AI Engineer - SC Cleared

As an AI Engineer, you’ll work across Defence projects ranging from early-stage research and POCs through to fully engineered AI solutions. Projects can span AI safety and security, edge AI, explainability, robustness in contested environments, agentic AI, LLMs/RAG and multi-modal AI, alongside novel machine learning approaches. This is a hands-on opportunity with exposure across the AI engineering stack and working on technically challenging, real-world problems.

Responsibilities

• Deliver AI solutions from POCs through to production
• Apply ML/AI techniques to complex Defence challenges
• Provide technical expertise across projects and client engagements
• Develop robust, maintainable software using strong engineering practices
• Work across LLMs/RAG, agentic AI, multi-modal AI, edge AI, explainability and AI robustness
• Collaborate with engineers and share technical knowledge

• Active SC or DV Clearance required
• 2-stage virtual interview process
• Experience required in AI/ML, LLMs, Python, Customer Consultancy, * Strong understanding of AI/ML fundamentals and underlying algorithms
• Experience in one or more areas including LLMs/RAG, agentic AI, multi-modal AI, edge AI, AI safety, explainability or ML research
• Strong Python skills and solid software engineering fundamentals
• Strong communication and collaborative skills
• Comfortable working with ambiguity while remaining outcome-focused
• 1st or 2:1 degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Machine Learning or related discipline
• Defence/Secure Sector experience advantageous

• Salary up to £105,000 DoE + discretionary bonus
• Exposure across research, POCs and production AI systems
• Develop skills across the full AI engineering stack
• Learn from experienced AI and software engineers
• Collaborative, low-ego engineering environment
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Up to 6% matched pension
• Private healthcare

We’re supporting a fast-growing, high-performing technical consultancy specialising in AI, data and software solutions across Defence and financial services. The business brings together high-calibre technical talent to solve complex problems in demanding environments. Headquartered in Newcastle, they are building a growing team of engineers working on cutting-edge technology for secure sector customers.