> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2359785-senior-ai-ml-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2359785-senior-ai-ml-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Senior AI/ML Engineer - **Company:** Salford Council - **Location:** Manchester, UK - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Airflow, Amazon Web Services, Application Frameworks, Microsoft Azure, BASIC (Programming Language), Cloud Computing, Cloud Engineering, Information Systems, Databases, Continuous Integration, Data Cleansing, Data Governance, Data Structures, Data Visualization, Python (Programming Language), Machine Learning, NumPy, Power BI, Tensorflow, Azure Machine Learning, Salesforce.Com, SQL Databases, Tableau (Software), Toolchain, Pytorch, Software Troubleshooting, Pandas, AI Platforms, Scikit Learn, Uipath, Information Technology, HuggingFace, Machine Learning Operations, Tools for Reporting, Cloud Integration, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, Software Version Control, Servicenow - **Published:** August 27, 2026 - **Apply:** https://uk.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=e088428f65e80d92 ## About the Role * Proven experience designing, developing, and deploying solutions in production environments. * Strong familiarity with Python (pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn, PyTorch or TensorFlow). * Exposure to working in structured, cloud-native delivery environments (e.g. Salesforce, ServiceNow, UiPath, Azure, MS Power Platform, or equivalent) with an understanding of solution lifecycle management. * Awareness of data structures, databases, and basic analytics (SQL or equivalent). * Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. Desirable * Hands-on experience with Azure services (Azure Machine Learning, Azure AI Foundry, Azure Integration Services). * Exposure to AI/ML concepts such as model training, evaluation, or deployment. * Knowledge of MLOps concepts or tooling (MLflow, Airflow, CI/CD pipelines). * Experience with data visualisation or reporting tools (Power BI, Tableau). * Knowledge of AI ethics, explainability, or responsible AI practices. * Solid understanding of enterprise architecture principles and solution architecture practices. Approach & Ways of Working * Curious, innovative, and eager to experiment with new approaches. * Able to work in a lean, agile, startup-like environment, balancing delivery with exploration. * Collaborative mindset with strong influencing and facilitation skills. * Passion for public sector innovation and a commitment to improving outcomes for citizens. * Commitment to developing new skills and contributing to team success. * Strong troubleshooting, analytical and design skills. * Operates with a high degree of autonomy in ambiguous and pioneering environments where established procedures do not exist, exercising professional judgement to define approaches, set technical standards and determine appropriate courses of action. * Takes the initiative in identifying emerging technologies, risks and opportunities, proactively bringing recommendations forward without being directed to do so., * Degree, apprenticeship, or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related discipline. * Microsoft certifications (e.g. Azure Fundamentals, Azure AI Fundamentals, Power Platform Developer Associate) are desirable. * Evidence of continuous learning, either through formal study, online training, or project work. ## Description This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced engineer or developer to build and integrate AI/ML technology with meaningful results, while working in a supportive team. You will work closely with the Senior AI/ML Engineer and wider digital teams to turn innovative ideas into working solutions using Microsoft Azure as our core platform. You'll contribute across the AI/ML lifecycle, preparing data, building and deploying models, and integrating solutions into council systems. Your previous experience with development and delivery in enterprise and cloud platforms will be invaluable, as will your problem solving and collaboration skills, in addressing challenges and opportunities. In this role, you'll build your skills in AI/ML engineering, Azure cloud services and other toolchains, and responsible AI practices and ethics. If you're passionate about the next wave of digital transformation and want to become an expert in emerging AI technology, want to apply your development expertise to solve real-world challenges and want to see your work make a tangible impact on society, this role is for you. Key Outcomes AI Solution Design & Delivery * Design, develop and deploy AI/ML solutions within Azure Machine Learning and Azure AI Foundry, integrating with other platforms and applications. * Assist with model training, evaluation, and deployment, applying established frameworks and tools. * Support the creation of pipelines for data preparation, model testing, and monitoring. AI Platform & Toolchain * Support establishment of the council's target architecture and AI development toolchain, with an initial focus on Azure AI Foundry, Azure Integration Services, and Azure ML pipelines. * Employ MLOps practices (CI/CD, model versioning, retraining pipelines) aligned with Azure-native tooling. * Support evaluation and experimentation with open-source frameworks (LangChain, LlamaIndex, PyTorch, Hugging Face) and other platforms (AWS SageMaker, OCI Data Science) where relevant. Cross-functional Collaboration * Work closely with the Senior AI/ML Engineer, architects, and service teams to understand requirements and translate them into working solutions. * Communicate progress clearly, escalating challenges where needed. * Share knowledge with peers and take part in internal learning activities. Governance, Security & Compliance * Support development of policies for data governance, security, and responsible AI use. * Support the documentation of AI solutions, ensuring transparency and reproducibility. * Contribute to testing and monitoring for data quality, accuracy, and bias. Innovation & Continuous Improvement * Stay current with emerging AI research, frameworks, and platform feature releases. * Take part in proofs of concept to evaluate new approaches, frameworks, and models. * Contribute to building an internal culture of innovation, sharing knowledge and best practices across the organisation. Cost Management & Financial Governance * Evaluate technology and platform options during discovery phases, producing cost-benefit analyses that inform investment decisions including justifying higher-cost solutions where the strategic or operational benefit is demonstrable. * Take ownership of cost optimisation across deployed applications, cloud infrastructure and AI/ML resources, proactively identifying inefficiencies and implementing improvements. * Monitor and report on Azure consumption and cloud resource expenditure on a regular basis, providing spend visibility to the Senior AI/ML Engineer and Digital leadership. * Contribute to budget planning cycles for AI/ML tooling, licensing and infrastructure, providing spend forecasts based on usage projections and architectural decisions. ## Related Videos - [Vectorize all the things! Using linear algebra and NumPy to make your Python code lightning fast.](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/562-vectorize-all-the-things-using-linear-algebra-and-numpy-to-make-your-python-code-lightning-fast) - [How to achieve web automation with UiPath](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/310-how-to-achieve-web-automation-with-uipath) - [Advanced Typing in TypeScript](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/496-advanced-typing-in-typescript) - [Inside the AI Revolution: How Microsoft is Empowering the World to Achieve More](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/869-inside-the-ai-revolution-how-microsoft-is-empowering-the-world-to-achieve-more) - [How to implement convenient Python bindings to C++](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/618-how-to-implement-convenient-python-bindings-to-c) - [Agentic AI - From Theory to Practice: Developing Multi-Agent AI Systems on Azure](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1532-agentic-ai-from-theory-to-practice-developing-multi-agent-ai-systems-on-azure) ## Related Articles - [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer) - [Navigating the AI Shift](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/629-navigating-the-ai-shift) - [Data Engineer Salary UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/253-data-engineer-salary-uk) - [Coffee with Developers - Maria Apazoglou - Making AI understandable for all in production](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/475-coffee-with-developers-maria-apazoglou-making-ai-understandable-for-all-in-production) - [What Industries Outside of AI Are Hiring The Most AI Experts?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/98-what-industries-outside-of-ai-are-hiring-the-most-ai-experts) - [Got AI ideas but no money? Here are 10 free ways to level up your AI skills with Google Cloud](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/600-got-ai-ideas-but-no-money-here-are-10-free-ways-to-level-up-your-ai-skills-with-google-cloud)