Machine Learning Engineer

Leonardo UK; Gloucester; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace and defense company in the UK is seeking a Machine Learning Engineer to develop, train, and deploy advanced ML models. This role involves collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure high levels of performance and security within machine learning workflows. The ideal candidate should possess strong skills in Python, machine learning frameworks, and APIs for model deployment. This position offers a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Generous leave including flexi-days

Up to 15% employer pension contribution

Free mental health and financial support

Bonus scheme for all employees

Access to 4,000+ online courses

Financial reward for referrals

Flexible benefits up to £500 annually

Flexible hours and hybrid working options

Qualifications

• Experience developing and training ML models with hyperparameter tuning.
• Exposure to MLOps workflows like CI/CD.
• Understanding of software engineering principles like OOP and TDD.

Responsibilities

• Build, integrate, test, and scale machine learning models.
• Develop and productionize machine learning lifecycles.
• Collaborate with Data Engineers and DevOps for continuous integration.

Skills

Version control and unit testing

Machine learning frameworks (e.g. PyTorch, Tensorflow)

Containerization

APIs for model deployment

Data pipeline development

Python

SQL

Critical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

Apache Spark

Job description

Responsibilities

• Building, integrating, testing and scaling models including NLP and Computer Vision.
• Take ownership of developing, training and productionising machine learning lifecycles, adhering to best practices, security needs and quality assurance.
• Developing deep learning architectures and implementing neural networks tailored to complex use cases.
• Implementing and maintaining MLops workflows.
• Collaborating closely with Data Engineers and DevOps teams to support continuous integration, deployment, and automation.
• Exploring new tools and frameworks to keep your solutions modern and efficient.
• Working with cloud-native platforms, Linux/Windows environments, and big data technologies like Apache Spark.
• Engaging directly with stakeholders to align model development with broader product and business goals.

Qualifications

• Strong experience with best practices such as version control and unit testing.
• Strong grasp of machine learning frameworks (e.g. PyTorch, Tensorflow).
• Knowledge of machine learning architectures, loss functions, tools and techniques.
• Experience developing & training machine learning models, including hyperparameter tuning and optimizing model performance.
• Experience with (or at least exposure to) MLOps workflows, such as CI/CD pipelines.
• Experience with Python and SQL.
• Hands‑on experience with containerization.
• Understanding of how to use APIs to deploy machine learning models.
• Strong understanding of how machine learning components integrate within the broader system architecture and contribute to overall project objectives.
• Awareness of deep learning model architecture and when is appropriate to use them.
• Good understanding of software engineering principles such as OOP and TDD.
• Critical thinking and ability to problem solve.
• Understanding of how to use APIs to deploy machine learning models.
• Ability to communicate technical concept to non‑technical colleagues.
• Experience in developing data pipelines, including exposure to ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes.
• Strong experience with best practices such as version control and unit testing.
• Strong understanding of how machine learning components integrate within the broader system architecture and contribute to overall project objectives.

Benefits

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award‑winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee‑led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing, and Ethnicity).
• Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.

About Leonardo

Within Leonardo UK, our Cyber & Security Division leads the charge in digital transformation, delivering sophisticated solutions that protect both civil and defence infrastructure around the world. This role sits at the heart of our Data Practice, a growing team dedicated to unlocking the power of data across high‑stakes domains like Defence, Telecommunications, Energy, and Finance. Step into a high‑impact, hands‑on role where you'll be shaping the future of secure data systems and AI capabilities in some of the most critical areas of the UK's national infrastructure. As a Machine Learning Engineer, you'll be part of a forward‑thinking team solving complex, real‑world challenges through advanced analytics, automation, and intelligent systems.

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety. At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company‑funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work‑life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we're here to help you thrive.