AI Engineer Jobs in Brussels
Europe's Policy Tech Capital.
Brussels offers unique AI roles at the intersection of technology and regulation.
EU institutions, global fintech, and consulting firms are hiring.
AI Native Engineer Community Access
Brussels Hiring Is Different.
EU institution hiring is bureaucratic and slow. Contract processes take months, not weeks.
Language requirements are unclear. Some roles need French/Dutch, others are fully English.
Tech roles get buried under policy positions. Finding actual engineering jobs requires insider knowledge.
Land AI Roles in Brussels.
The AI Career Accelerator
Brussels has a thriving AI ecosystem beyond EU policy jobs. Swift, Mastercard Europe, Proximus, and major consulting firms need AI engineers. With the AI Act driving compliance demand, expertise in AI regulation is increasingly valuable.
Map the Employers
EU agencies vs private sector targets
Position Your Profile
Regulatory AI or pure engineering
Navigate the Process
Contract types and negotiation
Meet Your Mentor
When I started in tech, I was based in the Netherlands with no connections and only thousands of video game hours under my belt. Not exactly the ideal starting point.
My first tech job was software tester. One of the most junior roles you can start with. I was just happy someone took a chance on me.
I kept learning. Kept pivoting. But what actually accelerated my career wasn't more certifications or more code. It was learning to solve problems that matter and proving beyond a doubt that what I built solved real problems. That's the skill that stays future-proof, even with AI.
I've since worked remotely for international software companies throughout my career. Proof that the high-paid remote path is possible for anyone with the right skills and motivation. In the end, I went from a $500/month internship to 6 figures as a Senior AI Engineer at GitHub.
Now I teach over 22,000 engineers on YouTube. Becoming an AI-Native Engineer is a system I lived through and offer to you today.
Real Results
Vittor
AI Engineer
Landed his first AI Engineering role in 3 months
"The coaching played a huge part in my success. I focused on AI fundamentals, the certification path, and soft skills like professional writing. Having access to expert guidance gave me confidence during interviews and helped me feel I was on the right path.
I built my own platform (simple but functional) and deployed it on AWS. I used it in my portfolio and showcased it during interviews. The way complex topics were explained, especially the restaurant analogy for AI systems, really stuck with me. Focusing on doing the basics well was absolutely essential."
What You Will Get
Personalized Roadmap & Career Strategy
A custom plan tailored to your background, goals, and timeline. No generic advice.
Weekly 1:1 Coaching Calls
Direct access to Zen for guidance, project feedback, and answers to your questions.
Portfolio-Ready AI Projects
Build production-grade AI applications to showcase to employers. Work that gets you hired.
Interview Prep & Mock Interviews
Practice technical and behavioral interviews. Learn what hiring managers look for.
Resume & LinkedIn Optimization
Transform your online presence to attract recruiters. Stand out from other applicants.
Community Career Support
Join the AI Native Engineer community. Not seeing results yet? You stay and keep going. We're with you through the ups and downs.
AI Act Compliance Creates Urgent Demand
Every month you delay can cost you thousands in lost earning potential. While you're watching tutorials, others are landing $120K+ AI Engineering roles.
I can only work with a limited number of 1:1 clients at a time to ensure you get the personalized attention you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are AI engineer salaries in Brussels?
AI engineer salaries in Brussels range from EUR 55,000-75,000 for mid-level roles to EUR 90,000-130,000+ for senior positions. EU institution contractors often earn EUR 500-800/day. Fintech companies like Swift and Mastercard typically pay at the higher end. Note that Belgian taxes are high (around 50%), but benefits packages are comprehensive. Many roles include meal vouchers, eco-cheques, company cars, and pension contributions worth 20-30% on top of base salary.
Do I need French or Dutch for AI jobs in Brussels?
Most international tech companies and EU institutions operate primarily in English. Swift, Mastercard Europe, and major consulting firms hire English-only speakers regularly. However, learning basic French helps in daily life and opens doors to Belgian companies like Proximus or Belfius. For EU agency permanent positions (not contractor roles), language requirements vary by grade. Contractor and consulting roles are almost always English-only.
Should I target EU institutions or private sector?
Private sector offers higher salaries, faster hiring, and more cutting-edge technical work. EU institutions provide excellent job security, work-life balance, and tax advantages for certain contract types. Many AI engineers work as EU contractors through consulting firms (Deloitte, Accenture, Capgemini) - this combines private sector salaries with EU project experience. The AI Act has created hybrid opportunities where understanding both policy and engineering is highly valued.
Who are the top AI employers in Brussels?
Key employers include: Fintech - Swift (global payments), Mastercard Europe, Euroclear. Consulting - Deloitte, McKinsey, BCG, Accenture (all have Brussels AI practices). Telecom - Proximus. EU agencies - European Commission (DG CNECT, JRC), eu-LISA, ENISA. Startups - Collibra (data intelligence, unicorn), Odoo. Many US tech companies also have EU policy offices in Brussels that hire technical staff to work on AI governance.
What visa do I need for AI jobs in Brussels?
EU/EEA citizens can work freely in Belgium. Non-EU citizens typically need a Single Permit (combined work and residence). Belgium's shortage occupation list includes IT roles, making work permits easier to obtain for qualified AI engineers. The process takes 2-4 months. Many employers, especially multinationals and EU contractors, are experienced in sponsoring work permits. The Belgian Blue Card is another option for highly skilled workers with salary above EUR 56,112 (2026 threshold).
Are remote AI jobs available in Brussels?
Hybrid work is now standard in Brussels, with most companies offering 2-3 days remote. Fully remote roles exist but are less common in the EU institution ecosystem due to security requirements. Belgian companies must follow strict rules on cross-border remote work (tax and social security implications), so 'work from anywhere' policies are rare. If you want a Brussels salary while living elsewhere in Belgium, that's widely accepted.
Do I need prior AI experience?
Not necessarily. While some programming experience is helpful, many of my clients have successfully transitioned from web development, data science, or other technical backgrounds. We'll assess your current skills during our strategy call and create a personalized plan that meets you where you are.
How much time do I need to commit?
Most clients invest 10-15 hours per week, but this can be flexible based on your schedule. We'll have weekly 1:1 calls plus time for you to work on projects and learning. The key is consistency. Regular, focused effort beats occasional marathons.
What if I don't land interviews in 90 days?
You become a member of the AI Native Engineer community, and you stay and keep going. Career transitions take different amounts of time for everyone, and I'm not going to abandon you if things take longer. You get ongoing support through good times and bad.
How is this different from online courses?
Online courses give you content. 1:1 coaching gives you a personalized roadmap, direct feedback on your work, career strategy, interview prep, and accountability. You get answers to your specific questions and guidance tailored to your unique situation instead of generic advice meant for everyone.
What's the investment for 1:1 coaching?
Investment details are discussed during the 30-minute strategy call, where we'll assess your goals and create a custom plan. The program is designed to pay for itself quickly through your increased salary. Most AI engineers see a 20-50% pay increase.
Can I do this while working full-time?
Absolutely. Most of my clients work full-time and make steady progress. We'll schedule calls at times that work for you and create a realistic plan that fits your schedule. Consistency matters more than intensity.
Ready to Land Your AI Role?
Stop watching others succeed. Start building your AI career today.
30-minute strategy call • Limited spots available