Machine Learning Engineer - National Security

About the Role

Mind Foundry is seeking a Machine Learning Engineer to join a supportive, multidisciplinary team dedicated to developing AI/ML systems for critical National Security challenges. In this role, you will be responsible for exploring, prototyping, and deploying robust, production-ready ML approaches from initial concept to live operation. Working at the forefront of applied AI alongside experts across various disciplines, you will help defend against Defence and National Security threats, contributing directly to safer, more resilient systems in critical operational environments.

Mind Foundry addresses some of the most complex and urgent challenges in Defence and National Security, specialising in helping customers make sense of increasing data volumes at the speed of relevance. This often involves working in challenging edge environments with limited power, compute, and bandwidth. This position offers an opportunity to innovate in applied machine learning, tackle high-impact real-world problems, enhance technical skills, and shape the delivery of AI/ML solutions to critical operational settings.

Key Day-to-Day Activities

• Design and build prototypes and robust, production-ready ML solutions.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the Mind Foundry team (Product Managers, Machine Learning Scientists, Software Engineers) to solve critical National Security challenges.
• Maintain and develop a strong working knowledge of state-of-the-art ML methods, software tools, and implementation practices.
• Write maintainable production code and promote best practices for code quality in a scientific codebase.
• Provide advice and explain core ML concepts to customers and partners.

Core Skills & Experience

• A degree in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, or a related STEM field (or equivalent practical experience).
• Demonstrated proficiency in programming languages such as Python, producing clean, reproducible, well-tested, and well-documented code suitable for long-term ownership and handover.
• Hands-on experience with production infrastructure, including Docker, Linux, CI/CD, MLOps, cloud platforms, and model serving architectures.
• Ability to work with state-of-the-art ML libraries to deliver powerful results quickly.
• Comfortable working in ambiguous, fast-moving environments, embedded with customers or delivery teams.
• Hold existing Developed Vetting (DV) level clearance, or willing and eligible to apply and obtain UK security clearance to Developed Vetting (DV) level.

Nice to Have

• Prior experience working with government customers, defence contractors, or in military environments.
• Ability to write technical material (documentation, published papers, internal technical notes etc).
• Experience with Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Large Language Models (LLMs).
• Experience in areas of model development, data processing and streaming (Spark, Kafka), microservices in python (Flask or FastAPI), and interactive visualisations and User Interfaces (Streamlit, Plotly, Gradio etc).

Benefits

Mind Foundry invests in its people through career and personal development. We provide the tools, time, and support needed for professional growth and aim to help employees excel.

You’ll enjoy a competitive compensation package and great benefits such as:

• 25 days of annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Salary Sacrifice Pension scheme with a 5% employer contribution (minimum 5% employee contribution)
• Private Healthcare (including dental and optical cover)
• Group Life Cover at x3 your annual salary once you pass your probation period
• Enhanced Paid Parental and Sickness Leave
• Workplace Nursery Scheme
• Pet friendly office
• Professional and personal development