> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/56878-lead-machine-learning-engineer-12m-ftc](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/56878-lead-machine-learning-engineer-12m-ftc). 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). --- # Lead Machine Learning Engineer 12m FTC - **Company:** Harnham - **Location:** Manchester, UK - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** £95,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Microsoft Azure, Continuous Integration, Data Architecture, Data Infrastructure, Python (Programming Language), Machine Learning, Cloud Platform System, Large Language Models, Apache Spark, IT Architecture, Pyspark, Machine Learning Operations, Databricks - **Published:** May 24, 2026 - **Apply:** https://find.jobs/jobs-near-me/lead-machine-learning-engineer-12m-ftc-manchester/2783461390-2/ ## About the Role * Strong experience in ML engineering, MLOps, and data/AI architecture * Proven track record delivering end-to-end ML solutions in cloud environments (Azure preferred) * Expertise in Python, Spark/PySpark, and modern data platforms (e.g. Databricks) * Hands-on experience with NLP and LLMs, including deployment and optimisation * Experience building scalable pipelines, model governance processes, and production systems * Ability to translate business requirements into robust technical solutions * Strong stakeholder management and leadership experience ## Description * Lead the development of machine learning engineering capability across the business * Design, build, and productionise ML models and data products * Develop and implement MLOps frameworks (CI/CD, model deployment, monitoring, governance) * Build scalable data and ML pipelines on Azure-based platforms * Collaborate with data scientists, analysts, and stakeholders to deliver end-to-end AI solutions * Contribute to data architecture, standards, and best practice across the organisation * Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and guidance to engineers and wider teams, * Opportunity to build and shape ML engineering within a growing data function * High-impact role with ownership of architecture, tooling, and best practice * Exposure to modern AI and LLM use cases * Clear pathway to a permanent role ## Related Videos - [PySpark - Combining Machine Learning & Big Data](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/44-pyspark-combining-machine-learning-big-data) - [Introduction to Azure Machine Learning](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/368-introduction-to-azure-machine-learning) - [Cutting LLM Costs Without Cutting Quality: How to Beat Proprietary LLMs with Fine-Tuned Open Source](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100151-cutting-llm-costs-without-cutting-quality-how-to-beat-proprietary-llms-with-fine-tuned-open-source) - [Parquet, Delta, Iceberg & Ducklake - An introduction for developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100075-parquet-delta-iceberg-ducklake-an-introduction-for-developers) - [Empowering Retail Through Applied Machine Learning](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/976-empowering-retail-through-applied-machine-learning) - [DevOps for Machine Learning](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/179-devops-for-machine-learning) ## Related Articles - [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer) - [What Are Large Language Models?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/304-what-are-large-language-models) - [MLops – Deploying, Maintaining And Evolving Machine Learning Models in Production](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/115-mlops-deploying-maintaining-and-evolving-machine-learning-models-in-production) - [MLOps And AI Driven Development](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/82-mlops-and-ai-driven-development) - [MLOps – What’s the deal behind it?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/125-mlops-what-s-the-deal-behind-it) - [Dev Digest 121 - AI goes offline](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/456-dev-digest-121-ai-goes-offline)