Lead Machine Learning Engineer (AI)

TL;DR

Lead Machine Learning Engineer (AI): Spearheading technical direction and delivery of complex, innovative AI projects in the defence sector with an accent on architectural design, scalable ML/software systems, and project roadmap definition. Focus on driving innovation, building reusable solutions, and mentoring engineers in high-risk environments.

Location: Needs to be based in the United Kingdom. Requires UK Security Clearance (SC) and willingness to work up to three days per week on-site with customers across the UK. Flexibility to work remotely within the UK or from the London office when not on client sites.

Company

hirify.global is an AI company established in 2014, transforming performance through human-centric AI for over 350 global customers across various sectors, including government, finance, retail, energy, life sciences, and defence.

What you will do

• Set technical direction for complex ML projects, balancing trade-offs and guiding team priorities.
• Design, implement, and maintain reliable, scalable ML/software systems, justifying architectural decisions.
• Define project problems, develop roadmaps, and oversee delivery across multiple workstreams in high-risk environments.
• Drive the development of shared resources and libraries across the organisation and guide other engineers.
• Lead hiring processes, make informed selection decisions, and mentor individuals to foster team growth.
• Proactively develop and execute recommendations for adopting new technologies and changing ways of working.

Requirements

• Technical expert among peers, capable of going deep on particular topics and demonstrating breadth of knowledge.
• Strong Python skills and practical experience operationalising models using Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, or PyTorch.
• Expert in at least one major Cloud Solution Provider (Azure, GCP, AWS) and experience leading teams to build full-stack web applications.
• Hands-on experience with containerisation tools like Docker and orchestration via Kubernetes.
• Ability to successfully manage and coach a team of engineers, setting team-wide development goals.
• Excellent communicator who can proactively help customers achieve goals and guide technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC) and willing to work up to three days per week on-site with customers which may require travel to locations throughout the UK.

Culture & Benefits

• Unlimited Annual Leave Policy.
• Private healthcare and dental.
• Enhanced parental leave.
• Family-Friendly Flexibility & Flexible working.
• Sanctus Coaching.
• Hybrid Working (2 days in London office, rest remote within UK).
• Strong encouragement for applications from people of all backgrounds.

Hiring process

• Talent Team Screen (30 minutes).
• Introduction to the role (45 minutes).
• Pair Programming Interview (90 minutes).
• System Design Interview (90 minutes).
• Commercial & Leadership Interview (60 minutes).