AI Engineer (SC Cleared)

AI Engineer (SC Cleared)

Freelance 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Morgan Hunt

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design and deliver cutting-edge AI applications in a secure environment.
  • Company: Leading UK government organisation with a focus on innovative AI solutions.
  • Benefits: Competitive day rate, hybrid work, and long-term contract until 2026.
  • Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of AI in public services and make a real impact.
  • Qualifications: Experience in AI solutions, strong Python skills, and active SC clearance required.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.

£700-£800 per day | Inside IR35 | Hybrid (Canary Wharf, London – 1 day per week) Contract until September 2026 + potential extension

Morgan Hunt is working in partnership with a leading UK government organisation to recruit an experienced AI Developer with active SC clearance. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering cutting‑edge AI solutions within a secure, high‑impact environment – helping shape how AI is deployed across critical public services.

The Role

  • Designing, developing and deploying AI‑enabled applications across cloud platforms
  • Building and scaling Retrieval‑Augmented Generation (RAG) pipelines and agentic AI systems using trusted data sources
  • Creating, testing and refining prompts, workflows and AI configurations to maximise accuracy and performance
  • Applying solid software engineering practices including API development, version control, CI/CD and automated testing
  • Monitoring and optimising AI systems in production, ensuring performance, cost control, security and compliance
  • Collaborating closely with Data Scientists to transition experimental models into robust, production‑ready services
  • Engaging stakeholders to identify and shape high‑value AI use cases
  • Ensuring all solutions align with Responsible AI principles, data protection and security standards
  • Developing proof‑of‑concepts to support decision‑making and future investment

Experience Required

  • Proven experience delivering AI‑enabled solutions into production environments
  • Strong software engineering background, particularly with Python and cloud technologies
  • Experience working with large language models (LLMs) and AI‑driven systems
  • Track record of working within multidisciplinary agile teams
  • Experience developing and advising on AI use cases and solution design

Additional Details

  • Day rate: £700-£800 (Inside IR35)
  • Contract until end of September 2026, with likely extension
  • Hybrid working – 1 day per week on-site in Canary Wharf
  • Active SC clearance is essential (must have worked on a UK government project within the last 12 months)

Morgan Hunt is an equal opportunities employer. Job suitability is assessed on merit in accordance with the individual's skills, qualifications and abilities to perform the relevant duties required in a particular role.

AI Engineer (SC Cleared) employer: Morgan Hunt

Morgan Hunt is an exceptional employer, offering AI Engineers the chance to work on groundbreaking projects within a secure government environment in Canary Wharf. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide opportunities to engage with cutting-edge technologies while fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture. Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid working, competitive day rates, and the satisfaction of contributing to impactful public services.

Morgan Hunt

Contact Details:

Morgan Hunt Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land AI Engineer (SC Cleared)

Showcase Your Skills with a Public Portfolio

As a freelancer in data science, having a killer portfolio is essential. Showcase your projects on platforms like GitHub or create a personal website that details your work and techniques. This gives potential clients a clear picture of what you can do and helps you stand out from the competition.

Get Involved in Data Science Communities

Tap into online forums like Kaggle or Stack Overflow. Not only can you showcase your expertise, but you can also connect with other data scientists and potential clients. Plus, participating in competitions and discussions can elevate your profile in the field.

Leverage Local Networking Opportunities

Keep an eye out for local data science meetups or tech events in your area. These are golden opportunities to meet potential clients and collaborators face-to-face. Plus, who doesn't love a bit of networking over pizza and drinks?

Pitch Your Services Directly to Companies

Don't just wait for freelancing platforms to bring clients to you—be proactive! Research companies that could benefit from data science services and craft tailored pitches. Mention specific pain points you can address for them. Let’s get that freelance hustle going!

We think you need these skills to ace AI Engineer (SC Cleared)

AI Development
Microsoft Copilot Studio
Azure AI Foundry
Azure OpenAI
Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)
API Development
Version Control

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Projects:When applying for a freelance data science role like AI Engineer (SC Cleared) at Morgan Hunt, it’s crucial to highlight your projects. Include a portfolio that features at least two or three projects involving data analysis, machine learning, or visualisation. Make sure to describe the tools and methodologies you used, so we can see your skills in action!

Quantify Your Achievements:Freelance gigs, especially in data science, often ask for proven results. In your CV, include any relevant metrics or outcomes from your previous work. Did your analysis help reduce costs by a certain percentage? Or did your predictive model improve performance? Numbers speak volumes!

Introduce Your Style:Since freelancing is all about your individual style and approach, use your cover letter to share how you tackle data problems. This is your chance to let us know how you think, your creative problem-solving methods, and how you would approach a project at Morgan Hunt.

Be Real About Your Rates:When you send in your application, don’t forget to mention your freelance rates and availability. We appreciate clarity up front, and it helps us gauge if you fit within our budget and timeline. Being transparent in this aspect shows professionalism and readiness!

How to prepare for a job interview at Morgan Hunt

Show Off Your Data Wizardry

As a freelancer in data science, you'll want to present a portfolio that showcases your best projects. We should pull together examples where you tackled real problems with data analytics, machine learning models, or visualisations. It's all about demonstrating your skills in action!

Be Ready to Dive Deep into Technical Questions

Expect to encounter some technical grilling during the interview. Prepare to discuss statistical methods, algorithms, or maybe even tackle a live coding challenge. We should brush up on tools like Python, R, or SQL—those are key players in the data science field. Don't just know them; be ready to explain your thought process!

Help Them Understand Your Work Style

Freelance gigs often mean you'll be working independently, so we need to convey our self-motivation and time management skills. Be prepared to talk about how you’ve handled multiple projects or met tight deadlines before. Sharing your approach to client communication can also give them confidence in your ability to deliver remotely.

Pitch Your Value Proposition

When freelancing, it’s crucial to clearly articulate what makes you unique. We should highlight not just technical skills but also the business impact of our projects. Think of a couple of stories where your data insights drove decision-making—this can be a game changer in showing why they should choose you for their freelance needs!