Machine Learning Engineer - National Security (London) in Oxford

Location: London or Gloucestershire

About the role: We’re looking for a Machine Learning Engineer to join a supportive, multidisciplinary team developing AI/ML systems to solve critical National Security challenges. As a Machine Learning Engineer, you’ll develop robust, production‑ready machine learning solutions, exploring, prototyping, and deploying ML approaches from initial concept through to live operation. Working at the forefront of applied AI alongside experts across multiple disciplines, you’ll help users defend against Defence and National Security threats, directly contributing to safer, more resilient systems deployed where they matter most.

Mind Foundry works on some of the most complex and urgent challenges in Defence and National Security. We specialise in supporting customers across the community to make sense at the speed of relevance from the ever‑increasing volumes of data collected by sensors and systems. We often find ourselves working at the edge in complex environments where power, compute, and bandwidth are in short supply. The work is challenging, the customer needs products and applications they can trust, and the sense of achievement is therefore substantial.

This is an opportunity to innovate at the forefront of applied machine learning, tackle high‑impact real‑world problems, grow your technical skills, and shape the way AI/ML solutions are delivered to critical operational environments.

Requirements:

• You must hold existing or be eligible for UK Developed Vetting (DV).
• Be expected to work primarily on our client’s sites in London or Gloucestershire. Please consider your commute when applying.

Key day‑to‑day activities:

• Design and build prototypes and robust, production‑ready ML solutions.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the Mind Foundry team (Product Managers, Machine Learning Scientists, Software Engineers) to solve critical National Security challenges.
• Maintain and develop a good working knowledge of state‑of‑the‑art ML methods, software tools and implementation methods.
• Write maintainable production code and promote best practices for code quality in a scientific codebase.
• Provide advice and explain core ML concepts to customers and partners.

Core Skills & Experience:

• A degree in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, or a related STEM field (or equivalent practical experience).
• Demonstrated proficiency in programming languages such as Python, producing clean, reproducible, well‑tested, and well‑documented code suitable for long‑term ownership and handover.
• Hands‑on experience with production infrastructure, including Docker, Linux, CI/CD, MLOps, cloud platforms, and model serving architectures.
• Ability to work with state‑of‑the‑art ML libraries to deliver powerful results quickly.
• Comfortable working in ambiguous, fast‑moving environments, embedded with customers or delivery teams.
• Hold existing Developed Vetting (DV) level clearance, or be willing and eligible to apply and obtain UK security clearance to Developed Vetting (DV) level.

Nice to Have:

• Prior experience working with government customers, defence contractors, or in military environments.
• Ability to write technical material (documentation, published papers, internal technical notes, etc).
• Experience with Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Large Language Models (LLMs).
• Experience in areas of model development, data processing and streaming (Spark, Kafka), microservices in Python (Flask or FastAPI), and interactive visualisations and user interfaces (Streamlit, Plotly, Gradio, etc).

While we think the above experience is important, we’re keen to hear from people that believe they have valuable skills, ideas, or perspectives that will make an impact in this role. If our team and mission resonate with you, but you do not necessarily meet all our requirements, we still encourage you to apply.

What we offer: We believe in investing in our people by encouraging career and personal development that aligns with your goals and ambitions. We make sure all staff have the tools, time and support they need to shape their own professional development. We want to help you excel at what you do and support your growth within the company.

You’ll enjoy a competitive compensation package and great benefits such as: 25 days of annual leave plus