Lead AI Engineer for Defence & Security (SC Eligible)

Meritus; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 81,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

Meritus is recruiting for an AI Engineer to join a leading tech consultancy delivering Defence, Security and Government solutions in Cambridge. You will lead the design and delivery of AI and ML projects, balancing hands-on engineering with technical leadership and stakeholder engagement.

The role requires 3+ years of AI/ML experience, strong Python, and a track record of working with complex systems. SC clearance eligibility is advantageous, with on-site Cambridge work three days per week.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience delivering AI/ML or advanced algorithmic solutions.
• Experience in Defence, National Security or Government sectors.
• Strong expertise in Transformer Models, Diffusion Models, RL, CV or machine perception.
• Strong Python and software engineering skills.
• Degree in Computer Science, AI, ML, Mathematics, Physics or related field.
• SC Clearance eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical delivery of AI, ML and advanced algorithm projects.
• Act as technical lead and solution architect on complex programmes.
• Apply techniques including Transformer Models, LLMs, Reinforcement Learning, Computer Vision or Machine Perception.
• Provide technical oversight, governance and peer review across projects.
• Work directly with customers to define requirements and deliver innovative solutions.
• Support proposals, bids and business development activities.
• Mentor engineers and contribute to technical standards and best practice.

Skills

AI/ML experience

Python

Technical leadership

Customer-facing

SC clearance eligible

Education

Degree in CS/AI/ML/Math/Physics

Job description

Meritus is recruiting for an AI Engineer to join a leading tech consultancy delivering Defence, Security and Government solutions in Cambridge. You will lead the design and delivery of AI and ML projects, balancing hands-on engineering with technical leadership and stakeholder engagement.

The role requires 3+ years of AI/ML experience, strong Python, and a track record of working with complex systems. SC clearance eligibility is advantageous, with on-site Cambridge work three days per week.