Senior AI & Algorithms Engineer (Defence & Security)

Cambridge Consultants; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Cambridge Consultants seeks a Senior AI Engineer to lead AI/algorithms work for defence and security clients. You will mentor colleagues, shape projects, and translate research into deployable systems with strong lab support and computing resources.

The role emphasises security clearance readiness and client-facing proposals, with a hybrid working setup that balances office presence and remote work where appropriate.

Qualifications

• 3+ years delivering applied AI/ML solutions.
• Strong Python programming and modern software practices.
• Undergraduate degree in AI/CS/math/physics.
• Track record of quality work in a team.
• Ability to lead and mentor others.
• Interest in defence/security sector.

Responsibilities

• Take technical ownership of significant parts of client projects with minimal supervision.
• Mentor junior engineers and support their development.
• Turn state-of-the-art research into deployable systems.
• Work with clients to understand problems and propose credible approaches.
• Contribute to proposals and scope new work.
• Develop demonstrators and internal capabilities in defence and security.

Skills

Applied AI/ML

Python programming

Mentoring & leadership

Client engagement

Security clearance interest

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical field

Tools

Python tooling

Job description

The Role

We have an opportunity for a Senior Engineer in our AI & Algorithms team, working with a particular focus on our defence and security clients. You'll join a team of talented engineers and scientists designing, building and testing intelligent systems that solve hard, real-world problems, such as signal processing (sensor data, radar), vision, and information processing (transformers, edge AI).

The Role

We have an opportunity for a Senior Engineer in our AI & Algorithms team, working with a particular focus on our defence and security clients. You'll join a team of talented engineers and scientists designing, building and testing intelligent systems that solve hard, real-world problems, such as signal processing (sensor data, radar), vision, and information processing (transformers, edge AI). As an AI Engineer, you'll take the technical lead on parts of our projects, mentor more junior colleagues, and play an active part in shaping and winning new work. With well-equipped labs and substantial computing resources behind you, you'll turn state-of-the-art research into systems our clients can depend on. Much of our defence and security work requires security clearance, so we ask for it up front. You won't work exclusively in that sector, but a genuine interest in it matters to us. Some examples of the projects we do can be found here. We offer a flexible approach to hybrid working, although some of the projects you will be working on will require full-time working in the office.

What you'll be doing

• Applying data-driven software development in machine learning/AI, applied statistics, and sensor processing, alongside mathematical computing techniques such as digital signal processing, simulation, and numerical optimisation.
• Taking technical ownership of significant parts of client projects, delivering quality work to budget and schedule with little supervision.
• Acting as technical authority or technical lead on smaller projects and contributing to the technical direction of larger ones.
• Mentoring and supporting less experienced engineers and helping them develop as technical consultants.
• Working directly with clients to understand their problems, show what's possible, and build their confidence in our work.
• Contributing to proposals and helping scope new work, translating client needs into credible technical approaches.
• Building demonstrators and internal capability that showcase our expertise in defence, security and adjacent markets.

What you can bring

• 3+ years' experience delivering applied AI and machine learning solutions, and the judgement that comes with it.
• Strong Python programming skills and a solid grasp of modern software development practice.
• A strong undergraduate degree in a relevant technical subject, such as AI/machine learning, computer science, mathematics, physics or theoretical physics.
• A track record of delivering quality technical work in a team.
• The ability to lead and mentor others.
• An interest in working with clients and getting involved in proposals and sales conversations.
• A genuine affinity for working in the defence and security sector.

While not essential requirements, we would also be very interested if you have experience with any of the following:

• Previous experience working on defence or security projects.
• Technical experience with any of: signal processing, edge computing, statistical modelling, numerical optimisation, or simulation.
• A PhD or published research in a data-driven field.
• Experience leading or mentoring a small technical team.

Because of where this role sits, holding (or being able to obtain) UK security clearance is essential. You must be eligible to obtain Security Check (SC) level security clearance (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/united-kingdom-security-vetting-applicant). You must be able to work in the UK without restrictions in accordance with UK National Law and be prepared to successfully undertake an appropriate level of UK National Security Vetting according to UK Government criteria.

Why Cambridge Consultants?

Cambridge Consultants creates exciting and novel breakthroughs in technology and products. Our work on intelligent systems area has helped create world-first and market-changing technologies including real-time AI-enhanced medical imaging, autonomous defence systems against cyberattacks, and edge algorithms to help visually impaired people navigate indoor spaces. We combine our research output with engineering rigour to create innovative and robust solutions to solve complex problems presented to us by our clients. We help clients across a diverse range of markets, including defence/security, healthcare, biotech, industrial and energy, so there is no shortage of variety. At the heart of what we do are talented and motivated multi-disciplinary teams empowered to create cutting edge technologies and systems to solve difficult problems for our clients. We offer a diverse, fun, and challenging work environment where you'll have the chance to work on a wide variety of projects that deliver real value using technology. We recognise and celebrate individual talent and we understand the importance of letting individuals be just that. Our people are here to do the best work of their lives and our job is to provide the platform for them to do it.