This role sits within a major UK Defence digital transformation programme, driving the design, build and demonstration of AI/ML proof-of-concepts across sensitive mission data, legacy estates and modern cloud platforms. The environment is heavily aligned to Oracle technologies, so experience with Oracle’s cloud-native AI stack is strongly desired (but not essential). Key Responsibilities/Experience • Design, prototype and deliver AI/ML PoCs (RAG pipelines, LLM-powered services, agent-based automation, generative use cases) aligned to Defence workflows and mission needs. • Build high-performance backend components to support AI workloads, including retrieval layers, vector pipelines, inference services and integrations with platform-native AI capabilities. • Engineer, fine-tune and optimise ML/LLM models for training, inference, latency and cost efficiency in secure cloud environments. • Oracle AI stack (OCI Language, Vision, Speech, Generative AI, AI Agents) to build demonstrators aligned to programme objectives and operational scenarios. • Ensure all AI solutions comply with MOD security constraints, cloud governance, auditability requirements and responsible-AI principles. • Work closely with data engineering teams, application/integration specialists and security SMEs across a geographically dispersed programme delivery organisation. • Contribute to SDLC processes (Agile/Iterative), including JIRA-managed workflow tracking and stakeholder playback sessions. Essential Skills • Strong backend engineering background delivering high-scale systems with AI components (Python/Java, RAG frameworks, vector databases, API engineering). • Demonstrable experience fine-tuning and optimising LLM/ML models and associated training/inference pipelines. • Solid understanding of cloud security patterns and guardrails in regulated environments. • Ability to communicate complex AI concepts to senior Defence stakeholders with varying technical backgrounds. • UK Citizen with SC (minimum) or able to obtain clearance. Desirable • Knowledge of Oracle ADW, OAC, Fusion or Integration Cloud. • Hands-on experience with OCI AI Services and Oracle’s emerging AI ecosystem. • Prior experience in Defence, Central Government or other highly regulated sectors.