Agentic AI Engineer (Defence & Security)

Cambridge Consultants; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Cambridge Consultants is seeking an Agentic AI Engineer to lead technical work on defence and security projects. You will mentor teammates, shape proposals, and turn state-of-the-art research into reliable systems for clients in the UK and beyond.

You will work across labs with substantial computing resources and engage directly with clients to understand problems, translate needs into credible technical approaches, and help win new work. UK security clearance is essential for this role.

Qualifications

• 3+ years' experience designing and delivering cutting-edge AI solutions, including agentic AI systems.
• Strong Python programming skills and solid software development practices.
• Undergraduate degree in AI/ML, computer science, mathematics or physics.
• Track record delivering quality technical work in a team.
• Ability to lead and mentor others and work with clients.

Responsibilities

• Designing and implementing cutting edge AI solutions for clients' problems, including information interpretation and planning.
• Taking technical ownership of significant parts of client projects, delivering quality work on time.
• Acting as technical authority on smaller projects and shaping technical direction of larger ones.
• Mentoring and supporting less experienced engineers to develop as technical consultants.
• Working directly with clients to understand problems and translate needs into technical approaches.
• Contributing to proposals and scoping new work.
• Building demonstrators and internal capabilities showcasing defence, security, and adjacent markets.

Skills

Python

Agentic AI experience

Leadership & mentoring

Client engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in AI/ML/CS/Math/Physics

Job description

The Role

We have an opportunity for an engineer in our AI & Algorithms department, working with a particular focus on our defence and security clients. You'll join a team of talented engineers and scientists designing, building and testing intelligent systems that solve hard, real-world problems. As an Agentic AI Engineer, you'll take the technical lead on parts of our projects, mentor more junior colleagues, and play an active part in shaping and winning new work. With well-equipped labs and substantial computing resources behind you, you'll turn state-of-the‑art research into systems our clients can depend on.

The Role

We have an opportunity for an engineer in our AI & Algorithms department, working with a particular focus on our defence and security clients. You'll join a team of talented engineers and scientists designing, building and testing intelligent systems that solve hard, real-world problems. As an Agentic AI Engineer, you'll take the technical lead on parts of our projects, mentor more junior colleagues, and play an active part in shaping and winning new work. With well-equipped labs and substantial computing resources behind you, you'll turn state-of-the‑art research into systems our clients can depend on. Much of our defence and security work requires security clearance, so we ask for it up front. You won't work exclusively in that sector, but a genuine interest in it matters to us.

What you'll be doing

• Designing and implementing cutting edge AI solutions to our clients' problems such as systems that can search for, interpret and analyse information as well as plan and act to achieve a goal.
• Taking technical ownership of significant parts of client projects, delivering quality work to budget and schedule with little supervision.
• Acting as technical authority or technical lead on smaller projects and contributing to the technical direction of larger ones.
• Mentoring and supporting less experienced engineers and helping them develop as technical consultants.
• Working directly with clients to understand their problems, show what's possible, and build their confidence in our work.
• Contributing to proposals and helping scope new work, translating client needs into credible technical approaches.
• Building demonstrators and internal capability that showcase our expertise in defence, security and adjacent markets.

What you can bring

• 3+ years' experience designing and delivering cutting edge AI solutions, including some experience developing agentic AI systems.
• Strong Python programming skills and a solid grasp of modern software development practice.
• A strong undergraduate degree in a relevant technical subject, such as AI/machine learning, computer science, mathematics or physics.
• A track record of delivering quality technical work in a team
• The ability to lead and mentor others.
• An interest in working with clients and getting involved in proposals and sales conversations.
• A genuine affinity for working in the defence and security sector.

Because of where this role sits, holding (or being able to obtain) UK security clearance is essential. You must be eligible to obtain Security Check (SC) level security clearance (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/united-kingdom-security-vetting-applicant). You must be able to work in the UK without restrictions in accordance with UK National Law and be prepared to successfully undertake an appropriate level of UK National Security Vetting according to UK Government criteria. We offer a flexible approach to hybrid working, although some of the projects you will be working on will require full-time working in the office.

Why Cambridge Consultants?

Cambridge Consultants creates exciting and novel breakthroughs in technology and products. Our work on intelligent systems area has helped create world-first and market-changing technologies including real-time AI-enhanced medical imaging, autonomous defence systems against cyberattacks, and edge algorithms to help visually impaired people navigate indoor spaces. We combine our research output with engineering rigour to create innovative and robust solutions to solve complex problems presented to us by our clients. We help clients across a diverse range of markets, including defence/security, healthcare, biotech, industrial and energy, so there is no shortage of variety.

At the heart of what we do are talented and motivated multi-disciplinary teams empowered to create cutting edge technologies and systems to solve difficult problems for our clients. We offer a diverse, fun, and challenging work environment where you'll have the chance to work on a wide variety of projects that deliver real value using technology.

We recognise and celebrate individual talent and we understand the importance of letting individuals be just that. Our people are here to do the best work of their lives and our job is to provide the platform for them to do it.

Diversity & Inclusion

Cambridge Consultants is a workplace where everyone is welcome. When the brightest minds come together and feel included, that's when we develop the most important technology breakthroughs. We believe that diversity can only flourish when everyone feels involved and has a sense of belonging. We welcome and value all people regardless of their characteristics and encourage applications from all backgrounds and dimensions of society.

By submitting an application to Cambridge Consultants, you confirm that the information provided in this application, together with any supporting documentation, is true, complete, and accurate to the best of your knowledge and belief. You understand that any false statement, misleading information, or material omission may render you liable to disqualification from the recruitment process, withdrawal of any offer of employment, or dismissal without notice if discovered following appointment. You acknowledge that the organisation reserves the right to verify the information supplied.