Machine Learning Engineer

Newcastle United FC; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A professional football club in Newcastle upon Tyne is seeking an experienced Machine Learning Engineer to leverage advanced machine learning technologies to enhance digital solutions and evaluate player performance metrics. The ideal candidate will have a master's degree and strong proficiency in Python and ML libraries. This role offers a competitive salary and a range of benefits, emphasizing inclusion, employee wellbeing, and professional development.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Participation in bonus scheme

Life assurance

Free parking

Discounts at Shearers Bar and Club Shop

Wellbeing resources

Free lunch

Free tea and coffee

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience in a relevant subject.
• Strong proficiency in Python, including dataframes and prototypes.
• Solid foundation in machine learning workflows and libraries.

Responsibilities

• Apply advancements in ML and data science to enhance digital products.
• Own the model lifecycle from prototype to production.
• Collaborate with teams to deliver effective solutions.

Skills

Python programming

Machine learning workflows

Statistical modeling

Cloud platforms

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Master’s degree in a relevant subject

Tools

Pandas

PyTorch

Docker

Azure

Snowflake

Job description

Machine Learning Engineer (ML Engineer)

Newcastle United

Competitive Salary

We are the heartbeat of the city. Come and be a part of a long and proud history where we strive to be the best in everything we do, on and off the pitch. Bringing the people and communities together, join the Newcastle United Family, as we embark on the next steps of our exciting journey.

About the role

At Newcastle United, we strive to stay at the forefront of innovation, and this role is central to that ambition. As an ML Engineer, you will leverage cutting‑edge machine learning technologies to enhance our digital solutions and accelerate the testing and validation of data science hypotheses. Your work will help us evaluate advanced measures of player performance, such as Expected Possession Value (EPV), and build out our modelling capability beyond the transfer market.

Your impact

• You will apply the latest advancements in ML and data science to enhance digital products and services.
• Own the full model lifecycle from prototype to production, including deployment, monitoring, and iteration.
• Build and refine EPV models to quantify the impact of player actions and team strategies.
• Design and implement statistical models for player skill evaluation.
• Evaluate and select ML technologies with a focus on meaningful business impact.
• Collaborate with coaching staff, recruitment, data teams, and external vendors to deliver effective solutions.
• Communicate findings clearly to technical and non‑technical stakeholders using visual storytelling.
• Stay informed about emerging trends in ML, ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability.

About you

• You will have a Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant subject.
• Strong proficiency in Python, including dataframes (Pandas or Polars) and interactive prototypes.
• Solid foundation in ML workflows and libraries (e.g., scikit‑learn, PyTorch).
• Experience designing experiments and benchmarking for business impact.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (Snowflake, Azure) and deploying models to production.
• Understanding of containerisation (Docker), CI/CD pipelines, and basic cloud infrastructure.
• Excellent communication and problem‑solving skills.
• Commitment to responsible ML implementation and continuous learning.

If you have any of the following that would be a distinct advantage but not essential

• PhD with experience outside academia.
• Familiarity with Typescript and/or visualisation frameworks (e.g., d3.js).
• Experience with LLMs and related tools (HuggingFace, Langchain).

About the team

We are building a world‑class, innovative Data and Insights team who will directly impact the performance and recruitment of our First Team.

Location

This role is based in Newcastle upon Tyne. If you are not located in the Northeast and are unable to relocate, we regret that we will not be able to progress your application.

Why choose us?

We’ve got a range of great benefits and rewards, from flexible ways of working, participation in our non‑contractual employee bonus scheme, NUFC life assurance, free parking, discount at Shearers Bar and the Club Shop, Helping Hand – where you can access free GP appointments, Wellbeing Resources, Legal and Financial Support, pension contribution, free lunch and the best part, free tea and coffee. In addition, we run a salary sacrifice scheme which includes tech, car, cycle to work and many more.

United As One

We’re committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and believe in equal opportunities for all. We recognise that the diversity of our people is one of our greatest strengths. We work together to reflect the communities we serve and to maintain an inclusive environment in which everyone can be their authentic self and is enabled to achieve their full potential.

Safeguarding

We’re committed to being a place where everyone is safe, heard, valued and able to thrive so we place high value on the safeguarding and welfare of everyone we engage with.

How to apply

For further information on this role and about the club and our values please visit our careers page.

Please apply as soon as possible as this vacancy may close early should we receive a high volume of suitable candidates.

Recruitment Agencies

We do not accept unsolicited / speculative candidate details or applications. Any candidates supplied, unless formally requested, will be taken as a direct / free candidate.