Senior Machine Learning Engineer

hackajob is partnering directly with Zaizi to hire for this role.
We are seeking a Senior Machine Learning Engineer to lead the design, quantization, and deployment of edge-native AI models and knowledge analytics engines. In this role, you will transition state-of-the-art Small Language Models (SLMs) and knowledge graph pipelines into air-gapped, degraded, and bandwidth-constrained tactical hardware.
You will ensure all deployed AI capabilities comply with UK Defence standards for  Dependable AI (JSP 936) , delivering deterministic, explainable, and human-in-the-loop decision-support tools for intelligence and operational users.
Requirements
Edge Model Optimization & Deployment:  Quantize, fine-tune, and optimize open-source SLMs (e.g., Gemma 3, Llama
3) and vision-language models for execution on low-power edge runtimes (LiteRT / Tensor Flow Lite, ONNX Runtime, Execu Torch).
Knowledge Analytics & Graph Processing:  Design, implement, and maintain lightweight on-device graph databases and relationship extraction pipelines (Python, Rust, or C++) to process structured and unstructured sensor data.
JSP 936 & AI Governance:  Implement bounding guardrails, prompt evaluation, and anti-hallucination controls to ensure 100% compliance with MoD AI ethics, safety, and non-kinetic governance standards.
Data & MLOps Pipelines:  Build reproducible model training, evaluation, and containerised deployment pipelines capable of operating in air-gapped or low-bandwidth environments.
Technical Client Advisory:  Translate complex ML/AI concepts into clear technical recommendations for MoD stakeholders, DSTL assessors, and Prime contractors.

Required Qualifications & Experience
Defence & AI Governance
Active UK SC Clearance (minimum).
Strong understanding of AI safety, non-repudiation, and human-in-the-loop operational constraints ( JSP 936 V1.1 / Dependable AI ).
ML & Edge Inference Mastery
3+ years of production experience deploying ML models to edge runtime environments (LiteRT/TFLite, ONNX, C++ bindings).
Experience in model quantization techniques (INT8, INT4, AWQ) and execution acceleration across NPU/GPU hardware.
Proficiency in Python and PyTorch/Hugging Face ecosystems.
Data Structures & Knowledge Processing
Solid foundation in natural language processing (NLP), semantic summarisation, and graph-based data structures (Graph DBs, vector embeddings, network analysis).
Understanding of data serialization formats (Protobuf, JSON, XML) and streaming analytics.
Desirable / Bonus Qualifications
Experience integrating ML runtimes into Android ART (via Chaquopy, JNI, or native C++ libraries).
Background in processing military sensor feeds, signals intelligence (SIGRF), or Cursor-on-Target (CoT) data.
Publications or prior project delivery with DSTL, DAIC, or Defence Innovation programs.
Benefits
Studies show that women and black, Asian and minority ethics people are less likely to apply for a job unless they meet every qualification. So if youre excited about this role but your experience doesnt align perfectly with the job description, wed love you to still apply. You might just be the perfect person for this role, or another role here  actively welcome applications from people of colour, the LGBTQ+ community, individuals with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, parents, carers, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
If you need any accommodations to support your specific situation, please feel free to let us know. For candidates who are neurodiverse or have disabilities, we are happy to make any adjustments needed throughout the interview process just ask!

SC Clearance:

Zaizi works with UK Central Government departments on a range of projects. To be able to work on our customer projects, employees must be Security Cleared to a standard acceptable to our Government customers. Due to this restriction we can currently only recruit candidates who have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship and who have lived in the UK for the last 5+ years continuously.
Benefits   Compensation
Competitive Pay:
Salaries reviewed annually to ensure they reflect your performance and market value.
Loyalty Pension:
We invest in your future. Starting at a 5% employer contribution, we increase this by 0.5% every year after your third anniversary, up to a maximum of 8% .
Protection:
Comprehensive Group Life Assurance for peace of mind.
Purpose & Culture
Real Impact:
Work on mission-critical projects that secure and improve the UK's digital infrastructure.
Autonomy: A…