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 – £160k

Hiring companies

View 45 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 – £160k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 22 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

By seniority

£k base

Entry

1 job

Mid

160

13 jobs

Senior

120

5 jobs

Lead

120

2 jobs

Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 51 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Python

82%

Machine Learning

65%

PyTorch

63%

TensorFlow

53%

AWS

35%

Kubernetes

31%

GCP

29%

MLOps

29%

Docker

27%

Azure

24%

Pandas

16%

Scikit-learn

16%

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

45 live roles

See all 45 roles →

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

Senior Machine Learning Engineer

This role involves leading the design and deployment of production-grade machine learning systems for high-impact clients, particularly in the defence sector. The engineer will work on full lifecycle ML development, from architectural decisions to scalable infrastructure, while mentoring junior staff and shaping engineering standards. Collaboration with cross-functional teams and direct client engagement are central to the role.

Faculty AI London, United Kingdom

Remote Permanent Flexible Clearance Required

Principal Machine Learning Engineer

As a Principal Machine Learning Engineer, you will lead the deployment of AI models and engineering surrogates, working closely with data scientists, simulation engineers, and customers. You will mentor team members, define success metrics, and travel to customer sites to build practical solutions on-site, driving innovation and technical direction.

PhysicsX United Kingdom

Hybrid Permanent

Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Senior Machine Learning Engineer | Cambridge / Hybrid | £80,000–£120,000 + BonusJoin a fast-growing FinTech/InsurTech company in Cambridge that is transforming how financial and insurance products are built using machine learning and data-driven decision-making.Their platform leverages advanced ML models to...

Platform Recruitment Cambridge, United Kingdom

Principal Machine Learning Engineer (Live Sports Insights)

As a Principal Machine Learning Engineer, you will lead the development of AI solutions for live sports, focusing on real-time insights, personalisation, and computer vision. You will mentor engineers, design robust MLOps practices, and ensure the delivery of high-performance, low-latency cloud-based systems.

Sky Tw75Qd, TW7 5QD, United Kingdom

Hybrid Permanent

Machine Learning Software Engineer, Research

This role involves working closely with research scientists and simulation engineers to build and optimize machine learning models for real-world physics and engineering problems. You will design, implement, and scale models using distributed training architectures and cloud services, while also mentoring colleagues and translating research into reusable libraries and products.

PhysicsX London, United Kingdom

On-site Permanent

Machine Learning Integration Engineer

As a Machine Learning Integration Engineer, you will work on deploying and optimizing machine learning models to enhance Darktrace’s cybersecurity services. You will collaborate with a cross-functional team to develop innovative solutions, optimize existing models, and contribute to rapid prototyping and project-based development.

Darktrace Cambridge, CB2 3BJ, United Kingdom

Hybrid Permanent

Machine Learning Research Engineer

This is a fantastic opportunity to join market-leading UK AI company, Luminance. Named in Tech Nation’s prestigious Future Fifty list and the recipient of two Queen’s Awards, Luminance is the world’s most advanced AI technology which is disrupting the legal...

Luminance Cambridge, United Kingdom

Hybrid Permanent

See all 45 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.

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Machine Learning Engineer Jobs

Inside the role of a Machine Learning Engineer

£35k – £160k

What hiring managers ask for

From Junior to Principal

Junior Machine Learning Engineer