At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build advanced AI systems for real-time decision-making in critical environments.
- Company: Premier UK deep-tech venture at the forefront of AI and robotics.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for technical leadership and mentoring.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team to protect national infrastructure and save lives with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Active UK DV Clearance and proven experience in commercial AI delivery.
Location: London (Hybrid)
Contract Type: Contract
Day rate: 700 Outside
Clearance Required: Active UK DV Clearance (Mandatory)
The Opportunity
We are partnering with a premier UK deep-tech venture that sits at the cutting edge of AI, robotics, and national security. They build advanced software frameworks that fuse complex, multi-modal data streams (sensor feeds, telemetry, imagery, and text) to enable real-time decision-making in high-stakes, mission-critical environments. With multiple positions open due to rapid growth, they are looking for production-focused AI Engineers who want high ownership, fast-paced delivery, and the chance to deploy agentic systems that protect critical national infrastructure and save lives.
Key Responsibilities
- Architect & Build: Design, optimize, and scale robust multi-agent AI pipelines and orchestration frameworks.
- Model Integration: Integrate LLMs and vision-language models (VLMs) into workflows optimized for reasoning, search, and autonomous task execution.
- Secure Deployment: Package and deploy AI systems into highly secure, cloud, on-premises, and air-gapped environments.
- Production MLOps: Build end-to-end data ingestion and inference pipelines with a heavy focus on system reliability over raw speed to market.
- Observability & Evaluation: Implement monitoring tooling to track agent behavior, model performance, drift, and unexpected failure modes.
- Technical Leadership: Serve as a subject matter expert for agentic AI, helping establish engineering patterns and mentoring junior developers.
Technical Requirements
Must-Have:
- Active UK DV Clearance. (Applications without this cannot be considered).
- Commercial AI Delivery: A proven track record of shipping multi-agent or agentic AI frameworks into live production environments.
- Core Software Engineering: Exceptional Python skills alongside hands-on experience with LLM orchestration tools (e.g., LangGraph, LangChain, Haystack, or similar).
- Modern DevOps: Strong experience with Docker, Git, and cloud infrastructure.
- Secure Architecture: Solid comprehension of secure-by-design principles and deployment patterns for sovereign clouds or disconnected networks.
Great-to-Have:
- Experience with edge computing, offline AI deployments, or local model execution.
- Familiarity with Kubernetes (EKS/OpenShift) for container management and application monitoring.
- Knowledge of advanced agent orchestration protocols (e.g., A2A communication) and Model Context Protocols (MCPs).
- Familiarity with secure development frameworks (OWASP, NIST, ISO 27001).
- Background working in Defence, GovTech, aerospace, or similarly regulated sectors.
DV Cleared Senior AI Engineer in Didcot employer: IO Associates
Join a pioneering deep-tech venture in London that is at the forefront of AI and robotics, where you will have the opportunity to work on mission-critical projects that protect national infrastructure and save lives. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will benefit from a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and technical leadership, alongside competitive remuneration and the flexibility of a hybrid working model. This role not only offers the chance to make a significant impact but also provides a supportive environment for developing your skills in cutting-edge technologies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land DV Cleared Senior AI Engineer in Didcot
✨Show Off Your Projects
As a freelancer in robotics and automation, it's crucial to have a solid portfolio showcasing your projects. Whether it's a robot you've built or an automation solution you've designed, having real examples demonstrates your skills to potential clients. Consider creating a dedicated website or using platforms like GitHub to host your work.
✨Join Robotics Communities
Get involved in robotics forums, local meetups, or online communities like ROS (Robot Operating System) groups. Networking in these spaces will not only keep you informed about the latest industry trends but also can lead to freelance gigs through referrals and collaborations. Plus, you'll find many clients in these circles who need your expertise!
✨Utilise Freelance Platforms
Don't underestimate the power of freelance platforms like Upwork or Freelancer. Tailor your profile to highlight your expertise in robotics and automation, and consider bidding on specific projects that match your skillset. Remember, quality proposals can help you stand out in the crowd!
✨Don’t Forget to Apply at IO Associates
Keep your eyes peeled for any freelance opportunities that might pop up at IO Associates. Applying directly through their website can set you apart as it shows genuine interest in their work. Plus, who knows, they might have a project that’s perfect for your skill set!
We think you need these skills to ace DV Cleared Senior AI Engineer in Didcot
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Projects:In the robotics-automation field, having a strong portfolio is key. Highlight any projects you've worked on—whether they're personal, academic, or freelance. Be sure to include specifics like the tools and technologies you used, outcomes, and any challenges you overcame. This will show us your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills!
Tailor Your CV for Robotics:When crafting your CV, focus on showcasing relevant skills like programming languages (think Python, C++) or platforms like ROS. Make sure you highlight any certifications or courses related to automation technologies, as they can really help you stand out to us at IO Associates. Keep it concise but informative!
Be Clear About Your Rates:In a freelance application, it's important to be upfront about your rates and availability. Include this info in your cover letter so we know what to expect. You can also mention your flexibility regarding hours or project timelines, which is a big plus for freelance work!
Narrate Your Learning Journey:As a freelancer, we want to know how you've developed your skills in robotics-automation. In your cover letter, share what got you interested in this field and talk about any specific experiences that have shaped your expertise. This personal touch makes your application more relatable and memorable!
How to prepare for a job interview at IO Associates
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
As a freelancer in robotics automation, your portfolio is your best foot forward. Make sure it showcases your past projects, particularly those that highlight your expertise in automation technologies like PLCs, robotics programming, or AI integration. We need to communicate not just what you can do, but also how well you’ve done it in varied applications.
✨Prepare for Technical Scenarios
Expect to encounter technical questions during your interview at IO Associates. They might present real-world problems that need solving, so brush up on your problem-solving skills. Being familiar with industry-standard tools and technologies can help us stand out, so dive deep into the specifics of the automation tools you’ve used in the past.
✨Know Your Rates and Value Proposition
Since you’re freelancing, be ready to discuss your rates. Have a clear understanding of your value proposition—what sets you apart from others in the robotics automation field? Practising how to articulate this can help us negotiate confidently while ensuring you get what you deserve for your skills.
✨Emphasise Flexibility and Collaboration
Freelancing often means working with multiple clients or teams, so be prepared to discuss how you manage your workload and collaborate effectively. At IO Associates, they’ll likely appreciate someone who can adapt to different team structures and timelines, so weave in your past experiences working in collaborative settings.
