At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop impactful AI solutions for defence and tackle exciting technical challenges.
- Company: Join Neptune North, a cutting-edge consultancy in the heart of Newcastle.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private health insurance, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in UK defence while growing your AI engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Strong understanding of AI/ML concepts and excellent programming skills required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Reporting to: AI Lead – Defence
Security clearance: must be eligible for UK SC-level security clearance (UK national)
Visa sponsorship: we cannot sponsor visas for this role
Closing date: applications reviewed on a rolling basis
About Neptune North
Neptune North is a high-performing technical consultancy. We build data, AI and software solutions for clients in defence, financial services and private capital. We specialise in solving demanding technical problems in challenging environments. We were founded in 2024 as a joint venture between Oliver Wyman and Rokos Capital Management and are headquartered in the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne. We are currently recruiting exceptional engineers across every level.
The role
We’re looking for AI Engineers to develop impactful AI solutions for defence. This is a hands‑on engineering role where you will have impact across a wide variety of projects. Potential projects might include fully engineered solutions, developing Proof of Concepts (POCs), and applied research to support future defence‑relevant capabilities.
Responsibilities
- Provide hands‑on delivery in a wide range of AI projects; POCs to fully engineered solutions
- Provide technical expertise when it is required within the organisation and in client engagements
- Demonstrate flexibility in taking on work aligned to evolving company priorities
- Play an active role in sharing expertise to raise and re‑use capability
What makes a great candidate
- Understanding of core AI/ML concepts
- Expertise in machine learning models at the algorithmic level, rather than treating models as black‑box components
- Experience in one or more aspects of AI, such as (but not restricted to): AI safety and security, low‑power and edge AI, AI explainability, AI robustness in contested environments, novel approaches to learning, agentic AI, integrating LLMs into workflows / RAG, multi‑modal AI (text, image, audio, for example)
- Excellent programming skills (Python and potentially other modern programming languages)
- A solid grounding in software engineering best practices and a desire to maintain high engineering standards in all your work
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Experience working effectively as part of a team and enthusiasm for knowledge‑sharing and collaboration
- Ability to work effectively with ambiguity, while maintaining a disciplined, outcome‑focussed approach
- Strong academic foundations, typically a first‑class or 2:1 degree from a leading university in Computer Science, Mathematics, Machine Learning, or a related discipline
- Experience in defence or national security is a strong plus
What you can achieve
- Contribute to AI solutions that strengthen UK defence and national security
- Build a strong foundation in POC and production AI systems and engineering best practices that will shape your career
- Develop your skills across the full AI engineering stack and a variety of technologies
- Learn from experienced AI and software engineers who are invested in your growth
- Contribute to meaningful technical decisions as part of a collaborative, low‑ego engineering team
Why join us
Work on a wide variety of interesting problems alongside high‑calibre colleagues. Our culture is collaborative and supportive. Neptune North is a place where people help each other grow and feel a real sense of belonging.
25 days holiday allowance plus bank holidays
Matching pension contributions up to 6%
Private health insurance through Bupa
Discretionary bonus
Equity, diversity and inclusion
At Neptune North we are committed to a work environment that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion. We believe diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences help us attract, develop and retain the best talent. We do not discriminate based on gender, age, race or ethnicity, identification as an LGBTQIA+ individual, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by relevant local law.
AI Engineer (Defence) employer: Neptune North
Neptune North is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for aspiring tech professionals to fast-track their careers through a fully funded degree apprenticeship in Newcastle. With a strong focus on mentorship and hands-on experience in cutting-edge technologies, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises growth and development, ensuring a rewarding journey towards specialisation in software engineering or data analysis.
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We think this is how you could land AI Engineer (Defence)
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We think you need these skills to ace AI Engineer (Defence)
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