Lead Machine Learning Engineer, AI

Zaizi Ltd; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Loyalty Pension: 5% employer contrib.–

Pension: up to 8%

Life Assurance

2 paid volunteering days per year

5 days paid study leave

Job summary

Zaizi Ltd is seeking a Machine Learning Engineer to research, develop, and test AI algorithms and models that drive automation and insights from data. The role emphasizes building advanced ML models, managing MLOps pipelines, and mentoring junior team members.

Responsibilities include deploying production-ready models, monitoring performance, and tackling non-routine technical challenges within a collaborative, inclusive, hybrid environment.

Qualifications

• Broad technical expertise in machine learning and AI.
• Research, planning, and execution of generative AI research.
• Emerging tech monitoring for generative AI in national security context.
• Prototyping of complex AI applications and proofs of concept.
• Specialist advice as the primary source of generative AI expertise within the org.
• Data science techniques to support model development.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, test, and deploy complex ML models with quality, performance and scalability.
• Design and manage robust MLOps pipelines including CI/CD, monitoring, and retraining.
• Act as technical expert for complex, non-routine ML challenges and innovate solutions.
• Customize, optimise, retrain and maintain existing models.
• Deploy models into production and ensure performance and security requirements.
• Collaborate to integrate models with existing systems and workflows.

Skills

Machine Learning

Generative AI

Data Science

MLOps

Prototyping

Tools

CI/CD

MLOps

Job description

Work on exciting public sector projects and make a positive difference in people’s lives. At Zaizi, we thrive on solving complex challenges through creative thinking and the latest tools and tech.

As a Machine Learning Engineer,AI, you’ll be responsible for researching, developing, and testing new AI algorithms, models, and technologies that businesses can use to automate tasks and gain insights from their data.

Key responsibilities include building complex models, designing and managing MLOps pipelines for CI/CD, monitoring, and model retraining. Mentoring junior members, influencing technical decisions within the team, and handling complex, non-routine problems.

Our work culture is inclusive, modern, friendly, and democratic. We look for bright, positive-thinking individuals with a can-do attitude. Our people enjoy challenging themselves to be the best at what they do – if that sounds like you, you'll fit right in!

Role Objectives
These are the expected objectives for this role. We are happy to discuss this further during the interview process with the successful candidate.

• Model Development & Delivery: Design, build, test, and deploy complex machine learning models, ensuring high standards of quality, performance, and scalabilityDecide what model is most suitable for use in products and services
• MLOps Pipeline Management: Design and manage robust MLOps pipelines, including continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD), monitoring, and model retraining, to ensure efficient and reliable model deployment and operation
• Advanced Problem Solving: Act as a technical expert for complex, non-routine technical challenges within machine learning, developing and implementing innovative and effective solutions
• Customise, optimise, re-train and maintain existing models
• Deploy models into production, testing and assuring them to ensure they meet performance requirements
• Work with others to integrate models with existing systems
• Check that models used in live products and services stay safe, secure and continue to work effectively

Requirements

• Broad technical expertise in machine learning, demonstrating a deep understanding of various ML algorithms, frameworks, and best practices.
• Research. Plans and directs and carries out research activities, acting as a subject matter expert in generative AI research.
• Emerging Technology Monitoring. Systematically discovers and evaluates new generative AI technologies for business relevance, feasibility and relevance within the National Security Domain.
• Prototyping. Delivers complex, high-risk proofs of concept that test new AI applications.
• Specialist Advice. Serves as the primary source of expertise for generative AI within the organization.
• Data Science. Applies a range of data science techniques to support model development.
• Proven experience in building, deploying, and managing complex machine learning models.

SC Clearance:

Zaizi works with UK Central Government departments on a range of projects. To be able to work on our customer projects, employees must be Security Cleared to a standard acceptable to our Government customers. Due to this restriction we can currently only recruit candidates who have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship and who have lived in the UK for the last 5+ years continuously.

Benefits

Compensation

• Competitive Pay: Salaries reviewed annually to ensure they reflect your performance and market value.
• Loyalty Pension: We invest in your future. Starting at a 5% employer contribution, we increase this by 0.5% every year after your third anniversary, up to a maximum of 8%.
• Protection: Comprehensive Group Life Assurance for peace of mind.

Purpose & Culture

• Real Impact: Work on mission-critical projects that secure and improve the UK's digital infrastructure.
• Autonomy: A culture that empowers you to make decisions, prototype rapidly, and iterate towards success.
• Service & Community: We support those who serve. 10 paid days for Reservist Military Service.

Work / Life Balance

• Time Off: 25 days annual leave + Bank Holidays, with the flexibility to Buy/Sell additional days to suit your lifestyle.
• Giving back: 2 paid volunteering days per year.

Development & Growth

• Master Your Craft: Fully funded professional certifications (AWS, GCP, Agile, etc.) supported by 5 days paid study leave.
• Expand Your Horizons: An additional £500 annual "Personal Choice" fund to learn whatever inspires you—work-related or not.
• Support: Access to 1-2-1 professional coaching and team training to accelerate your career.

Health & Balance

• Premium Health: Vitality Private Medical Insurance (includes Apple Watch, gym discounts, and rewards).
• Flexibility: Genuine hybrid working with a WFH equipment allowance to perfect your home setup.

• Wellbeing: Cycle to Work scheme and a commitment to sustainable, healthy working practices.

For further information contact: [e-mail]

Nat Hinds: Head of Talent

Kayla Kirby: Talent Acquisition Specialist