Lead Technologist – AI & ML Location : Cheltenham (Hybrid – 2 days per week on-site) Job-Type : Permanent Salary : Up to £85,000 Bonus Eligible candidates must hold sole British citizenship and be eligible for UK SC Clearance We're working with a major defence and national security innovator who’s doubling down on AI & ML—and they want a Lead Technologist who’s ready to help shape what comes next. If you're an adept Lead Technologist fluent in machine learning, speak the language of LLMs, and can mentor teams while steering R&D from concept to delivery, this could be your next big move. You’ll be joining a pioneering capability that’s applying AI to everything from radar and sonar to NLP, reinforcement learning and computer vision. The work is challenging, varied, and seriously cutting-edge—with real-world impact across national security and defence. Key Responsibilities • Lead delivery of AI/ML research programmes, proposals, and client engagements • Mentor junior technologists and ensure engineering assurance standards are met • Identify and develop relationships with academic or industry research partners • Shape internal R&D direction and present complex AI topics to technical and non-technical audiences • Maintain an overview of the full AI/ML landscape while owning a deep specialism Key Skills & Expertise • 10 years in AI/ML, ideally with defence or government applications • PhD or equivalent experience in machine learning, AI or related technical fields • Strong knowledge across key areas: LLMs, NLP, reinforcement learning, knowledge graphs, autonomy, RF/EW AI • Previous experience leading teams (min. 5 developers) and overseeing engineering assurance • Confidence in proposal writing and stakeholder engagement (e.g. Dstl, NS, EPSRC) The Package • Up to £85,000 base salary • 10% company bonus • Enhanced pension scheme – up to 10% matched • 25 days annual leave flexible options • Comprehensive private medical, dental, and life insurance • Career-defining R&D and thought leadership opportunities If this sounds like you, apply below or reach out to Declan Bryson at Anson McCade on 07529 161950 quoting the reference: Lead Technologist AMC/DB/AI/85 Lead Technologist