluating and leading projects from concept through to implementation
• Experience setting objectives and measuring whether technology initiatives have delivered their intended results
• Experience guiding technical decisions and selecting technologies for long-term use
• Strong communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Experience working across multiple teams and departments
• Awareness of the EU AI Act and AI risk tiers
• Understanding of AI evaluation, observability and guardrails
• Experience with AWS / AWS Bedrock is a strong advantage
• Java experience is beneficial, but not essential