Lead Machine Learning Engineer

Understanding Recruitment United Kingdom
Visa Sponsorship Relocation
This Job is No Longer Active This position is no longer accepting applications

Job Description


🤖 Lead Machine Learning Engineer

London, UK (Hybrid – primarily office-based)

💼 Full-time | Competitive salary + equity + benefits


We’re partnered with a fast-growing defence technology company shaping the autonomous age — building advanced software and AI that enable seamless collaboration between humans, sensors, robots, and autonomous systems.


As Lead AI Research Engineer, you’ll define and deliver the company’s AI strategy while leading a talented team building state-of-the-art perception, control, and multi-modal models. Your work will span cloud and edge deployments — powering drones, vehicles, and real-world mission systems.


You’ll combine technical leadership with hands-on development, tackling challenges in data quality, model optimisation, and performance in demanding environments.


What you’ll bring:

  • Proven experience leading and mentoring AI/ML engineers
  • MSc (or equivalent) in AI, ML, Robotics, or Computer Science
  • 5+ years of applied ML experience
  • Proficiency in Python, plus exposure to Rust, C++, or Java
  • Clear communicator with strong problem-solving skills


Bonus points for:

⭐ PhD in Computer Vision, Machine Learning, or Robotics

⭐ Publications in top AI/ML conferences or journals

⭐ Experience with MLOps, multi-sensor fusion, or synthetic data

⭐ Optimisation for edge / resource-constrained systems


Why join:

🚀 Work on technology with national-level impact

🧠 Collaborate with world-class engineers and scientists

💰 Competitive salary, meaningful equity, and benefits (pension, private healthcare, meals, relocation & visa support)


Additional:

UK Security Check (SC) clearance or eligibility required.


Subscribe our newsletter

New Things Will Always Update Regularly