At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the MLOps lifecycle and deploy AI solutions for impactful public service.
- Company: Essex County Council, a dynamic local authority focused on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and support for career development.
- Other info: Join a team committed to responsible AI and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference with AI while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in a quantitative field and experience with Azure Machine Learning.
The predicted salary is between 47615 - 56017 £ per year.
Fixed Term, 12 months
Full Time, 37 hours per week
£47,615 to £56,017 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style: Anywhere worker
Closing Date: 7th June 2026
Interviews: expected to be held w/c 22 June 2026
Essex County Council’s Data, Analytics and Performance function provides high quality data, analytics, and AI-driven insight to support evidence based decision making and improve outcomes for residents. Within this environment, the AI/ML Engineer plays a pivotal role in delivering responsible, secure, and sustainable AI and machine learning solutions.
The Opportunity
As an AI/ML Engineer you will lead the end to end MLOps lifecycle—enabling the organisation to harness data and AI safely, ethically, and at scale. Working closely with Data Scientists, Data Engineers, Information Governance, and service teams, you will deploy, monitor, and maintain robust machine learning systems aligned to public sector governance, responsible AI principles, and UK Local Government standards.
Accountabilities:
- Deliver end to end MLOps pipelines using Azure Machine Learning, including training, validation, testing, and deployment workflows, to ensure machine learning solutions are delivered consistently, safely, and at scale.
- Deploy and manage machine learning models using Azure ML managed online endpoints, batch endpoints, and (where appropriate) Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS).
- Ensure all machine learning systems are robust, transparent, explainable, and auditable, aligned with Responsible AI principles and UK GDPR.
- Implement monitoring and alerting for model performance, data drift, bias, fairness, explainability, and operational health.
- Design, build, and maintain production grade data pipelines that support model training, inference, and retraining.
- Ensure responsible, ethical, and legally compliant use of data across AI solutions.
- Coach and support Data Scientists, Analysts, and other colleagues in Azure Machine Learning and MLOps best practice.
- Contribute to organisation wide AI capability building and adoption.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
- Educated to degree level in a quantitative field (e.g. Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or Engineering) or equivalent by experience.
- Strong hands on experience deploying ML solutions in production using Azure Machine Learning.
- Expertise in Azure native MLOps, including model endpoints, pipelines, registries, environments, and compute management.
- Skilled in Python engineering for production ML workflows.
- Familiarity with responsible AI principles, fairness, explainability, and UK GDPR compliance.
- Experience working in multidisciplinary teams and engaging with service stakeholders.
- Ability to distil complex technical concepts into actionable insights for non-technical audiences.
Desirable:
- Experience with Azure ML AutoML, Prompt Flow, Responsible AI dashboards, and advanced monitoring capabilities.
- Integration of ML operational metrics into Power BI.
- Relevant certifications (e.g., Azure AI Engineer Associate, Azure Data Scientist Associate, Azure Administrator/Architect).
Why Essex?
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost.
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job.
At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process.
If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, blogs, news, events and industry related news at Essex County Council, please join The Essex Talent Community.
AI / ML Engineer in Chelmsford employer: Essex County Counci
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic public service environment that prioritises innovation and employee development. With flexible working arrangements, a commitment to ethical practices, and a focus on building internal capabilities, employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the local community. The council's recognition as a Disability Confident Leader further underscores its dedication to inclusivity and support for all staff members.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land AI / ML Engineer in Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the AI/ML field on LinkedIn or at local meetups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those using Azure Machine Learning. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do and sets you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common AI/ML questions and scenarios. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms—this will help you connect with non-technical interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace AI / ML Engineer in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the AI/ML Engineer role. Highlight your experience with Azure and MLOps, and show us how your skills align with our mission at Essex County Council.
Showcase Your Projects:Include specific examples of projects you've worked on that demonstrate your expertise in deploying ML solutions. We love seeing real-world applications of your skills, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to explain your technical skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Counci
✨Know Your Azure Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Azure Machine Learning skills. Familiarise yourself with the end-to-end MLOps lifecycle, including model deployment and monitoring. Being able to discuss specific Azure tools and how you've used them in past projects will show you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Understand Responsible AI Principles
Since this role emphasises responsible AI, be prepared to discuss how you ensure fairness, explainability, and compliance with UK GDPR in your work. Think of examples where you've implemented these principles in your projects, as it will demonstrate your commitment to ethical AI practices.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions during the interview. Brush up on Python engineering for production ML workflows and be ready to explain your approach to testing and packaging. Practising coding problems or discussing your previous projects can help you articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Showcase Your Teamwork Skills
This position involves working closely with Data Scientists and other stakeholders. Be ready to share experiences where you've collaborated effectively in multidisciplinary teams. Highlight how you communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences, as this is crucial for success in this role.
