At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead groundbreaking AI hardware projects and shape the future of technology.
- Company: Join ARIA, a pioneering R&D funding agency in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid work, generous leave, and professional growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for career advancement and impactful contributions.
- Why this job: Catalyse world-changing breakthroughs in AI hardware with a talented team.
- Qualifications: Experience in AI systems and a passion for innovation required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 105000 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 15 March 2026
Department: Programmes
Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time
Location: London
Compensation: £70,000 - £105,000 / year
Description Salary Levels: c.£70,000, c.£90,000, c.£105,000 (eventual offers will be based on benchmarked experience levels in combination with our selection criteria)
Location: Kings X, London; Tues - Thurs (3 days) at HQ, Monday + Friday, anywhere
Employment Type: Full‑time Contract: 3 years fixed‑term (with the possibility for extension)
Closing Date: 15.03.26 (we are conducting rolling interviews for this opportunity so encourage early applications; the role will not close before the stated deadline)
ARIA is a new kind of R&D funding agency. We fund scientists and engineers to pursue research at the edge of the possible. From climate change to AI, society faces enormous challenges and opportunities that can be uniquely addressed by science and technology. ARIA was created to activate the UK’s world‑class R&D in new ways, so we can meet these head on. We are growing our team to develop bold new approaches that can scale – from programmes to systems, processes and everything in between. If that sounds fun, come and build ARIA with us.
Role Summary
As an ARIA Technical Specialist, you will have the rare chance to catalyse breakthroughs that could change the world. You will sit alongside Programme Director Suraj Bramhavar and their Programme Specialist on ARIA's Scaling Compute programme (including the newly announced Scaling Inference Lab). You’ll be exposed to every aspect of the programme's technical management from design through approval, project selection, and delivery. We’re looking for an adaptable technical professional who’s strongly motivated by the opportunity to catalyse a technological step change. You’ll be working in a bold, talented & agile team, funding projects (‘Creators’) across the entire R&D ecosystem, from startups to universities, in the pursuit of groundbreaking advancements that will shape the future of science & technology.
What you will do
- Act as the technical lead, with the Programme Director and their Programme Specialist, to shape and deliver a bold programme of research aimed at reducing the cost of AI hardware by 1000x.
- Serve as the ‘first user’ of the technologies being developed within the programme.
- Review project proposals, grant applications, assess technical milestones, and stay close to the ground on what’s being built and tested by Creator teams.
- Plan, lead, and contribute to technical discussions in project meetings, workshops, and formal reviews, bringing depth, challenge, and direction to every interaction.
- Provide evidence‑based technical insight to the Programme Director and the ARIA team to support high‑quality decisions and sharpen the programme’s strategic direction.
- Confidently communicate complex scientific ideas surrounding the programme to stakeholders, from government and funders to key players across the ecosystem.
- Identify emerging trends and surface the most promising technologies, people, and ideas across the programme and its surrounding opportunity space.
- Work closely with the Programme Specialist and Creator teams to drive project delivery, tracking against ambitious technical milestones, benchmarking progress against the state of the art, and spotting opportunities for research cross‑pollination to sustain momentum.
- Be the technical bridge between the PD and other functional teams within ARIA, ensuring execution aligns with the needs of the ecosystem's understanding of the programme.
Connecting the Programme to the Ecosystem
- Represent the programme, often on behalf of the Programme Director, at events, workshops and talks.
- Build trusted relationships with world‑class researchers, labs, and founders working at the forefront of the programme’s focus area.
- Work closely with ARIA’s Activation Partners to ensure Creator teams can access the right tools, platforms, and networks to accelerate translation and achieve impact beyond ARIA’s direct reach.
Define and Cultivate ARIA’s Technical Culture
- Collaborate across ARIA on funding models, budgets, tooling, and operational mechanisms to support effective, flexible funding and programme delivery.
- Contribute as a member of ARIA’s team of Technical Specialists (“T‑Specs”), sharing best practices and learnings between programmes to strengthen ARIA’s portfolio of work.
- Help build and sustain ARIA’s scientific and operational culture.
Who you are
Essential Criteria
- You have first‑hand exposure to building/running modern AI models or building systems using those models.
- You have proven adept at learning new ideas/technologies extremely quickly, assessing their risks, and understanding how they may fit into or shift existing industries.
- You are familiar with a variety of programming languages/frameworks and have demonstrated proficiency with at least one.
- You have built something tangible yourself from start to finish in any engineering capacity that was used by someone other than yourself.
- You can uncover non‑obvious opportunities and risks, connecting teams, ideas, and research threads in novel ways that drive adoption and translation.
- Highly adaptable, you are okay with uncertainty and a fast‑paced environment.
- You comprehend and articulate complex concepts clearly and with conviction, think and communicate with structure, and interrogate ideas effectively.
Desirable Criteria
- You have hands‑on experience with the modern AI software stack (PyTorch/JAX/CUDA/Triton/etc).
- You have a solid understanding of modern AI architectures (e.g., Transformers, Diffusion Models, etc.) and you can clearly articulate a view of existing system‑level performance limitations for each.
- You possess an understanding of the hardware technologies underpinning modern AI systems.
- You have a strong working knowledge of the UK R&D ecosystem.
Qualifications
You have a Scientific qualification, with a preference for PhD or other deeper technical experience in one of the listed areas of interest, or similar; AI System Design.
Benefits
- 27 days annual leave provision, with the option to buy/sell additional days
- Hybrid working arrangements; 60% in office / 40% at home
- Supportive environment for learning and development opportunities
- Enhanced family leave arrangements
- A free and confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme
- 2 days of paid volunteer days
- 5% defined contribution pension scheme with Smart Pension
- Cycle to Work scheme
- An excellent office location in Kings X, London
Not sure you meet 100% of our criteria? Don’t worry. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We want to attract the broadest array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Whether you’re new to this, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or taking the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar. Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interests and what you hope to bring to this role. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please notify us and we will make every effort to accommodate you. Disclosing any requests are intended to provide ARIA with the best opportunity to support candidates and will have no negative impact on your recruitment process. ARIA adopts a highly considered approach to ethical and social responsibility.
Science and Technology Lead - AI Hardware Systems employer: Aria
At ARIA, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and innovative work culture in the heart of Kings Cross, London. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our supportive environment, offering extensive learning opportunities, hybrid working arrangements, and a generous benefits package including enhanced family leave and volunteer days. Join us to be part of a bold team dedicated to catalysing breakthroughs in AI hardware systems, where your contributions can truly make a difference in addressing society's most pressing challenges.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Science and Technology Lead - AI Hardware Systems
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the AI hardware space. Attend events, workshops, and talks where you can meet potential colleagues or mentors. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with someone from ARIA or during interviews, let your enthusiasm for AI hardware systems shine through. Share your ideas and how you see yourself contributing to groundbreaking advancements.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience. Whether it's a project you've worked on or a system you've built, be ready to dive into the details. This is your chance to showcase your skills and how they align with ARIA's mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and contributing to the exciting work we're doing at ARIA.
We think you need these skills to ace Science and Technology Lead - AI Hardware Systems
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for AI hardware systems shine through! We want to see how excited you are about the potential of technology to change the world. Share your experiences and what drives you in this field.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job description. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us your story. Use it to explain why you’re interested in this position and what unique perspectives you bring. Don’t forget to mention how you can contribute to ARIA’s mission!
Apply Early:We’re conducting rolling interviews, so don’t wait until the deadline! Applying early gives you a better chance to stand out. Head over to our website and submit your application as soon as you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aria
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest AI hardware systems and architectures. Brush up on your knowledge of modern AI models like Transformers and Diffusion Models, as well as programming languages and frameworks relevant to the role. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re not just familiar but passionate about the field.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've tackled complex technical challenges. Think about how you’ve identified risks or opportunities in past projects and how you navigated them. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and adapt in a fast-paced environment, which is crucial for this role.
✨Engage with the Ecosystem
Familiarise yourself with ARIA’s mission and the broader UK R&D ecosystem. Be ready to talk about how you can build relationships with researchers and creators. Showing that you understand the importance of collaboration and networking will highlight your fit within the team.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating complex ideas in a clear and structured manner. You might be asked to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, so being able to simplify your language while maintaining depth is key. This skill will set you apart as a strong communicator and a valuable team member.
