Northern Ireland Tech Firm Creates 341 AI Jobs

Young professionals in Northern Ireland just got 341 new reasons to stay home and build their careers in tech.

Kainos, a UK technology company headquartered in Belfast, announced it's creating 341 jobs over the next three years to expand its artificial intelligence capabilities. The positions will be split between the company's Belfast headquarters and its office in Derry, with roles spanning software engineering, data science, AI development, and business support.

The expansion comes as customers across healthcare, government, and commercial sectors increasingly seek AI solutions to transform their operations. Kainos CEO Brendan Mooney said the growth reflects "growing customer demand for our AI digital transformation services" as organizations put artificial intelligence to work.

What makes this announcement particularly exciting is the focus on early career opportunities. Two hundred of the new positions company-wide are designed for graduates and young professionals, offering a path into high-skill tech careers without leaving Northern Ireland.

The jobs come with competitive compensation, averaging £58,000 per year. The company also offers flexible and hybrid working arrangements, recognizing that modern workers value both rewarding careers and work-life balance.

The Ripple Effect

This expansion reinforces Northern Ireland's growing reputation as a global tech hub. Founded in Belfast in 1986, Kainos has grown from local roots into an international player operating in 20 countries with over 3,500 employees across Europe and North America.

The company's growth shows what's possible when local talent meets global ambition. Previous government support helped Kainos develop innovative products like Smart Test and Smart Audit, demonstrating how public-private partnerships can drive real economic growth.

By spreading jobs between Belfast and Derry, the expansion ensures tech opportunities reach beyond the capital. This regional balance means young people across Northern Ireland can access high-quality careers in their communities.

The announcement also signals confidence in Northern Ireland's tech talent pipeline. Kainos is betting that it can find 341 skilled professionals locally, a testament to the region's universities and training programs.

Invest NI is supporting the expansion with £1.5 million toward job creation costs. The investment comes as Kainos also commits £39 million to Bankmore, its new Belfast office space, showing the company's long-term commitment to the region.

For young people considering their futures, this expansion offers something invaluable: proof that world-class tech careers are available at home.