Machine Learning Engineer (Defence)

TL;DR

Machine Learning Engineer (Defence): Developing robust, production-ready machine learning solutions for critical Defence and National Security challenges with an accent on exploring, prototyping, and deploying ML approaches from concept to operation. Focus on building maintainable production code, working in complex environments, and ensuring system reliability for high-impact real-world applications.

Location: Must be based in or able to commute to Oxford, UK. This role is hybrid/onsite and requires travel to client sites. UK Security Vetting (SC) clearance is required.

Salary: £68,000–£80,000 per annum

Company

Mind Foundry specializes in developing AI/ML systems to solve complex, urgent challenges in Defence and National Security, focusing on data processing at the edge.

What you will do

• Design and build prototypes and robust, production-ready ML solutions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Product Managers, ML Scientists, and Software Engineers.
• Maintain and develop knowledge of state-of-the-art ML methods and implementation tools.
• Write maintainable production code and promote best practices for code quality.
• Provide technical advice and explain core ML concepts to customers and partners.

Requirements

• Degree in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, or related STEM field.
• Proficiency in Python with experience producing clean, well-tested, and documented code.
• Hands-on experience with production infrastructure (Docker, Linux, CI/CD, MLOps, cloud).
• Must hold or be eligible for UK Security Vetting (SC).
• Ability to travel to client sites and partner locations.

Nice to have

• Prior experience with government customers, defence contractors, or military environments.
• Experience with data processing and streaming (Spark, Kafka) or microservices (Flask, FastAPI).
• Knowledge of AI/ML assurance, signal processing, or data fusion.
• Experience building interactive visualizations (Streamlit, Plotly, Gradio).

Culture & Benefits

• Competitive compensation package including EMI options.
• 25 days of annual leave plus Bank Holidays.
• Private Healthcare (including dental and optical) and Group Life Cover.
• Salary Sacrifice Pension scheme and enhanced parental/sickness leave.
• Commitment to personal and professional development.
• Pet-friendly office environment.

Hiring process

• Initial discussion with the People team.
• TestDome coding exercise.
• Technical interviews with the Science & Engineering Team, including a presentation and live coding.
• In-person meet the team at the Oxford office.