About Zinkworks

Zinkworks partners with leading Telecommunications and Financial Services organizations to modernize legacy systems, migrate mission-critical platforms to the cloud, and engineer AI-driven automation. From OSS transformation to rApp development and network intelligence, our teams simplify complexity and turn it into competitive advantage. Based in Ireland and operating across the EU, UK, and US, Zinkworks combines deep domain expertise with delivery excellence to help clients modernize faster and operate smarter.

The Role

As a Technical Lead, you will be a hands-on technical authority within a flagship Agentic AI transformation programme for a major UK Telecommunications provider. Operating from our Innovation Hub in Athlone, you will lead the design and delivery of AI-driven platforms that automate complex telecom operations.

You will sit at the intersection of architecture and execution, taking high-level designs from Solution Architects and turning them into production-ready systems. You will lead by example—writing code, reviewing designs, and guiding engineering teams through complex technical decisions—while ensuring delivery remains scalable, secure, and aligned with enterprise standards.

This role is ideal for a senior engineer who wants to stay close to the code while shaping how large-scale AI and automation platforms are built.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership: Act as the technical authority for one or more delivery streams, guiding architecture, design decisions, and implementation approaches.
Hands-On Development: Contribute directly to critical code paths across backend services, AI orchestration, and platform integration.
Design & Architecture: Translate solution architecture into detailed technical designs, ensuring scalability, security, and maintainability.
Code Quality & Standards: Establish and enforce engineering standards, conducting code reviews and promoting best practices.
AI & Automation Enablement: Lead the implementation of AI agents, RAG pipelines, and automation workflows in collaboration with AI Architects.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Engineering Managers, DevOps, BAs, and Product Owners to align technical execution with delivery goals.
Problem Solving: Troubleshoot complex technical issues across distributed systems, cloud platforms, and integrations.
Mentorship: Mentor senior and mid-level engineers, supporting technical growth and knowledge sharing across teams.

Must-Have Skills

Extensive experience as a senior software engineer or technical lead in complex, distributed systems.
Strong hands-on expertise in backend development (Python or similar), with modern frameworks.
Experience designing and delivering cloud-native systems on platforms such as GCP, AWS, or Azure.
Solid understanding of AI/ML or automation platforms, including practical experience integrating LLM-based systems.
Strong knowledge of microservices architecture, APIs, and event-driven systems.
Experience with CI/CD pipelines, DevOps practices, and Infrastructure as Code.
Ability to evaluate trade-offs and make sound technical decisions under delivery pressure.
Excellent communication skills, capable of explaining complex technical concepts clearly.

Nice-to-Have Skills

Telecom domain experience across RAN, Core, OSS/BSS, or Fixed Access environments.
Hands-on experience with GenAI frameworks, RAG pipelines, or agentic architectures.
Experience with Kubernetes, container orchestration, or platform engineering.
Exposure to security, compliance, or regulated enterprise environments.

Inclusion & Diversity at Zinkworks

At Zinkworks, we are deeply committed to fostering a culture of diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We believe that our strength lies in the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of our team members. By embracing an inclusive environment, we empower innovation and collaboration across all levels of our organisation. Based in Ireland, we are proud to support and engage with our local communities through meaningful initiatives that promote equity and opportunity. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, as we actively contribute to creating a more inclusive and connected society for all.

Tech Lead - Python / GenAI

Job Description