What skills are essential for a Machine Learning Engineer?

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

How do I transition into a Machine Learning Engineer role?

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

What are the typical responsibilities of a Machine Learning Engineer?

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

What is the career progression for a Machine Learning Engineer?

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

What is the salary range for Machine Learning Engineers?

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

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

Salary range

£35k – £100k

Hiring companies

View 21 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.

01

Develop and optimise machine learning models.
02

Collaborate with data scientists to refine datasets.
03

Integrate models into production systems.
04

Monitor and maintain model performance.
05

Document and present findings to the team.
06

Stay updated with the latest research and tools.

Salary on the board

£35k – £100k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 5 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

By seniority

£k base

Mid

100

5 jobs

Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 7 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Python

86%

Machine Learning

86%

PyTorch

71%

TensorFlow

57%

AWS

57%

GCP

57%

Kubernetes

57%

Azure

43%

Docker

43%

Data Science

29%

Scikit-learn

29%

Pandas

14%

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.

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.
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.
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.
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

Learn the Fundamentals

Gain a strong foundation in programming, mathematics, and statistics. Familiarise yourself with key machine learning concepts and tools.
2

Build Projects

Apply your knowledge by building machine learning projects. This could be through personal projects, internships, or university coursework.
3

Gain Industry Experience

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

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

Influence Strategy

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

Live jobs

21 live roles

See all 21 roles →

Senior Machine Learning Engineer

As a Senior Machine Learning Engineer, you will lead the development and deployment of cutting-edge AI systems for diverse clients, focusing on high-impact ML systems, production-grade software, and scalable infrastructure. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor junior engineers, and act as a trusted technical advisor to clients.

Faculty AI London, United Kingdom

Hybrid Permanent Flexible Clearance Required

Principal Machine Learning Engineer

As a Principal Machine Learning Engineer, you will lead the design and implementation of large-scale AI systems, providing technical direction and solving complex challenges across multiple projects. You will work closely with business units to ensure solutions are robust, scalable, and aligned with industry standards, while fostering team growth and influencing company strategy.

Faculty AI London, United Kingdom

Hybrid Permanent

Principal Machine Learning Engineer

About us PhysicsX is a deep-tech company with roots in numerical physics and Formula One, dedicated to accelerating hardware innovation at the speed of software. We are building an AI-driven simulation software stack for engineering and manufacturing across advanced industries....

PhysicsX United Kingdom

Senior Machine Learning Engineer

PhysicsX London, United Kingdom

Staff Engineer, Machine Learning

As a Staff Engineer, you will work on developing and releasing new Agentic AI Agents, focusing on UXD, infrastructure, and machine learning challenges. You will have sole ownership of long-term projects, collaborate with product managers, and ensure the commercial success of your features while considering the long-term direction of the team.

Synthesia London, United Kingdom

Remote Permanent

Principal Machine Learning Infrastructure Engineer

PhysicsX London, United Kingdom

See all 21 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.

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.

Hiring machine learning engineers?

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Machine Learning Engineer Jobs

Inside the role of a Machine Learning Engineer

£35k – £100k

What hiring managers ask for

From Junior to Principal

Junior Machine Learning Engineer