Senior Research Engineer - On-Device AI

SAMSUNG; Borough of Spelthorne; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading technology research team in Staines-upon-Thames is seeking a Senior Research Engineer to enhance AI capabilities in future devices. This important role involves performance profiling, contributing to software prototypes, and collaborating with engineers to integrate advanced technologies. Candidates should be proficient in Python, Rust, and have a solid understanding of machine learning. The position is under a 6-month contract with a hybrid work policy, requiring at least three days onsite weekly.

Qualifications

• Strong OS fundamentals, including memory management and multithreading.
• Expert proficiency in Python and Rust programming languages.
• Solid understanding of machine learning and deep learning fundamentals.

Responsibilities

• Profile and debug performance bottlenecks at OS and model levels.
• Evaluate and compare deployment toolchains for trade-offs.
• Lead the development of software prototypes and ensure code quality.

Skills

System level performance analysis

OS fundamentals

Proficiency in Python

Proficiency in Rust

Understanding of machine learning fundamentals

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Excellent communication skills

Proficiency in problem solving and debugging

Tools

ARM CPU architectures

Virtual Machines

C programming

C++ programming

Job description

Position Summary

Samsung Research UK (SRUK) is seeking an exceptional and highly motivated Senior Research Engineer to join our growing AI team in Staines‑upon‑Thames. We are at the forefront of developing innovative technologies for future Samsung devices and services, and this role offers a unique opportunity to shape the next generation of mobile experiences. You will be instrumental in translating cutting‑edge research into real‑world impact, working on challenges that demand both creative problem‑solving and robust engineering practices.

This is a chance to join a dynamic team that is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with on‑device AI, bringing advanced deep learning, LLMs, and VLMs onto real mobile and edge platforms. Your work will be shipped in production and running in the hands of real users. We welcome applications from individuals with strong experience in building and deploying complex machine learning systems, and offer the opportunity to deepen your expertise in a technically challenging and rewarding environment.

Role and Responsibilities

• Profile and debug performance bottlenecks at the OS, runtime, and model levels.
• Work across the stack: from model conversion, quantization, and optimization through to runtime integration of AI models on‑device.
• Evaluate and compare different deployment toolchains and runtimes for latency, memory, and accuracy trade‑offs.
• Contribute an open‑source library by adding new features and improving its capabilities.
• Evaluate the performance of algorithms and systems through rigorous experimentation and statistical analysis.
• Lead the development of software prototypes and experimental systems, ensuring high code quality and maintainability.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers to integrate research findings into Samsung products and services.

Skills and Qualifications

Required Skills:

• System level performance analysis and strong OS fundamentals (memory management, multithreading/synchronisation, user/kernel mode interaction) and Virtual Machines.
• Understanding of ARM CPU architectures.
• Expert proficiency in Python and Rust programming languages.
• Solid understanding of machine learning and deep learning fundamentals, including various architectures, and evaluation metrics.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to design and conduct rigorous experiments.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with a results‑orientated attitude.
• Proficiency in problem solving and debugging.

Desirable Skills:

• Expert proficiency in C and C++ programming languages.
• Experience working with ARM 64‑bit architecture.
• Familiarity with CPU hardware architectures.

  Contract Type: 6‑Month outsourced contract inside IR35, working on an hourly rate via one of our preferred recruitment agencies.

  Location: Samsung R&D Centre in Staines‑upon‑Thames, Surrey, UK.

  Hybrid Policy: 3 days working onsite (minimum) and 2 days working from home weekly.

  Samsung has a strict policy on trade secrets. In applying to Samsung and progressing through the recruitment process, you must not disclose any trade secrets of a previous employer.