At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI projects, mentor junior engineers, and solve real-world defence challenges.
- Company: Innovative tech firm creating cutting-edge solutions in defence and security.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, diverse projects, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a fun, diverse team dedicated to solving complex problems.
- Why this job: Make a real impact with advanced AI technologies in a dynamic sector.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in AI, strong Python skills, and a passion for defence.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The Role
We have an opportunity for a Senior Engineer in our AI & Algorithms team, working with a particular focus on our defence and security clients.
You’ll join a team of talented engineers and scientists designing, building and testing intelligent systems that solve hard, real-world problems, such as signal processing (sensor data, radar), vision, and information processing (transformers, edge AI).
As an AI Engineer, you’ll take the technical lead on parts of our projects, mentor more junior colleagues, and play an active part in shaping and winning new work.
With well-equipped labs and substantial computing resources behind you, you’ll turn state-of-the-art research into systems our clients can depend on.
Much of our defence and security work requires security clearance, so we ask for it up front.
You won’t work exclusively in that sector, but a genuine interest in it matters to us.
Some examples of the projects we do can be found here .
We offer a flexible approach to hybrid working, although some of the projects you will be working on will require full-time working in the office.
- What you’ll be doing
- Applying data-driven software development in machine learning/AI, applied statistics, and sensor processing, alongside mathematical computing techniques such as digital signal processing, simulation, and numerical optimisation.
- Taking technical ownership of significant parts of client projects, delivering quality work to budget and schedule with little supervision.
- Acting as technical authority or technical lead on smaller projects and contributing to the technical direction of larger ones.
- Mentoring and supporting less experienced engineers and helping them develop as technical consultants.
- Working directly with clients to understand their problems, show what’s possible, and build their confidence in our work.
- Contributing to proposals and helping scope new work, translating client needs into credible technical approaches.
- Building demonstrators and internal capability that showcase our expertise in defence, security and adjacent markets.
- What you can bring
- 3+ years’ experience delivering applied AI and machine learning solutions, and the judgement that comes with it.
- Strong Python programming skills and a solid grasp of modern software development practice.
A strong undergraduate degree in a relevant technical subject, such as AI/machine learning, computer science, mathematics, physics or theoretical physics.
- A track record of delivering quality technical work in a team.
- The ability to lead and mentor others.
- An interest in working with clients and getting involved in proposals and sales conversations.
- A genuine affinity for working in the defence and security sector.
While not essential requirements, we would also be very interested if you have experience with any of the following:
- Previous experience working on defence or security projects.
- Technical experience with any of: signal processing, edge computing, statistical modelling, numerical optimisation, or simulation.
- A Ph D or published research in a data-driven field.
- Experience leading or mentoring a small technical team.
Because of where this role sits, holding (or being able to obtain) UK security clearance is essential.
You must be eligible to obtain Security Check (SC) level security clearance ( https://www. gov. uk/guidance/united-kingdom-security-vetting-applicant ).
You must be able to work in the UK without restrictions in accordance with UK National Law and be prepared to successfully undertake an appropriate level of UK National Security Vetting according to UK Government criteria.
Why Cambridge Consultants?
Cambridge Consultants creates exciting and novel breakthroughs in technology and products.
Our work on intelligent systems area has helped create world-first and market-changing technologies including real-time AI-enhanced medical imaging , autonomous defence systems against cyberattacks , and edge algorithms to help visually impaired people navigate indoor spaces .
We combine our research output with engineering rigour to create innovative and robust solutions to solve complex problems presented to us by our clients.
We help clients across a diverse range of markets, including defence/security, healthcare, biotech, industrial and energy, so there is no shortage of variety.
At the heart of what we do are talented and motivated multi-disciplinary teams empowered to create cutting edge technologies and systems to solve difficult problems for our clients.
We offer a diverse, fun, and challenging work environment where you’ll have the chance to work on a wide variety of projects that deliver real value using technology.
We recognise and celebrate individual talent and we understand the importance of letting individuals be just that.
Our people are here to do the best work of their lives and our job is to provide the platform for them to do it.
Senior AI & Algorithms Engineer (Defence & Security) employer: Cambridge Consultants
Cambridge Consultants is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Cambridge. Employees benefit from a hybrid working model, competitive remuneration, and opportunities for professional growth within a diverse team dedicated to advancing technology in Defence and Security sectors. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on meaningful projects, this role provides a unique chance to make a significant impact in a rapidly evolving field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior AI & Algorithms Engineer (Defence & Security)
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Cambridge Consultants or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
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✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
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✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Cambridge Consultants that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior AI & Algorithms Engineer (Defence & Security)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Cambridge Consultants.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Cambridge Consultants and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge Consultants
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Cambridge Consultants uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.