Machine Learning Engineer - Defence in Cheltenham

Machine Learning Engineer - Defence in Cheltenham

Cheltenham Full-Time 60000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design and develop machine learning solutions for defence applications.
  • Company: Specialist technology consultancy focused on high-impact engineering.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and exposure to advanced AI technologies.
  • Other info: Flexible working locations across major UK cities with excellent career growth.
  • Why this job: Tackle real-world AI challenges in secure environments and make a difference.
  • Qualifications: Strong understanding of machine learning, programming skills, and problem-solving abilities.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 90000 £ per year.

Our client is a specialist technology consultancy delivering high-impact engineering across defence and complex environments, supporting organisations operating in secure, mission-critical settings. The focus is on solving complex problems through advanced machine learning and AI capabilities within constrained and high-assurance environments.

This role offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge machine learning and large language model (LLM) systems, contributing to impactful solutions where performance, reliability, and security are critical.

You will have the opportunity to:

  • Design and develop machine learning and LLM-based solutions
  • Work on advanced AI systems within secure and constrained environments
  • Apply deep technical knowledge across ML, statistics, and optimisation
  • Contribute to real-world AI applications in defence and high-assurance settings
  • Collaborate with engineers and clients to solve complex challenges
  • Take ownership of delivery within high-impact projects

Your Responsibilities:

  • Develop and deploy machine learning models and LLM-based systems
  • Apply knowledge of transformer architectures and LLM principles
  • Optimise model performance, inference, and efficiency
  • Evaluate model behaviour using established performance frameworks
  • Contribute to solutions deployed in edge, constrained, or air-gapped environments
  • Apply best practices in AI safety, explainability, and robustness
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate ML systems into production environments

Key Requirements:

  • Strong understanding of machine learning fundamentals
  • Solid foundation in mathematics and statistics
  • Hands-on experience with LLMs and transformer architectures
  • Experience with model evaluation and inference optimisation
  • Strong programming experience (typically Python)
  • Ability to work on complex problems within constrained environments
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving capability
  • Clear communication skills and ability to work in client-facing environments
  • UK national, eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC)

You will gain exposure with:

  • Advanced LLM and AI system development
  • Deployment of ML systems in secure and resource-constrained environments
  • Real-world applications of AI safety and explainability
  • High-impact defence and national security programmes
  • Complex engineering challenges requiring both theory and practical delivery

Why Join:

  • Work on cutting-edge AI problems with real-world implications
  • Operate within a high-performance, engineering-focused environment
  • Gain exposure to advanced ML, LLMs, and secure systems
  • Take ownership of meaningful technical delivery
  • Flexible working across Newcastle, Manchester, Bristol, and London

Interested? Apply now.

Machine Learning Engineer - Defence in Cheltenham employer: ANSON MCCADE

Join a leading technology consultancy that excels in delivering high-impact engineering solutions within the defence sector. With a strong focus on advanced machine learning and AI, our company fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, offering employees the chance to tackle complex challenges while contributing to national security. Enjoy flexible hybrid working arrangements across major UK cities, alongside opportunities for professional growth and development in a dynamic environment dedicated to cutting-edge technology.

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Contact Details:

ANSON MCCADE Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Machine Learning Engineer - Defence in Cheltenham

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your machine learning projects, especially those related to defence or complex environments. We want to see your hands-on experience and how you tackle real-world problems.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. We recommend practising common ML scenarios and being ready to discuss your thought process. Confidence is key!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.

We think you need these skills to ace Machine Learning Engineer - Defence in Cheltenham

Machine Learning Fundamentals
Large Language Models (LLMs)
Transformer Architectures
Model Evaluation
Inference Optimisation
Programming (Python)
Mathematics

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Machine Learning Engineer role. Highlight your experience with LLMs, transformer architectures, and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about AI and defence. Share specific examples of your work that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and technical expertise. Let us know why you’re the perfect fit!

Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t hold back on showcasing your programming skills, especially in Python. Include any relevant projects or contributions to open-source that highlight your hands-on experience with machine learning models and optimisation techniques. We love seeing practical applications!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy and ensures your application goes straight to the right people. Plus, we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!

How to prepare for a job interview at ANSON MCCADE

Know Your Machine Learning Fundamentals

Brush up on your machine learning basics, especially around LLMs and transformer architectures. Be ready to discuss how these concepts apply to real-world scenarios, particularly in defence and secure environments.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Prepare to share specific examples of complex problems you've tackled in previous roles. Highlight your analytical approach and how you optimised model performance or addressed challenges in constrained settings.

Communicate Clearly and Confidently

Since this role involves client-facing interactions, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Use straightforward language to explain technical concepts, ensuring that even non-experts can grasp your ideas.

Demonstrate Your Passion for AI Safety

Familiarise yourself with best practices in AI safety, explainability, and robustness. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these principles in your work, especially in high-assurance environments.