AI Engineer

OpenWorks Engineering; North East; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in North East England is seeking an AI Engineer to develop and train cutting-edge machine learning models for object detection and classification. This role involves optimizing models for edge devices and integrating various sensory data. The ideal candidate will hold a PhD or equivalent and have strong Python skills, with experience in deep learning frameworks like PyTorch and TensorFlow. The company offers competitive remuneration, a vibrant team culture, and opportunities for personal growth.

Benefits

Performance-related bonuses

25 days’ holiday plus public holidays

Private healthcare

Life assurance

Pension plan with employer-matched contributions

Paid team socials

Qualifications

• Strong proficiency in Python and deep learning frameworks.
• Hands-on experience developing and evaluating computer vision models.
• Experience deploying and optimizing models.

Responsibilities

• Develop and train machine learning models for object detection.
• Optimize models for inference on edge devices.
• Design and implement algorithms for visual tracking.

Skills

Python

Deep learning frameworks

Computer vision models

Benchmarking

Generative AI

Education

PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or AI

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with experience

Tools

PyTorch

TensorFlow

ONNX

TensorRT

OpenVINO

Job description

Responsibilities

• Develop and train machine learning models for object detection and classification, leveraging deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow).
• Curate and manage training datasets, including proprietary tagging and image metadata.
• Fine-tune pre-trained models for specific use cases and optimise hyper‑parameters for accuracy and speed.

Model Optimisation for Deployment

• Optimise models for efficient inference on edge devices (Jetson, FPGAs, TPU, Hailo).
• Profile and improve latency, throughput, and memory efficiency for real‑time systems.
• Convert and export models for cross‑platform or hardware‑optimised deployment (ONNX, TensorFlow Lite, TensorRT, OpenVINO).

Visual Tracking Algorithms

• Design and implement algorithms for visual tracking, sensor fusion, and real‑time object localisation.
• Integrate AI‑powered sensor fusion combining Radar, EO/IR, Lidar, RF, and Acoustic data.

Staying up to date with SOTA

• Monitor and keep up to date with the latest research in CV and AI.
• Experiment with the latest models and techniques such as SAM3, Qwen3.

Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or AI, OR Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with demonstrated industry experience.
• Strong proficiency in Python and deep learning frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow).
• Hands‑on experience developing, training, and evaluating computer vision models.
• Experience deploying and optimising models using ONNX, TensorRT, OpenVINO, or Hailo.
• Ability to benchmark approaches and deliver high‑performance, production‑ready solutions.

Desirable

• Generative AI experience in tuning/deploying models for summarisation, content generation, or retrieval and familiarity with prompt engineering, LLMs, VLMs to multimodal tasks, including fine‑tuning and evaluation.

Join OpenWorks Engineering as our new AI Engineer and help shape the future of autonomous, intelligent systems within a rapidly scaling company driven by innovation. As part of the Intelligence and Autonomy team, you’ll work at the forefront of AI and computer vision, turning bold ideas into real‑world capability on production hardware. This is an opportunity to drive meaningful innovation, influence next‑generation products, and push technological boundaries in a team that values creativity, ownership, and rapid experimentation. OpenWorks is a rapidly growing business operating globally with a passion for exceptional engineering and building on a legacy of defence innovation in the North East of England.

Our products provide ultra‑high performance, real‑time detection, tracking, identification and targeting of dynamic aerial threats. They have been deployed internationally to protect high‑profile military and civilian assets, and contribute towards the defeat of nuisance, misguided and maliciously deployed drones during operations. We are very proud to have supported a wide range of law enforcement and military operators, protecting many of the most high‑profile sites and individuals around the world.

The amazing things we do are only possible because of a dedicated and passionate team. As a small, fast‑growing company (with over 70 people which is continually expanding), we offer the opportunity for a professional to have autonomy and responsibility, working in an innovative environment and the opportunity to do some of the best work of your life.

Be a world‑leading provider of autonomous technology for surveillance applications and defence.

Competitive remuneration package, with performance‑related bonuses and clear progression opportunities.
25 days’ holiday + public holidays, with long‑service rewards and the option to buy up to 5 additional days.
Free breakfast and freshly cooked lunches every day, courtesy of Chef Mark and his team.
Private healthcare through Aviva, keeping you feeling your best.
Life assurance for peace of mind.
Salary sacrifice schemes – including EV car and Cycle to Work options for easy, sustainable travel.
Paid team socials – from quiz nights and football to board games and more; we love to have fun together.
Pension plan with employer‑matched contributions to help you plan for the future.
A culture that empowers – we enable change, encourage challenge, and celebrate personal growth.