Lead AI ML Engineer
££70,000 - £85,000 GBP
Bonus
Hybrid WORKING
Location: Chelmsford, Central London, Greater London – United Kingdom Type: Permanent
Lead AI/ML Engineer
Chelmsford (Hybrid – 2 days onsite per week)
£70,000 – £85,000 + 10% Bonus
Security Clearance: Must be eligible for UK SC Clearance
A globally respected research and technology organisation is seeking a Lead AI/ML Engineer to join its advanced data and decision science capability. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of AI innovation in domains such as defence, autonomy, RF systems, and remote sensing—working across a portfolio of cutting-edge research and product development.
As a technical leader within a multi-disciplinary team, you'll spearhead the design and assurance of advanced AI/ML solutions, guide junior engineers, and drive collaborative research with academia and external partners. This role offers a unique blend of hands-on AI development and strategic technical influence across programmes in radar, sonar, NLP, computer vision, and large language models.
What you'll be doing:
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Leading delivery of high-impact AI/ML research and development projects
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Providing engineering assurance across bids, publications, and technical deliverables
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Mentoring and developing junior scientists and engineers
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Identifying and guiding novel research directions in reinforcement learning, NLP, RF, autonomy, and more
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Working closely with customers and stakeholders across defence, security, and commercial sectors
What we’re looking for:
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PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant AI/ML discipline
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10+ years of experience in AI/ML, ideally in defence or applied research
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Deep knowledge of modern machine learning, statistics, and computational modelling
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Experience leading teams and performing technical assurance across large R&D projects
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Strong Python skills and familiarity with frameworks like PyTorch, TensorFlow, scikit-learn
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Expertise in one or more of: computer vision, reinforcement learning, NLP/LLMs, knowledge graphs, RF/EO sensor data, autonomy
Please note: Due to the nature of the work, candidates must be eligible for UK Security Clearance, which typically requires at least 5 years of continuous UK residency.
Package:
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£70,000 – £85,000 base
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10% bonus
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Pension
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Medical cover
To hear more about the Lead AI/ML Engineer opportunity, get in touch with Connor Smyth at Anson McCade on 020 77806706.
Reference: AMC/CSM/LAI
Postcode: CM1 1HT
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