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Machine Learning Engineer Jobs

Engineers who build and deploy machine learning models. A core role in the AI ecosystem, combining software engineering with data science.

Open roles
34
Salary range
£45k – £146k
Hiring companies
24
View 34 live roles → Get an alert

Machine Learning Engineers are at the heart of the AI revolution. They design, build, and deploy machine learning models that power everything from recommendation systems to autonomous vehicles. These roles are found in a wide range of organisations, from tech giants and research-heavy startups to scaleups and the larger consultancies. The work is highly technical, requiring a deep understanding of both software engineering and data science principles.

What the role does

Inside the role of a Machine Learning Engineer

A typical week for a Machine Learning Engineer is a mix of coding, model training, and collaboration with data scientists and other engineers.

  1. 01
    Develop and optimise machine learning models.
  2. 02
    Collaborate with data scientists to refine datasets.
  3. 03
    Integrate models into production systems.
  4. 04
    Monitor and maintain model performance.
  5. 05
    Document and present findings to the team.
  6. 06
    Stay updated with the latest research and tools.
Salary on the board

£45k – £146k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 65 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

Salary visibility
2% of listings advertise a salary — up from 0% the year before.
By seniority
£k base
Mid
45
160
24 jobs
Senior
50
124
14 jobs
Lead
80
168
13 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 82 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Python
87%
Machine Learning
62%
PyTorch
48%
TensorFlow
37%
MLOps
37%
AWS
27%
Azure
26%
Kubernetes
24%
CI/CD
23%
Docker
21%
SQL
20%
GCP
20%
Career ladder

From Junior to Principal

A typical UK progression for machine learning engineers. Years are guidance — strong people move faster, and many senior folks sidestep into research, product or management.

  1. Level 1

    Junior Machine Learning Engineer

    0–2 yrs

    Assist in the development and testing of machine learning models, with a focus on learning and gaining hands-on experience.

  2. Level 2

    Machine Learning Engineer

    2–5 yrs

    Own the development and deployment of machine learning models, working closely with data scientists and other engineers.

  3. Level 3

    Senior Machine Learning Engineer

    5–8 yrs

    Lead the design and implementation of complex machine learning systems, mentoring junior engineers and driving innovation.

  4. Level 4

    Principal Machine Learning Engineer

    8+ yrs

    Strategise and oversee the AI roadmap, influencing the direction of the organisation's machine learning efforts and leading large teams.

Pathway

How to become a Machine Learning Engineer

There's no single route, but most people follow some version of these steps.

  1. 1

    Learn the Fundamentals

    Gain a strong foundation in programming, mathematics, and statistics. Familiarise yourself with key machine learning concepts and tools.

  2. 2

    Build Projects

    Apply your knowledge by building machine learning projects. This could be through personal projects, internships, or university coursework.

  3. 3

    Gain Industry Experience

    Start your career as a Junior Machine Learning Engineer, working on real-world problems and learning from experienced colleagues.

  4. 4

    Specialise and Advance

    Develop expertise in specific areas of machine learning, such as natural language processing or computer vision. Progress to more senior roles.

  5. 5

    Lead and Innovate

    Take on leadership roles, driving the development of cutting-edge AI solutions and mentoring the next generation of machine learning engineers.

  6. 6

    Influence Strategy

    Shape the AI strategy of your organisation, influencing key decisions and leading large-scale machine learning initiatives.

Live jobs

34 live roles

See all 34 roles →
ECM Selection logo

Machine Learning Engineer

This role involves developing end-to-end machine learning systems integrated with advanced electronics for defence and security applications. You'll work across diverse domains such as computer vision and generative models, building functional prototypes and demonstrators. The role emphasizes innovation, rapid iteration across projects, and close collaboration in a technically driven, low-management environment.

ECM Selection Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom £40,000 – £70,000 pa
On-site Permanent Clearance Required

Machine Learning Engineer

This role involves deploying and managing machine learning models in production using Azure Machine Learning, with a focus on building and maintaining MLOps infrastructure and CI/CD pipelines. The engineer will support real-time inference, data pipelines, and scalable ML workloads while collaborating with data scientists and DevOps teams. Responsibilities include monitoring, security, governance, and technical documentation within an Azure cloud environment.

Queen Square Recruitment Wokingham, Berkshire, United Kingdom £460 pd

Machine Learning Engineer

Design and optimize machine learning models for hardware acceleration on platforms such as GPUs and QPUs, focusing on low-latency distributed systems and simulation. Work independently within an established team to support international clients using cutting-edge technologies. The role involves algorithm development in C++, Python, or Rust, with a strong emphasis on performance and hardware integration.

Hexwired Recruitment Limited London, United Kingdom £80,000 – £120,000 pa

Machine Learning Engineer

This role involves building and deploying production-grade machine learning systems for high-impact clients in national security and AI safety. The engineer will lead technical architecture decisions, operationalise models using frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch, and develop scalable ML infrastructure. Collaboration with cross-functional teams and direct client engagement are key, with a focus on translating complex AI concepts into real-world solutions.

Faculty London, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent

Machine Learning Engineer

Develop and deploy innovative machine learning models for real-world applications, from research through to production. Work in a multidisciplinary R&D team, rapidly prototyping and optimising solutions using cutting-edge techniques. Focus on solving complex technical problems with practical AI/ML implementations.

Hexwired Recruitment Limited Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom £60,000 – £120,000 pa

Machine Learning Engineer

Design and deploy automated machine learning pipelines for insurance risk modelling and pricing, using MLOps practices and cloud platforms. Focus on tuning, deploying, and maintaining high-performance models in production with test-driven development and SOLID principles. Mentor junior engineers and collaborate with data science and underwriting teams.

Vermelo RPO M43Aq, United Kingdom
Newton Colmore logo

Machine Learning Engineer Modelling

Develop advanced mathematical and machine learning models for complex industrial and scientific systems by combining first-principles physics with AI techniques. Work across the full modelling lifecycle using large-scale sensor and operational data to build predictive digital representations of physical processes. Collaborate with a high-calibre team to improve model performance through experimental design and real-world validation.

Newton Colmore Guatemala
Hybrid

Machine Learning Engineer - Spiking Neural Networks

Develop an engineering-grade spiking neural network (SNN) engine for real-world machine vision applications in high-stakes environments. Translate advanced research into robust, production-ready C++ software, integrating SNNs, CNNs, and Transformers. Work closely with researchers and engineers on synthetic data generation, image analysis, and deployment in defence and security contexts.

MFK Recruitment Brentford, London, TW8 9DE, United Kingdom £75,000 – £100,000 pa
See all 34 roles →
Top hirers

Companies hiring machine learning engineers

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Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

The locations with the most live listings for this role today.

London

Location
27 open

Cambridge

Location
5 open

Oxford

Location
1 open
FAQs

Common questions

  • Essential skills include programming (especially Python), mathematics, statistics, and a deep understanding of machine learning algorithms and frameworks.

  • Gain relevant skills through courses and projects, and consider internships or junior roles to build practical experience.

  • Responsibilities include developing and deploying machine learning models, collaborating with data scientists, and maintaining model performance.

  • Progression typically starts from Junior to Senior, then to Principal, with increasing responsibilities and leadership roles.

  • Salaries vary based on experience and location. For specific salary ranges, please refer to the salary section on this page.

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