Machine Learning Engineer (Forward Deployed)

We’re looking for a Forward Deployed Machine Learning Engineer to join a supportive, multidisciplinary team delivering real-world AI/ML systems into critical Defence and National Security environments. In this role, you’ll lead software deployments, working closely with users and stakeholders to translate their problems into robust, production-ready machine learning solutions. You’ll rapidly explore, prototype, and deploy ML approaches both within and beyond our core product offerings, taking ownership from initial concept through to live operation. Working at the forefront of applied AI alongside experts across multiple disciplines, you’ll help users defend against Defence and National Security threats, directly contributing to safer, more resilient systems deployed where they matter most.  

Mind Foundry is at an exciting stage of growth, with increasing demand for AI-enabled capability across our markets. We specialise in helping customers make sense of the ever-increasing volumes of data collected by sensors, platforms and systems at the speed of relevance. We often find ourselves working at the edge in complex environments where power, compute, and bandwidth are in short supply. As a Forward Deployed Machine Learning Engineer, you’ll work on problems that are technically challenging, operationally important and genuinely meaningful. You will help turn advanced AI and ML approaches into deployable capability that can support better, faster decision-making in demanding real-world environments. What makes the work distinctive is the combination of technical depth, practical engineering and responsible delivery. This is an opportunity to innovate at the forefront of applied machine learning, tackle high-impact real-world problems, grow your technical skills, and shape the way AI/ML solutions are delivered to critical operational environments. 

Because of the nature of this work:  

• You will be required to travel to and work from client sites and partner locations. When not working onsite, this role can be office-based or hybrid from our Summertown, Oxford office.  

• You will need to hold existing or be eligible for UK Security Vetting (DV), details of which can be found on the Gov UK website.  

Key day-to-day activities:  

• Moving models from research/prototype to live, high-impact production environments, adapting those solutions to client-specific data, systems, and interfaces. 

• Resolving unforeseen edge-cases and challenges, providing on-site fixes or relaying them back to the product team. 

• Troubleshooting integration issues with existing systems. 

• Working directly with product teams to maintain deep technical expertise in Mind Foundry's products, capabilities and workflows. 

• Engaging directly with defence customers to translate their needs and goals into technical requirements. 

• Providing hands on support to end users. 

• Extending and improving internal ML platforms, tooling, and best practices, incorporating learnings from deployments back into shared frameworks. 

Core Skills & Experience  

• Degree in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, or a related STEM field (or equivalent practical experience) 

• Strong engineer with 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 communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. 

• Exceptional problem-solving skills and comfortable working in ambiguous, fast-moving environments, often embedded with customers or delivery teams. 

• Comfortable solving technical problems with limited internet access. 

Nice to Have  

• Prior experience working with government customers, defence contractors, or in military environments. 

• 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). 

• Broader software engineering experience (e.g. Java, Node.js, React, PostgreSQL, system architecture, DevOps). 

• Interest in knowledge sharing, mentoring, and delivering internal or external training sessions. 

While we think the above experience is important, we’re keen to hear from people that believe they have valuable skills, ideas, or perspectives that will make an impact in this role. If our team and mission resonate with you, but you do not necessarily meet all of our requirements, we still encourage you to apply. 

Why Mind Foundry?  

At Mind Foundry, people have the opportunity to work on problems that are technically challenging, operationally important and genuinely meaningful. We are a close-knit, multidisciplinary team working on complex problems where advanced AI has the potential to make a meaningful difference in the real world. Our work sits at the intersection of research, engineering, product, customer need and operational impact, which means everyone can contribute beyond their job title. 

What makes Mind Foundry different is the way we combine technical excellence with pragmatism, responsibility and partnership. We are ambitious about what AI can achieve, but thoughtful about how it should be designed, deployed and trusted. Our teams work closely together, challenging ideas constructively, learning quickly and staying focused on building capability that is useful, credible and operationally relevant. 

As a growing business, we offer the opportunity to have visible impact. You will be close to the customers, the technology and the decisions that shape our direction. We value people who ask good questions, bring others with them, and take ownership. 

This is an exciting time to join Mind Foundry. Demand for trusted, deployable AI capability is increasing, our products and partnerships are maturing, and our work is helping to shape how advanced machine learning can support Defence and National Security in challenging operational environments. If you are motivated by meaningful work, collaborative teams and the chance to help build something with real-world importance, Mind Foundry is a place where you can make a genuine contribution.  

What do we offer?  

We believe in investing in our people by encouraging career and personal development that aligns with your goals and ambitions. We make sure all staff have the tools, time and support they need to shape their own professional development. We want to help you excel at what you do and support your growth within the company. 

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

• EMI options scheme 

• 25 days of annual leave plus Bank Holidays 

• Salary Sacrifice Pension scheme 

• Private Healthcare (including dental and optical cover) 

• Group Life Cover at three times your annual salary 

• Enhanced Parental and Sickness Leave 

• Workplace Nursery Scheme 

• Volunteering days 

• Pet friendly office 

• Professional and personal development 

For more information, please visit our website www.mindfoundry.ai  or email [email protected]  

Interview Process:  

• Initial discussion with the People team  

• TestDome coding exercise 

• 60 minute interview with two members of the Science & Engineering Team  

• 90 minute technical interview, including a 10 minute presentation and live coding exercise 

• In person meet the team at our Summertown office