Forward Deployed ML Engineer

Graduate/Junior Forward Deployed ML Engineer | Defence Technology | LondonCompetitive Salary + Equity + Outstanding BenefitsYou could spend your first few years after university training models on datasets that never leave a research environment.Or you could develop machine learning algorithms that are deployed into real-world defence and security environments.We're partnering with a well-funded technology company developing software that combines AI, machine learning and advanced algorithms to solve complex problems for defence and security organisations.As a Forward Deployed ML Engineer, you'll work at the intersection of machine learning, algorithms and real-world deployment. You'll tackle problems where the data may be messy, the requirements unclear and the solution doesn't already exist — then take your work from an initial idea through to deployment in operational environments.What you'll get to doDevelop and implement machine learning models and algorithms to solve complex real-world problemsWork on problems spanning areas such as computer vision, optimisation, sensor fusion, autonomy, anomaly detection and predictive modellingWork directly with defence and security users to understand problems and translate them into technical solutionsTake algorithms from research and experimentation through to production and deploymentWork with real-world data, often in challenging environments where traditional approaches don't workTest and iterate on your models against real operational requirements rather than purely academic benchmarksSolve novel problems where there isn't necessarily an obvious or existing solutionWork alongside highly capable ML, software and algorithm engineers and learn how to build systems for demanding environmentsGain exposure to different datasets, technologies, deployment environments and problem domainsTravel to customer sites across the UK and potentially overseas to understand problems and deploy solutionsYou'll be a strong fit if you haveA First or 2:1 in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering or another strong quantitative/STEM disciplineStrong foundations in machine learning, mathematics, statistics or algorithmsExperience with Python and ML frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow or similarA genuine interest in machine learning, algorithms, defence, security, autonomy or mission-critical technologyStrong problem-solving ability and an instinct for breaking down complex, ambiguous problemsThe ability to move between theory, experimentation and practical implementationThe curiosity to pick up new technologies and domains quicklyThe confidence to communicate technical ideas with engineers, customers and non-technical usersInternships, university projects, research, personal projects and open-source contributions are all valued. We're particularly interested in candidates who have built ML projects beyond standard coursework or have explored interesting algorithmic problems in depth.What you'll get in returnMeaningful work: Develop ML and algorithms that contribute to real defence and security capabilitiesTechnical challenge: Work on problems that will push you significantly beyond university-level MLResearch + deployment: See your algorithms move from experimentation into real operational environmentsFast development: Learn from experienced ML and software engineers while taking on responsibility earlyReal-world exposure: Work directly with users and understand how your models perform outside controlled environmentsVariety: Work across different datasets, customers, technical problems and deployment environmentsCareer progression: Develop into an engineer capable of taking ML solutions from algorithm development through to deploymentEquity: Have genuine ownership in the company you're helping to buildDue to the nature of the work, applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance.If you want your first ML engineering role to involve real data, difficult algorithmic problems, real users and technology that genuinely matters, I'd be happy to tell you more.