Lead Forward Deployed Engineer in Bristol

In a world of immense uncertainty, digiLab is a pioneering AI company that empowers governments and organisations in safety‑critical or highly regulated industries to solve critical, complex, and high‑stakes challenges using machine learning and uncertainty quantification. From forging a path to clean energy to life‑saving medical diagnostics and beyond, making critical decisions with unwavering confidence is difficult, especially when data is complex, sparse, or incomplete. This is where digiLab’s expertise shines through. Our trustworthy and explainable AI platform, The Uncertainty Engine, supported by our team of machine learning specialists and data scientists, enables decision‑makers to accelerate innovation, reduce the risk of failure, turn insight into action, and deliver greater value through more informed and confident decisions.

Summary: The Lead Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) will serve as a senior technical partner to digiLab’s clients, driving the delivery of innovative solutions that leverage, extend, and inform the capabilities of The Uncertainty Engine. This is a leadership position within the Forward Deployed Engineering team, combining deep technical expertise, client‑facing experience, and strategic insight. The role requires collaboration across internal teams, mentorship and leadership of junior FDEs, and active engagement in shaping both client outcomes and product development.

The Role: As a Lead FDE at digiLab, you will be responsible for:

• Serve as a trusted technical advisor to clients, identifying challenges and designing actionable solutions that leverage digiLab’s technology.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, influencing decision‑making and identifying new business opportunities.
• Lead pre‑sales technical support, including demonstrations, presentations, and proposals with clear cost and time estimates.
• Mentor and guide junior FDEs, sharing domain knowledge, best practices, and insights from client engagements.
• Develop deep expertise in digiLab products and services, communicating their value and benefits to clients and internal stakeholders.
• Track sector developments, emerging technologies, and competitor activity to inform strategic client and product decisions.
• Collaborate with internal teams across product, engineering, and business functions to shape solution design and product roadmap priorities.
• Represent digiLab at industry events, conferences, and through thought leadership content to enhance company visibility and credibility.

Duties may evolve, and you may be asked to take on other reasonable responsibilities within your competence to support our growth.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in client‑facing technical roles, delivering solutions using and integrating commercial software products with measurable impact.
• Strong strategic and analytical mindset, capable of identifying opportunities for technical and business growth.
• STEM degree, especially in engineering, computer science or related fields.
• Excellent communication skills, able to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in Python, data analysis, modelling, and simulation.
• Technical domain expertise in one or more of: nuclear fission, nuclear fusion, environment/renewables, cyber security, defence, aeronautical/aerospace engineering, advanced materials, digital, or systems engineering.
• Demonstrated ability to lead high‑achieving teams and mentor more junior staff to foster their growth and development.
• Willingness to travel regularly to client sites and digiLab offices.
• Demonstrated ability to influence product and technology roadmaps through client engagement.
• Passion for professional development in areas such as data science, machine learning, and uncertainty quantification.

Location: This role can be based at our Culham office near Oxford, Exeter Headquarters, or in the Bristol area. Travel to client sites and occasional international conferences will be required.

As an ambitious, rapidly‑growing start‑up, we’re looking for proactive, adaptable people who thrive in a fast‑paced environment. Our standard working hours are 9.00–5.30pm, Monday to Thursday, though some flexibility outside these hours may be required to meet business needs.

Our Culture and Values

At digiLab, we prioritise work‑life balance with a 4-day workweek (Monday to Thursday), offering a full‑time salary and three‑day weekends every week! Our team is built on strong connections, with regular socials like game nights, bouldering, and paddleboarding. We foster a culture of innovation, trust, and collaboration. Our values include:

• Creativity & Agility: Encouraging innovation and flexibility in goal achievement.
• Trust & Responsibility: Supporting each other in taking calculated risks for bold innovation.
• Open & Honest Collaboration: Ensuring transparent communication and alignment.
• High‑Performance Standards: Continuously challenging ourselves to excel in delivery.
• Value‑Driven Work: Regularly assessing our contributions toward company goals.

Benefits: We value enthusiasm and loyalty, and we’re committed to offering a great work‑life balance. Along with the exciting challenges this role provides, we offer a range of benefits including:

• 4-day working week
• Competitive Salary
• BUPA private health care (via salary sacrifice)
• Company Cashplan
• Cycle to work scheme
• Referral Program
• Company Events
• Discretionary EMI scheme (eligible to be considered after one year with the company; participation is not guaranteed and is entirely at the company's discretion.)

Equal Opportunities: digiLab is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to ensuring our recruitment processes are fair, inclusive, and legally compliant. We take equality, dignity, and non‑discrimination seriously.

Final Note: We aim to respond to every applicant, but due to high application volumes, we may not be able to respond individually. Thank you for your interest in joining the digiLab team. The information you provide will be stored and used in line with our Privacy Notice.