AI/ML Engineer | Defence Tech
AI/ML Engineer | Defence Tech

AI/ML Engineer | Defence Tech

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Switch Tech Talent

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Solve complex AI/ML problems in defence tech with a talented team.
  • Company: Innovative defence tech start-up focused on impactful solutions.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a collaborative work environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real-world impact while tackling unique challenges in AI/ML.
  • Qualifications: Strong STEM degree and problem-solving skills; defence experience is a plus.
  • Other info: Join a dynamic team building cutting-edge solutions from the ground up.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Overview

AI/ML Engineer (all levels - junior to Tech Lead) Newcastle (in office) Defence Tech Start-up

As the AI/ML Engineer you'll work alongside some of the best engineers/teams in the country, solving problems no one else has before. This is focused on software, data and intelligence capabilities. Hard technical problems + meaningful real-world impact.

It'll be useful if you already have some of the following experience:

  • Familiarity with MLOps practices
  • Knowledge of LLM principles (e.g. inference optimisations/KV caching, speculative decoding, and parallel decoding)
  • Experience in fine-tuning and evaluating LLMs
  • Prompt design, agentic workflows, eval harnesses, and retrieval pipelines
  • Experience developing modules for edge, constrained, or air-gapped environments
  • Exposure to explainable AI or AI safety/security

Typically, they tend to muck in where needed, so having a broad skillset, or at least a willingness to learn other skills is a big plus - happy to take specialists in one area. They’re a new consultancy, focused on solving complex software and data problems for defence and national security organisations. They’re building the team from scratch in Newcastle and are deliberately setting a very high bar, hiring engineers from top universities who are among the strongest technically in their field.

The work is very problem-solving focused, small teams tackling complex systems, often working on completely new challenges every few months. They’re hiring for, and value, people who:

  • Enjoy working on challenging systems
  • Truly understand problem-solving, from first principles
  • Are adaptable and articulate/able to communicate internally as well as externally

Requirements

  • 2:1 or 1st Class bachelors degree from a leading university in a STEM subject
  • Eligibility to obtain security clearance
  • Experience in defence environments a big plus, but not required, as long as you’re happy working within this world.

AI/ML Engineer | Defence Tech employer: Switch Tech Talent

As an AI/ML Engineer at our Defence Tech start-up in Newcastle, you'll join a dynamic team dedicated to tackling some of the most challenging problems in software and data for national security. We foster a collaborative work culture that values adaptability and continuous learning, offering ample opportunities for professional growth while making a meaningful impact in the defence sector. With a focus on innovation and excellence, we are committed to building a diverse team of top-tier engineers who thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Switch Tech Talent

Contact Detail:

Switch Tech Talent Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land AI/ML Engineer | Defence Tech

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees or alumni from your university who work in defence tech. A friendly chat can give us insights into the company culture and maybe even a referral!

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a GitHub repository showcasing your AI/ML projects. When you get that interview, we want to see what you've built and how you tackle complex problems.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Get comfortable with common technical interview questions related to MLOps and LLM principles. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to sharpen your skills.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at StudySmarter.

We think you need these skills to ace AI/ML Engineer | Defence Tech

MLOps practices
LLM principles
Inference optimisations
KV caching
Speculative decoding
Parallel decoding
Fine-tuning LLMs
Evaluating LLMs
Prompt design
Agentic workflows
Eval harnesses
Retrieval pipelines
Developing modules for edge environments
Explainable AI
AI safety/security
Problem-solving skills
Adaptability
Communication skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the AI/ML Engineer role. Highlight any relevant projects or coursework, especially those related to MLOps, LLMs, or defence tech.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about AI/ML and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention your problem-solving skills!

Show Off Your Projects: If you've worked on any cool projects, especially in AI/ML, make sure to include them in your application. We love seeing practical examples of your work and how you tackle complex problems.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Switch Tech Talent

✨Know Your Tech Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of MLOps practices and LLM principles. Be ready to discuss inference optimisations, KV caching, and parallel decoding. The more familiar you are with these concepts, the better you'll be able to showcase your technical prowess.

✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Prepare to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities by discussing past experiences where you've tackled complex systems. Use examples that highlight your adaptability and how you approached challenges from first principles. This is key for a role focused on solving hard technical problems.

✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently

Since communication is vital in small teams, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be prepared to explain your ideas and solutions in a way that’s easy to understand, both technically and non-technically. This will show that you can collaborate effectively with others.

✨Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn

Highlight your eagerness to expand your skill set, especially if you have a specialty. Mention any relevant experiences where you’ve had to learn new technologies or adapt to different environments. This will resonate well with a company that values versatility and growth.

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