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.
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