Artificial Intelligence & Computer Vision Engineer; KTP Associate

This project presents a significant technical and organisational challenge, offering substantial opportunities for technical, commercial, leadership and professional development.

You will be responsible for developing and embedding advanced artificial intelligence, machine learning and computer vision solutions within Ace Grading’s live trading card grading operations.

A key challenge will be translating cutting-edge AI research into robust, scalable systems that can operate reliably within a fast-growing, high-volume commercial environment. You will need to manage large image datasets, develop and deploy machine learning models, establish MLOps processes and ensure solutions deliver measurable business value while maintaining the high grading standards for which Ace Grading is known.

You will manage a strategically important innovation project and work closely with colleagues across grading, operations, IT, systems and creative teams. Strong communication and stakeholder management skills will be essential, as you will be required to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences, support organisational change and help embed new AI capabilities across the business.

The project will develop innovative AI-driven systems that automate defect detection, centring analysis, metadata extraction, visual similarity search and intelligent label generation, significantly increasing operational capacity, efficiency and scalability. These technologies will form the foundation of a human-in-the-loop auto-grading platform that combines expert oversight with machine efficiency, supporting faster processing times, whilst maintaining grading quality and consistency.

Ace Grading’s strength lies in its deep industry expertise, grading knowledge and customer-focused service offering. By embedding AI capabilities throughout the business, Ace Grading expects to significantly improve operational efficiency, increase grading throughout, reducing processing times and creating a scalable foundation for future growth. This project will also establish new organisational capabilities in artificial intelligence, data management, computer vision and digital systems integration, enabling the business to continue innovating beyond the lifetime of the KTP.

Ace Grading is a rapidly growing trading card grading company that authenticates, grades, encapsulates and labels collectible trading cards for customers across the UK and internationally, combining industry expertise with innovative technology to deliver trusted, high-quality grading and bespoke labelling services for collectors, investors and retailers. Demand for its services now significantly exceeds operational capacity, creating an opportunity to embed advanced AI capabilities that will help the business scale, whilst maintaining the high levels of quality, consistency and transparency for which it is known.

The position will be based within Ace Grading’s operations team at the company’s headquarters in Banbury, Oxfordshire, working closely with colleagues across grading, operations, IT, systems and creative teams, gaining exposure to all aspects of the business whilst leading a strategically important innovation project.