Fullstack AI Engineer - SC Cleared - Outside IR35

iO Associates; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK tech innovator is seeking an experienced Generative AI Engineer to contribute to advanced language model solutions for defence-focused products. This hybrid role offers the opportunity to work closely with a forward-leaning engineering team, driving AI innovation within the Defence and National Security sector. Candidates should have strong LLM deployment experience, advanced Python skills, and be comfortable working in a flexible environment.

Qualifications

• Strong background in deploying LLMs into production systems.
• Solid knowledge of NLP concepts and current research trends.
• Advanced Python skills for ML/AI development.

Responsibilities

• Build and optimise advanced language model solutions for defence-focused products.
• Collaborate with an engineering team to influence design decisions and translate AI research into use cases.
• Work hands-on in the development and deployment of AI systems.

Skills

Deploying LLMs into production systems

NLP concepts and research trends

Developing & scaling machine learning pipelines

Advanced Python skills for ML/AI development

Familiar with Docker, Git workflows, and cloud platforms

Excellent communication and stakeholder presentation skills

Tools

Docker

AWS

Job description

Overview

Location: London (Hybrid working available)

Clearance: Active SC or DV required

Rate: Flexible (Outside IR35)

Duration: 3 Months (likely extension)

I'm looking for 2x experienced Generative AI Engineers with current security clearance to support a fast-growing UK tech innovator within the Defence space. This is a hands-on role building and optimising advanced language model solutions that will form the backbone of their next wave of AI-driven products.

You'll be joining a forward-leaning engineering team where you'll be given the freedom to experiment, shape design decisions, and bring the latest AI research into real-world use cases.

Responsibilities

• Contribute as an experienced Generative AI Engineer to build and optimise advanced language model solutions for defence-focused products.
• Collaborate with an engineering team to experiment, influence design decisions, and translate cutting-edge AI research into real-world use cases.
• Operate in a hands-on capacity across development, deployment, and iteration of AI systems.

Qualifications

• Strong background in deploying LLMs into production systems
• Solid knowledge of NLP concepts and research trends
• Skilled in developing & scaling machine learning pipelines
• Advanced Python skills for ML/AI development
• Familiar with Docker, Git workflows, and cloud platforms (AWS preferred)
• Excellent communication and stakeholder presentation skills

Nice to Have

• Previous work portfolio (GitHub, publications, or thesis)
• Understanding of MLOps and modern data engineering practices
• Start-up or scale-up environment exposure
• RESTful API development experience
• Interest in commercial and business growth aspects of AI

This is a great chance to be at the centre of an ambitious organisation that's pushing boundaries in AI within Defence and National Security, while working in a flexible, hybrid environment.

If this is something of interest, feel free to apply or email me at