Senior AI/ML Security Engineer

Autonomous systems are becoming increasingly important for Defence, but they don’t always behave as designed in the complex and contested environment of the modern battlefield. The Advanced Dependable Autonomy team is multi-disciplinary team applying experience in AI, Resourcing & Recruitment Process software engineering, cyber security and autonomy who are dedicated to making AI and autonomous systems robust and trustworthy. In this role you will be expected is will keep abreast of latest developments in autonomy vulnerabilities and develop robust solutions towards this goal., * Work as part of a team to Deliver project research objectives across all domains (Air,Land, Maritime, Space and Effectors) deploying maths and machine learning skills to support Dstl Programme outcomes.

• Develop approaches to evaluate, demonstrate, and advise on safety and vulnerabilities in AI-driven and autonomous systems, reducing the risk of accidental or deliberate harm to Defence and Security capability and users.
• Understand the behaviours of autonomous and AI systems to maximise their effectiveness considering safety, security and trustworthiness in benign or contested environments.
• Support the ethical considerations of AI and autonomy-enabled systems.
• Work across MOD, Government, and with our partners in Industry, Academia and abroad across a range of technical areas.
• Be aware of the downstream impact of their actions and the actions of their direct reports on those outside of their immediate control.
• Confidently lead technical tasks, with the ability to adapt quickly to changing direction and priorities. Positively, motivating, inspiring, encouraging and influencing others through effective communication and engagement.
• Maintain and manage strong, effective relationships with peers, role modelling Enterprise Leadership to deliver collaboration on delivery outcomes and strategic direction.

• Experience of AI, machine learning and associated performance metrics.
• Applying mathematical or statistical rigor. Be able to review machine learning approaches and outputs ensuring that outputs are technically robust.
• Excellent communication skills. Communicating complex concepts and results to a variety of audiences.
• The ability to prepare and deliver technical reports, by written and verbal presentations, with clear and persuasive explanation of complex processes to a non- technical audience.
• Ability to break problems / issues into component parts and to provide realistic, holistic solutions. Critical thinking and problem solving applied to a variety of problems.
• A desire to learn about autonomy and AI vulnerabilities, machine learning security and resilience risks to apply your skills within this field.
• A strong interest and broad understanding in the application of all AI and Machine Learning.

The Defence, Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is an executive agency of the Ministry of Defence. We bring together the top minds in government, industry and academia to keep our armed forces and the UK safe.

Our values are at the heart everything we do: we are innovative, collaborative and impactful.

There’s a lot more to us than white lab coats.

We also have cyber labs, wargaming teams, engineering workshops, trial areas and collaborative working spaces. Of course, we do have science labs too. We need them to do the vital research and sensitive project work that simply can’t be done anywhere else - and we are hiring!

At Dstl, you can learn and grow within one of our divisions (or experience multiple) with opportunities available within:

• Cyber and Information Systems,
• Platform Systems,
• Exploration,
• Counter-terrorism and Security,
• Chemical, Biological and Radiological or
• within one of our enabling divisions.

Interesting fact…not all of our employees have PHDs, Masters, or Degrees because we equally value experience and the right mindset. So, if you don’t have higher level qualifications we welcome your application and if you want to, we can help you to obtain qualifications to advance your career even more.

Already have the qualifications? We want to hear from you too!

As well as our on-going recruitment for experienced hires, our emerging talent recruitment calendar happens every year. Our emerging talent opportunities are award winning, from being voted a top graduate and apprentice employer to having our own apprentices winning awards such as the prestigious Rising Star award.

At Dstl everyone is encouraged to thrive, succeed and achieve their ambitions, whatever their background, circumstances, experiences, or characteristics.

We achieve amazing things when we work together. We work hard to make sure everyone can be themselves at work, be heard, and reach their full potential.

We listen and share experiences through our active Employee Support Networks. They are run by our people and supported by our leaders.