At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop advanced AI solutions and implement machine learning systems in secure environments.
- Company: Exciting defence tech start-up with a focus on innovation and problem-solving.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, target-based bonus, private healthcare, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Join a team of top engineers tackling unique challenges and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: STEM degree from a leading university and understanding of machine learning fundamentals.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 100000 € per year.
A growing defence-tech consultancy is seeking Machine Learning Engineers of various levels and disciplines to work on advanced AI solutions and/or design and implement machine learning systems, including LLM applications within secure environments. You'll genuinely be working alongside some of the best engineers/teams in the country, solving problems no one else has before. They 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
- Are friendly
- Truly understand problem-solving principles
- Enjoy variety
- Are adaptable and articulate
Machine Learning Engineer Responsibilities may include:
- Applying machine learning fundamentals and statistical techniques
- Working with LLMs and transformer architectures
- Evaluating model performance and optimising inference
- Developing solutions for constrained or secure environments
- Supporting explainability, safety, and robustness of AI systems
- Integrating AI/ML components into applications and workflows
- Designing and implementing retrieval-augmented generation systems
- Evaluating LLM performance and mitigating failure modes
- Testing and debugging non-deterministic systems
- Assessing when AI vs deterministic approaches are appropriate
Machine Learning Engineer Requirements (it would be useful if you have some of the following experience - not all is required):
- Deep understanding of machine learning fundamentals
- Strong mathematics and statistics knowledge
- LLM principles and transformer architectures
- LLM performance evaluation and inference optimisations
- Developing modules for edge, constrained or air-gapped environments would be a plus
- Explainable AI or AI safety/security would be a plus
- Applied AI overlap: Integrating AI components into applications and workflows
- LLM evaluation, failure modes, and mitigation strategies
- Testing and debugging non-deterministic systems
- Retrieval-Augmented Generation
- Understanding of the risks and limitations of AI and where statistical models or deterministic logic would be more appropriate
- Understanding of core AI/ML concepts such as LLM architectures, ML models, and statistical methods
Additional Criteria:
- STEM Degree from a leading university (2:1 or 1st class)
- Eligibility for UK SC-level security clearance
- Experience in defence or highly regulated environments is advantageous, but not required
Machine Learning Engineer Benefits:
- Target based Bonus (~10%)
- Private healthcare
- Pension
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
Machine Learning Engineer | Defence Start-up in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Switch Tech Talent
Join a pioneering defence-tech start-up in Newcastle, where you'll collaborate with some of the brightest minds in engineering to tackle unique challenges in machine learning and AI. With a strong emphasis on problem-solving and innovation, the company offers a supportive work culture that values adaptability and teamwork, alongside competitive benefits such as private healthcare, a generous holiday allowance, and a target-based bonus. This is an exceptional opportunity for those looking to grow their careers in a dynamic environment while contributing to cutting-edge technology in the defence sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Machine Learning Engineer | Defence Start-up in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the defence tech start-up through LinkedIn or industry events. A friendly chat can give us insights into the company culture and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your machine learning fundamentals and problem-solving skills. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to simulate the real deal.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your projects! Whether it’s a GitHub repo or a personal website, having a portfolio of your work can really set you apart. We love seeing practical applications of your skills, especially in AI and ML.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate candidates who fit our vibe!
We think you need these skills to ace Machine Learning Engineer | Defence Start-up in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Machine Learning Engineer role. Highlight your experience with LLMs, transformer architectures, and any relevant projects that showcase your problem-solving skills. We want to see how you fit into our defence tech world!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about machine learning and how your background aligns with our mission. Be friendly and articulate – we love a good story that shows your adaptability and enthusiasm.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Share specific examples of complex systems you've tackled or innovative solutions you've developed. We’re looking for engineers who thrive on challenges, so let us see your thought process!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our team and culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Switch Tech Talent
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your machine learning fundamentals and the latest trends in LLMs and transformer architectures. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those that involved problem-solving in complex systems.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to tackle hypothetical scenarios during the interview. Think about how you would approach a new challenge or optimise a model's performance. This is your chance to showcase your analytical thinking and adaptability.
✨Be Friendly and Articulate
Since the company values a friendly atmosphere, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as communication is key when working in small teams tackling challenging problems.
✨Understand the Defence Context
Familiarise yourself with the unique challenges of working in defence tech. Even if you don't have direct experience, showing an understanding of the importance of security and explainability in AI systems will set you apart from other candidates.
