Principal Machine Learning Engineer - National Security (TIRE)

The Alan Turing Institute; Cheltenham; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

10% employer pension contribution

Flexible hybrid working

Family-friendly policies

Job summary

The Alan Turing Institute is seeking a Principal Machine Learning Engineer to lead the development and deployment of advanced AI, ML and data science solutions in collaboration with UK national security partners. This role combines technical leadership with hands-on engineering and mentorship across research, software and stakeholder engagement.

You will own strategic technical areas, shape future capabilities, and represent TIRE with senior external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in ML, AI and data science with production-grade software.
• Experience delivering secure, scalable software systems.
• Ability to translate cutting-edge research into practical impact.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and deployment of AI/ML and data science solutions for national security priorities.
• Own strategic technical challenge areas and drive innovation.
• Combine research with software engineering to deliver scalable solutions in cloud deployments.
• Provide technical leadership across multiple projects with stakeholder alignment.
• Build partnerships across Defence and National Security; identify opportunities.
• Mentor and line-manage colleagues; foster collaboration and excellence.

Skills

Machine learning

Data science

Software engineering

Technical leadership

Mentoring

Stakeholder engagement

Tools

Cloud platforms

Job description

This position sits within the Turing Integrated Research Engineering (TIRE) team, working alongside the UK's national security community to develop innovative AI, machine learning and data science capabilities that address complex real-world challenges. The role combines technical leadership with hands-on engineering, delivering impactful solutions while shaping the future direction of projects and partnerships.

As a Principal Machine Learning Engineer, you will operate across a multidisciplinary environment spanning research, software engineering and stakeholder engagement. You will lead multiple technical projects, contribute to the development of new research opportunities, support the growth of colleagues through line management and mentoring, and represent TIRE with senior internal and external stakeholders.

ABOUT YOU

We're looking for an experienced machine learning and AI professional with a strong track record of developing and deploying advanced analytical and software solutions in complex environments. You'll bring deep expertise in machine learning, data science and software engineering, combined with the ability to translate cutting-edge research into practical impact. You'll have experience designing and delivering production-grade software systems, applying modern engineering principles to build secure, scalable and resilient solutions that generate real-world impact.

You'll be comfortable owning technical challenge areas, leading projects and teams, and communicating effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences. Experience working within Defence, National Security or similarly highly regulated sectors is highly desirable. Above all, you'll thrive in a collaborative environment, balancing innovation, technical excellence and stakeholder needs to deliver meaningful outcomes. Eligibility for Developed Vetting (DV) clearance is an essential requirement for this role.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

• Lead the development and deployment of advanced AI, machine learning and data science solutions to support UK national security priorities.
• Take ownership of strategic technical challenge areas, driving innovation and shaping future capabilities for partners and stakeholders.
• Combine research excellence with software engineering best practice to deliver scalable, operational solutions using modern cloud and deployment technologies.
• Provide technical leadership across multiple projects, balancing stakeholder priorities with research objectives to achieve successful outcomes.
• Build and strengthen partnerships across the Defence and National Security sector, identifying new opportunities and contributing to future research programmes.
• Mentor, line manage and support the development of colleagues, fostering a culture of collaboration, learning and technical excellence.
• Represent TIRE with senior stakeholders across the Institute and partner organisations, communicating complex technical concepts with clarity and impact.

Please see our portal for a full breakdown of the role.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 04 October 2026 at 23:59 (London, UK BST)

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early or to interview suitable candidates before the closing date if enough applications are received.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This full-time post is offered on a permanent basis. The annual salary is £82,500 plus an excellent benefits package including private medical insurance, 10% employer pension contribution, flexible hybrid working and family friendly policies - full details can be seen here.

Eligibility for Developed Vetting (DV) clearance is a requirement for this role. Eligibility criteria and further information on the process can be found on the UK Government security vetting website. Applicants should check if they are eligible for DV clearance before applying to this role.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Alan Turing Institute is committed to creating an environment where diversity is valued and everyone is treated fairly. We value diversity of background, experience, and perspective, and are proud to be an inclusive employer. We warmly encourage applications from all backgrounds, particularly from groups currently under-represented in our sector. If you feel passionate about this role but don’t meet every single requirement, please apply - we recognise that great candidates may bring strengths beyond the criteria listed.