Principal Machine Learning Engineer

Speechmatics; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Private Medical

Dental for you and family

Global opportunities

Generous holiday allowance

Pension/401K matching

Home office equipment allowance

Job summary

Speechmatics is seeking a Principal Machine Learning Engineer to lead hands-on research-to-product translation in a hybrid Cambridge/UK setting. You will architect and deploy state-of-the-art speech models, drive model serving, and shape the ML tech vision across teams.

You will mentor engineers, champion code quality, manage end-to-end model lifecycles, and collaborate with product to deliver scalable speech solutions that impact customers worldwide.

Qualifications

• Experience deploying ML models at scale.
• Strong Python and ML frameworks experience.
• Proven track record with cloud platforms.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deploy ML models translating research into scalable, maintainable code and services.
• Optimize ML models for speed, accuracy, and cost efficiency.
• Evaluate and integrate cutting-edge approaches into the ML stack.
• Identify and solve complex ML problems across the organization.
• Define and enforce best practices for code quality and model lifecycle management.
• Mentor engineers and foster a culture of technical excellence and innovation.

Skills

ML stack

Transformer architectures

Distributed training

Model inference optimization

Python

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Cloud platforms

MLOps CI/CD

Docker

Kubernetes

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

We are hiring a Principal Machine Learning Engineer to work oncutting-edgeR&D and translating research into customer-centric solutions.

As innovators in speech technology, our mission is to Understand Every Voice—a vision that has propelled us to be world leaders of Voice AI. Fuelled by innovation, inclusivity, and a passion for making a global impact through world-leading Speech AI,we'relooking for an experienced Principal Machine Learning Engineer to accelerate our efforts towards exceptional speech solutions.

Our Modelling Team trains diverse models, including large self-supervised ones, supportingSpeechmaticstowards being the mostaccuratespeech recognition system globally. It also ensures their deployment into production, working with the latest developments in ML, but also with the best engineering practices for software engineering and model serving.

This is a hands-on, technical leadership role with high ownership. You will develop and deploy advanced speech systems that power our products as well as co-define the technical vision for ML, drive innovation, and mentor engineering teams. Your work will span the entire codebase.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and deploy ML models, translating research into scalable, maintainable code and services
• Optimise ML models for speed, accuracy, and cost efficiency
• Evaluate and integrate cutting-edge approaches into our ML stack
• Identify and solve complex ML problems across the organization
• Define and enforce best practices for code quality, model lifecycle management, etc.
• Mentor engineers and foster a culture of technical excellence and innovation
• Co-define the long‑term technical vision

What We’re Looking For

• Deep understanding of the modern Machine Learning stack, for example:
  • Knowledge of contemporary transformer architectures (e.g., GQA, KV-caching) and best practices
  • Expertise in distributed training techniques
  • Familiarity with optimisation strategies for model inference (e.g., dynamic batching, flash attention, speculative decoding)
• Proven track record of developing and deploying models at scale
• Expertise in Python, ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch), and experience with cloud platforms
• Strong familiarity with MLOps principles, CI/CD pipelines, and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes)

With preferred backgrounds covering some of the following:

• Experience with speech-to-text or text-to-speech
• Contributions to open-source projects or published research in top-tier conferences

We encourage you to apply even if you do not feel you match all of the requirements exactly. The list of requirements is intended to show the kinds of experience and qualities we’re looking for, but it is not exhaustive. If you are interested in the role, the team, and our mission, we would love to consider your application. We are always open to conversations and look forward to hearing from you.

Who we are

Speechmatics is the leading expert in Speech Intelligence, and uses AI and Machine Learning to unlock business value in human speech worldwide. We work with an amazing mix of global companies, and our technology can integrate into our customers stack irrespective of their industry or use case – making it the go‑to solution to harness useful information from speech.

Joining us means working with an amazing mix of great minds around the world, focused on cutting‑edge projects and deploying the latest techniques to disrupt the market. We believe in putting people first; we’ll do all we can to help you develop your skills and give you the tools you need to thrive. Our Focus Fridays give you an undisturbed day of focus, offset with Together Tuesdays when we have our team meetings, so you’ve always got the right balance.

We have structured a hybrid approach that includes 2‑3 designated office days each week. This arrangement ensures that while we embrace the advantages of remote work, we also maintain the vital connection and synergy that only in‑person interactions can foster.

This is only the beginning; we’re looking for amazing people like you to continue our journey.

What we can offer you

No matter what stage of your career you’re at - from paid internships and first‑job opportunities through to management and senior positions - we’ll support you with the training and development needed to reach your career aspirations with us. There really is no shortage of opportunities here for you to get involved and collaborate with those around you to deliver your best work.

We offer incredibly flexible working, regular company lunches, and birthday celebrations. But that’s not all. We’ve spoken to our teams to find out what they want. From Private Medical, and Dental for you and your family, through to global working opportunities, a generous holiday allowance and pension/401K matching, we want to make sure our employees and their families are looked after. Every employee will receive a working from home allowance for tech or home office equipment (on top of your choice of laptop and accessories of course). Our approach to parental leave is designed to support employees globally. While this varies by geo, we have support in place for parents (including adoption assistance and reproductive health services) to ensure they have the time and financial resources needed to care for their growing families.

At Speechmatics, our mission is simple: Understand Every Voice out there

That’s not just about our tech – it's the heart and soul of who we are. We welcome different experiences, viewpoints, and identities. For us, it’s not just the right thing to do; it’s our catalyst for sparking innovation and creativity. Our teams thrive in an environment that celebrates and supports everyone – no matter their gender, identity or expression, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, belief, marital status, national origin, veteran status, pregnancy, or maternity status.

But we don’t just open the door to diversity – we actively welcome it. Why? Because we believe every unique voice adds something special to our team, leading us to smarter solutions and a better workplace.

So, come as you are and join our Speechling community

We’re building a place where every voice not only gets heard but is also respected and valued.

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