Senior Algorithms Engineer

Chess Dynamics; Winnersh; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Chess Dynamics is seeking an innovative algorithms engineer to join its defence-focused team, developing next-generation intelligent sensing and computer vision capabilities for challenging applications.

You will tackle real-world perception problems by combining machine learning, computer vision, signal processing, and statistics to improve detection, classification, and tracking in demanding environments, while mentoring peers and shaping future development.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience in a technical discipline such as Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, Mathematics or Physics.
• Practical experience developing and deploying machine learning or computer vision algorithms in production or near-production systems.
• Experience with modern computer vision architectures, including object detection, image classification, and transformers.
• Ability to analyse image datasets using image processing techniques to inform machine learning model development and debugging.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to break down complex, uncertain problems into achievable steps.
• Ability to take ownership of technical challenges from investigation through to delivery.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly.
• Able to evaluate technical trade-offs and select appropriate approaches.
• Strong programming skills in Python, with experience in C++ for production or performance-critical systems.

Responsibilities

• Research, develop, and evaluate computer vision algorithms for image classification, fine-grained recognition, object detection, and computer vision applications.
• Investigate challenging technical problems with structured experiments and evidence-based approaches.
• Design and improve datasets, evaluation methodologies, and automated pipelines to accelerate ML development.
• Analyse model performance, identify failure modes, and develop solutions to improve real-world capability.
• Develop tools and processes to improve automation, repeatability, and efficiency across the ML lifecycle.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to other engineers, supporting knowledge sharing within the team.
• Keep up to date with advances in computer vision, AI, and ML, applying emerging technologies where appropriate.
• Communicate complex technical concepts, results, and recommendations clearly to teams and stakeholders.
• Support integration, testing, and deployment of algorithms into real-time video processing systems.
• Produce technical documentation, reports, and presentations to support engineering decisions.

Skills

Python

C++

Computer Vision

Machine Learning

Data Analysis

Problem Solving

Communication

Ownership

Education

Degree in Computer Science / AI / Engineering / Mathematics / Physics

Tools

PyTorch

TensorFlow

OpenCV

Job description

We are looking for an innovative algorithms engineer to join our team, developing next-generation intelligent sensing and computer vision capabilities for challenging defence applications including electro-optic gun fire control systems, ground-based air defence, counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), multi-domain surveillance, and autonomous platforms.

The role involves solving complex real-world perception problems by combining machine learning, computer vision, signal processing, and statistical techniques to improve the ability of systems to detect, classify, track, and understand objects in challenging environments.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to take technical ownership of key capability areas, helping shape future development activities while mentoring others and sharing expertise across the engineering team.

Key Responsibilities

• Research, develop, and evaluate computer vision algorithms for image classification, fine-grained recognition, object detection, and computer vision applications
• Investigate challenging technical problems where the solution is not immediately known, developing structured experiments and evidence-based approaches
• Design and improve datasets, evaluation methodologies, and automated pipelines to accelerate machine learning development
• Analyse model performance, identify failure modes, and develop innovative solutions to improve real-world capability
• Develop tools and processes to improve automation, repeatability, and efficiency across the machine learning lifecycle
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to other engineers, supporting knowledge sharing and development of computer vision and machine learning capability within the team
• Keep up to date with advances in computer vision, AI, and machine learning, identifying opportunities to apply emerging technologies
• Communicate complex technical concepts, experimental results, and recommendations clearly to engineering teams, stakeholders, and customers
• Support integration, testing, and deployment of algorithms into real-time video processing systems
• Produce technical documentation, reports, and presentations to support engineering decisions

Experience And Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant technical discipline such as Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics
• Practical experience developing and deploying machine learning or computer vision algorithms in production or near-production systems.
• Experience with modern computer vision architectures, including object detection, image classification, and transformers.
• Ability to analyse image datasets using image processing techniques to inform machine learning model development and debugging.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to break down complex, uncertain problems into achievable steps
• Ability to take ownership of technical challenges from investigation through to delivery
• Have excellent communication skills and the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly
• Able to evaluate technical trade-offs and select appropriate approaches.
• Strong programming skills in Python, with experience in C++ for production or performance-critical systems

Security Clearance Requirements

Due to the nature of our business, our staff need to be able to obtain UK Security Clearance as a mandated requirement. Therefore, if successful, you will need to provide proof of identity, employment history and right to work in the UK, along with proof of UK residency for at least five years.