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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
49
Salary range
£45k – £146k
Hiring companies
24
View 49 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

49 live roles

See all 49 roles →
Faculty AI logo

Principal Machine Learning Engineer

This role involves leading the technical direction of complex AI systems, particularly within financial services, by designing scalable machine learning architectures and providing expert guidance across projects. The Principal Machine Learning Engineer will solve cross-cutting technical challenges, influence company-wide strategy, and ensure robust, innovative solutions are delivered. Emphasis is placed on architectural leadership, hands-on system design, and translating advanced data science into real-world impact.

Faculty AI London, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent
W

Senior Machine Learning Engineer, AI Performance

This role involves taking machine learning models from training to production deployment, focusing on optimising model performance under strict runtime constraints such as latency, memory, and power. The engineer will apply techniques like quantisation and distillation, work closely with performance and inference teams, and ensure models meet on-vehicle deployment requirements. The position emphasizes hands-on iteration in PyTorch and cross-functional collaboration in a high-ownership environment.

Wayve London, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent
PhysicsX logo

Principal Machine Learning Engineer

This role involves deploying and scaling machine learning models for high-fidelity engineering simulations, working directly with customers to integrate AI into production environments. The Principal ML Engineer will lead technical architecture, build robust data and inference pipelines using Python, PyTorch, and Kubeflow, and mentor teams across global customer sites. The position bridges advanced physics-based challenges with practical AI solutions in industries like aerospace, energy, and semiconductors.

PhysicsX United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent
W

Staff Machine Learning Engineer - Ops

This role focuses on ensuring the quality and reliability of machine learning models throughout Wayve’s development lifecycle. The engineer will define and enforce release standards across complex training phases, improve ML delivery pipelines, and collaborate with platform, CI/CD, and evaluation teams to enhance automation, observability, and evaluation methodology. The position plays a critical role in maintaining model integrity and safety for embodied AI in autonomous vehicles.

Wayve London, United Kingdom

Lead Machine Learning Engineer - Retail

Lead Machine Learning Engineer to define technical direction for AI projects in retail, designing scalable ML systems and mentoring engineering teams. Focus on innovation, architectural integrity, and delivery of reusable solutions across high-impact client engagements.

Faculty London, United Kingdom
On-site Permanent

Embedded Machine Learning Engineer

Develop and deploy machine learning models for real-time sensor classification on embedded devices operating in constrained, real-world environments. Work across the full lifecycle—from raw sensor data to on-device inference—optimising for memory, power, and reliability. Collaborate with firmware and hardware teams to bridge data science and embedded systems engineering in a cutting-edge edge AI environment.

KO2 Embedded Recruitment Solutions Roxburgh's Court, Edinburgh, United Kingdom £60,000 – £70,000 pa
PhysicsX logo

Senior Machine Learning Engineer

A Senior Machine Learning Engineer will lead the deployment of AI models into production environments for engineering and physics simulations, working closely with customers and cross-functional teams. The role involves building scalable ML pipelines, mentoring engineers, and traveling to client sites globally. The position operates at the intersection of data science and software engineering, focusing on real-world impact in advanced industries.

PhysicsX London, United Kingdom

Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Design and implement high-performance machine learning models using C++, CUDA, and PyTorch, with a focus on GPU acceleration and advanced AI applications. Work on cutting-edge research involving Transformers and computer vision to deliver real-world AI solutions. Collaborate within a skilled technical team on innovative projects in a hybrid London-based role.

Hexwired Recruitment Limited London, United Kingdom £60 – £80 ph
Hybrid Contract
See all 49 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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