Machine Learning Engineer (Forward Deployed)

TL;DR

Machine Learning Engineer (Forward Deployed): Delivering real-world AI/ML systems into operational environments with an accent on software deployment, model integration, and stakeholder collaboration. Focus on translating complex defence and national security problems into robust, production-ready machine learning solutions while working in challenging, resource-constrained environments.

Location: Must be based in or able to commute to Oxford, UK, with travel to client sites required.

Salary: £67,000–£80,000 per annum

Company

Mind Foundry is an AI company specializing in delivering high-impact, trustworthy machine learning solutions for complex challenges in Defence and National Security.

What you will do

• Deploy and adapt ML models from research prototypes into live, high-impact production environments.
• Engage directly with defence customers to translate operational needs into technical requirements.
• Troubleshoot integration issues and resolve edge-cases in complex, resource-constrained environments.
• Provide hands-on support to end users and maintain deep technical expertise in product capabilities.
• Extend and improve internal ML platforms, tooling, and best practices based on deployment learnings.

Requirements

• Must hold or be eligible for UK Developed Vetting (DV) clearance.
• Degree in a STEM field or equivalent practical experience.
• Strong proficiency in Python with a focus on clean, reproducible, and well-tested code.
• Hands-on experience with production infrastructure including Docker, Linux, CI/CD, MLOps, and cloud platforms.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Must be willing to travel to and work from client sites.

Nice to have

• Prior experience with government, defence contractors, or military environments.
• Experience with data streaming (Spark, Kafka) and microservices (Flask, FastAPI).
• Experience with UI frameworks like Streamlit, Plotly, or Gradio.
• Broader software engineering experience (Java, Node.js, React, PostgreSQL).

Culture & Benefits

• Competitive compensation package including EMI options.
• Private healthcare with dental and optical cover.
• 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays.
• Enhanced parental and sickness leave.
• Support for professional and personal development.
• Pet-friendly office environment.

Hiring process

• Initial discussion with the People team.
• TestDome coding exercise.
• Technical interview with the Science & Engineering team.
• Final in-person meet the team at the Oxford office.