Machine Learning Implementation Engineer, AI (SFIA4)

Zaizi Limited; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Loyalty pension (starting at 5%, up to

Life Assurance

Job summary

Zaizi Limited is seeking a Machine Learning Implementation Engineer to take AI models from research into robust, production-ready software in a permanent role based in Cheltenham. You will drive TRL advancement, ensure scalable, reliable solutions, and integrate ML into business workflows for automation and insight.

You’ll refine model code, mentor juniors, and tackle complex technical hurdles from prototype to product while staying current with AI implementation best practices in a

Qualifications

• Broad technical expertise in machine learning and software engineering best practices.
• Proven experience turning research-grade AI/ML code into production software.
• Ability to evaluate new generative AI technologies for practical deployment in the National Security Domain.
• Experience delivering proofs of concept bridging research and application.
• Data science techniques to support model refinement and hardening.
• Experience deploying ML models into live environments.

Responsibilities

• Refine model code for performance and scalability.
• Mentor junior team members and influence technical decisions.
• Design and manage ML model integration into broader software architectures.
• Adapt models for edge hardware and Android-based devices.
• Stay current with AI implementation best practices.

Skills

ML algorithms

Software engineering

Production software

Edge deployment

Data science

Team mentorship

Job description

Role Overview

Dept: Applied AI Team

Term: Permanent

Location: Cheltenham

DV Clearance: Required & British

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 Implementation Engineer, you’ll be responsible for taking AI models and algorithms from the research phase and maturing them into robust, production-ready software. Your focus is on increasing the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of our AI solutions, ensuring they are scalable, reliable, and effectively integrated into business workflows to automate tasks and gain insights from data.

Key responsibilities include refining model code for performance, ensuring software maturity, and solving complex technical hurdles during the transition from prototype to product. You will influence technical decisions within the team, mentor junior members, and handle 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 Maturation & Delivery: Design, build, and refactor complex machine learning models, ensuring they move from experimental stages to high-quality, high-performance production software.
• Software Engineering for AI: Take the output from research activities and "harden" the software to achieve higher TRLs suitable for deployment in the National Security Domain.
• System Integration: Design and manage the integration of ML models into broader software architectures, ensuring stability and performance.
• Edge Optimization & Deployment: Adapt and optimize machine learning models for resource-constrained environments, ensuring high-performance execution on edge hardware, including Android-based mobile devices.
• Technical Excellence: Stay current with AI implementation best practices to ensure our solutions are maintainable and scalable.

Skills & Experience

• Technical Expertise: Broad technical expertise in machine learning, demonstrating a deep understanding of ML algorithms, frameworks, and software engineering best practices.
• Model Maturation: Proven experience in taking research-grade AI/ML code and maturing it into production-ready software.
• Technology Implementation: Ability to evaluate new generative AI technologies for business relevance and feasibility, focusing on practical implementation within the National Security Domain.
• Advanced Prototyping: Delivering robust proofs of concept that bridge the gap between initial research and final application.
• Specialist Advice: Serving as a key technical resource for the practical application of generative AI within the organization.
• Data Science: Applying a range of data science techniques to support model refinement and software hardening.
• Deployment Experience: Proven experience in building and deploying complex machine learning models into live environments.

Nationality

Due to UK government security restrictions, you will need to be a British Citizen and have been resident in the UK for the last ten years to apply for this role.

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]