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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a new AI team, mentor Data Scientists, and develop impactful ML solutions.
- Company: Join an award-winning tech company with a strong growth trajectory and no layoffs.
- Benefits: Enjoy a negotiable six-figure salary, hybrid working, and a focus on professional development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI in a supportive environment that values innovation and autonomy.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in Data Science/AI, 5+ years leading teams, strong coding skills in Python, R, SQL.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on greenfield projects and influence the company's AI strategy.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Principal Machine Learning Engineer wanted to shape the future of AI in a brand-new team
Want to lead a new AI function at a tech company on a serious growth trajectory?
Looking for the chance to mentor a high-calibre team, work on greenfield projects, and deliver real-world machine learning solutions that have commercial impact?
If you're a strategic thinker with deep technical roots and a passion for driving innovation-this is the role for you.
The Role
You'll be the driving force behind a newly-formed AI team, leading and mentoring Data Scientists and shaping the roadmap for AI/ML across the business.
This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll guide the development and deployment of production-grade ML models, champion a \”fail-fast\” culture of experimentation, and work closely with engineering, product, and stakeholders to turn ideas into outcomes.
It's the perfect mix of strategy, delivery, and people leadership.
What's In It For You?
- Negotiable six-figure salary
- Hybrid working – 1 to 3 days in the office
- Greenfield ML projects from day one
- Join an award-winning business with no layoffs, ever
- Work with a brilliant, motivated team that's just getting started
- Big focus on professional development, experimentation, and autonomy
Technical Skills You'll Need
- 10+ years' experience in Data Science/AI
- At least 5 years leading teams and delivering machine learning projects
- Strong coding ability in Python, R, and SQL
- Experience with frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras, and libraries like scikit-learn
- Proven ability to develop, optimise, and deploy ML/AI models in production
- Solid understanding of model governance, compliance, and data security
- Experience working in regulated industries (finance, health, etc.) is a bonus
You'll Be a Great Fit If You:
- Are a strategic thinker who can link ML projects to business goals
- Love mentoring teams and fostering a culture of innovation
- Communicate complex ideas in simple ways, especially to non-technical audiences
- Stay on top of AI trends, tools, and best practices
- Have a product mindset and a strong sense of ownership
- Are passionate about building AI solutions that actually ship
Why Join?
This company has one of the best retention rates in the NI tech scene-and for good reason. They treat people like adults, give you the freedom to do your best work, and support you every step of the way.
You'll be joining at a pivotal moment, with the opportunity to shape the future of a new AI capability that's central to the company's next chapter.
If you want to hear more (without commitment), drop me a message. Let's have a chat and see if it's the right fit for you.
Skills:
ML AI Data Science Python
Principal Machine Learning Engineer employer: Ocho
Contact Detail:
Ocho Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Machine Learning Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the AI and machine learning space. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and leaders in the field. This can help you gain insights into the company culture and the specific challenges they face.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership experience by discussing past projects where you mentored teams or led initiatives. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you drove innovation and delivered successful machine learning solutions in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends and advancements in AI and machine learning. Familiarise yourself with the tools and frameworks mentioned in the job description, such as TensorFlow and PyTorch, and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in real-world scenarios.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to articulate how you can align machine learning projects with business goals. Think about how your strategic thinking can contribute to the company's growth trajectory and be ready to discuss your vision for the new AI function.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Machine Learning Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your extensive experience in Data Science and AI, particularly your leadership roles and successful machine learning projects. Use specific examples that demonstrate your coding skills in Python, R, and SQL, as well as your familiarity with frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for mentoring and innovation. Discuss how your strategic thinking aligns with the company's goals and how you can contribute to shaping their new AI function. Be sure to mention your understanding of model governance and compliance, especially if you have experience in regulated industries.
Showcase Your Projects: If possible, include a portfolio or links to projects that showcase your ability to develop, optimise, and deploy ML/AI models. Highlight any greenfield projects you've worked on and the commercial impact they had, as this will resonate with the company's focus on real-world solutions.
Prepare for Interviews: Anticipate questions about your leadership style and how you foster a culture of experimentation. Be ready to discuss how you communicate complex ideas to non-technical audiences and your approach to staying updated on AI trends and best practices. This will demonstrate your fit for the role and the company culture.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ocho
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Principal Machine Learning Engineer, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership roles, how you mentored teams, and the impact of your guidance on project outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Technical Proficiency
Make sure to highlight your coding skills in Python, R, and SQL. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've used frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch, and how you optimised and deployed ML models in production.
✨Connect ML Projects to Business Goals
This role requires a strategic thinker. Prepare examples of how you've linked machine learning initiatives to broader business objectives, showcasing your understanding of the commercial impact of AI solutions.
✨Communicate Complex Ideas Simply
You'll need to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. Practice articulating complex ideas in straightforward terms, perhaps by using analogies or real-world examples that illustrate your points effectively.
