Machine Learning Engineer Apprentice

Join us as an Apprentice Machine Learning Engineer and play a hands‑on role at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Particle Physics department to support world‑class research and innovation.

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• Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
  
• Salary: £24,340 per annum (rising annually throughout the apprenticeship)
  
• Contract Type: Fixed‑Term, 24 months
  
• Hours: Full-time, 37 hours
  
• Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Campus, Didcot, OX11 0QX
  
• Closing Date: Sunday, 2nd February 2026
  
• Interview Date: Feb 2026 / Mar 2026
  
• Start Date: September 2026
  

We’re looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals ready to develop their skills through formal training and hands‑on experience. As an apprentice, you’ll gain real‑world experience, build technical and professional skills, and contribute to cutting‑edge research and innovation in a dynamic, supportive environment.

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• Communicate and work with fellow team members on a daily and weekly basis.
  
• Take an active role in meetings.
  
• Present progress in slides to update team members (small group) at regular intervals, weekly or bi‑weekly, both onsite and occasionally in conference calls.
  
• Analyse data in order to design machine learning algorithms.
  
• Write documentation/technical notes to document the design of the algorithm.
  
• Use a variety of tools and technologies and coding language(s) used by the team to develop the machine learning algorithms.
  
• Show initiative especially regarding learning new things.
  
• Participate in the wider department and STFC apprentice training programme.
  
• Work independently at times and ask questions if unsure.
  
• Take responsibility and aim to deliver work of a high standard.
  

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• GCSEs in Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above) (S)
  
• A minimum of two A levels at grade A or above OR three A levels at grade C or above OR a BTEC Level 3 in Computing (or similar subject) or equivalent
  
• An awareness of basic health and safety (I)
  
• Right to live and work in the UK at the time of starting employment (S)
  
• Enthusiastic and motivated to learn, both in the workplace and through formal training (I)
  
• Ability to work in a collaborative team (I)
  
• Ability to work/learn independently and carry out own research/study to progress with the work (I)
  
• Ability to examine evidence and data to solve problems (I)
  
• Ability to visualise multi‑dimensional problems and be creative (I)
  
• The CV and/or cover letter should explain why you have applied for the Machine Learning apprenticeship scheme and should contain examples that involved solving problems and learning, especially in the areas of computing, maths, and/or physics and engineering (S)
  
• Some knowledge and enthusiasm for computational coding and science (maths, physics) (S)
  
• Good at keeping things on track and getting tasks done on time (I)
  

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• Level 4, 5 or 6 qualifications in a relevant area such as computing, maths, physics, or engineering
  
• Some understanding of and experience in Machine Learning, either through academic studies or work experience. (S&I)
  
• Prior experience having worked on a team project or assignment that involved collaborative work in a STEM/computing area (S&I)
  
• Good communication skills, both written and spoken (I)
  
• Ability to create slides (PowerPoint, Keynote or similar software) to present and evidence progress (S)
  

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• To complete the apprenticeship, you will need to evidence passes at 9‑4 or A*‑C in GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and English. For those sitting their GCSEs in Summer 2026, we would need evidence of your predicted grades.
  
• When applying for an apprenticeship, there is a set residency eligibility criteria that must be met by the applicant. To check your eligibility please click here.
  
• The training provider will also ask you to complete an initial assessment during the application process. If you already have a qualification in this subject area or similar please include, as an attachment, your transcript outlining the grade/s achieved and modules covered. By applying for this apprenticeship, you are giving permission for your details to be shared with the relevant training provider.
  

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• Your salary will increase annually as you progress through your apprenticeship, in line with policy.
  
• 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days).
  
• Flexible working hours.
  
• An excellent defined average salary pension scheme.
  
• Easily accessible public transport links/ free parking.
  
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.
  
• Cycle to work scheme.
  

Online applications only are preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and a covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.

We will be in touch after the closing date, however, please reach out on if you have any questions.

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community.

As a Disability Confident Employer, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria will be shortlisted for interview.