Artificial Intelligence Engineer

Searchability®; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Pension contributions matched up to 6%

Private healthcare

Job summary

Searchability® is seeking an AI Engineer in Newcastle upon Tyne to deliver technically challenging AI solutions within the Defence sector. You’ll contribute across PoCs, applied research, and production-ready AI systems, collaborating with experienced AI and software engineers.

The role requires strong Python and ML fundamentals, experience with LLMs, RAG, and Agentic AI, and eligibility for UK SC-level security clearance. Onsite work in Newcastle is expected.

Qualifications

• Strong foundations in AI and ML concepts.
• Proficient Python programming.
• Experience with AI safety and security.
• Defence or National Security experience is advantageous.
• Eligible for UK SC-level security clearance (UK nationality typically).

Responsibilities

• Work on technically challenging AI solutions within the Defence sector.
• Hands-on engineering across PoCs to production-ready AI solutions.
• Collaborate with senior AI and Software Engineers on client engagements.

Skills

Python

Machine Learning

AI/ML concepts

LLMs

RAG

Agentic AI

Software Engineering

Defence/NS experience

Education

First-Class or 2:1 degree in Computer Science / Mathematics / Machine Learning

Job description

• AI Engineer opportunity with a high-performing technical consultancy based in Newcastle
• Salary up to £120k, depending on experience
• 5 days per week onsite in Newcastle upon Tyne
• Python, Machine Learning, AI/ML, LLMs, RAG, Agentic AI
• Must be eligible for UK SC-level Security Clearance

ABOUT THE CLIENT

Our client is a high-performing technical consultancy specialising in complex Data, AI and Software Engineering solutions.

Working across Defence, Financial Services and Private Capital, they solve demanding technical problems in challenging environments, combining exceptional engineering standards with cutting-edge technologies.

Due to the nature of the work, candidates must be eligible for UK SC-level security clearance. Typically, this will require UK nationality. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

THE BENEFITS

• Salary up to £120k, depending on experience
• Discretionary bonus
• Pension contributions matched up to 6%
• Private healthcare through Bupa
• Exposure to a wide variety of AI technologies and engineering challenges

THE AI ENGINEER ROLE

As an AI Engineer, you’ll work on technically challenging AI solutions within the Defence sector.

This is a hands‑on engineering role where you’ll contribute across a broad range of projects, from early-stage Proof of Concepts and applied research through to fully engineered, production-ready AI solutions.

You’ll work closely with experienced AI and Software Engineers, providing technical expertise both internally and during client engagements.

AI ENGINEER ESSENTIAL SKILLS

We’re looking for candidates with strong foundations across Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Software Engineering, including:

• Strong understanding of core AI and Machine Learning concepts
• Expertise in Machine Learning models at an algorithmic level, rather than treating models as black-box components
• Excellent programming skills with Python
• Strong understanding of Software Engineering best practices
• Experience working with one or more areas such as:
• Agentic AI
• RAG
• AI Safety and Security
• AI Explainability

A strong academic background is preferred, typically a First-Class or 2:1 degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Machine Learning or a related discipline.

Experience within Defence or National Security would be highly advantageous.