Machine Learning Engineer (Forward Deployed)

We’re looking for a Forward Deployed Machine Learning Engineer to join a supportive, multidisciplinary team delivering real-world AI/ML systems into critical Defence and National Security environments. In this role, you’ll lead software deployments, working closely with users and stakeholders to translate their problems into robust, production-ready machine learning solutions. You’ll rapidly explore, prototype, and deploy ML approaches both within and beyond our core product offerings, taking ownership from initial concept through to live operation. Working at the forefront of applied AI alongside experts across multiple disciplines, you’ll help users defend against Defence and National Security threats, directly contributing to safer, more resilient systems deployed where they matter most. Mind Foundry is at an exciting stage of growth, with increasing demand for AI-enabled capability across our markets. We specialise in helping customers make sense of the ever-increasing volumes of data collected by sensors, platforms and systems at the speed of relevance. We often find ourselves working at the edge in complex environments where power, compute, and bandwidth are in short supply. As a Forward Deployed Machine Learning Engineer, you’ll work on problems that are technically challenging, operationally important and genuinely meaningful. You will help turn advanced AI and ML approaches into deployable capability that can support better, faster decision-making in demanding real-world environments. What makes the work distinctive is the combination of technical depth, practical engineering and responsible delivery. This is an opportunity to innovate at the forefront of applied machine learning, tackle high-impact real-world problems, grow your technical skills, and shape the way AI/ML solutions are delivered to critical operational environments. Because of the nature of this work: You will be required to travel to and work from client sites and partner locations. When not working onsite, this role can be office-based or hybrid from our Summertown, Oxford office. You will need to hold existing or be eligible for UK Security Vetting (DV), details of which can be found on the Gov UK website . Key day-to-day activities: Moving models from research/prototype to live, high-impact production environments, adapting those solutions to client-specific data, systems, and interfaces. Resolving unforeseen edge-cases and challenges, providing on-site fixes or relaying them back to the product team. Troubleshooting integration issues with existing systems. Working directly with product teams to maintain deep technical expertise in Mind Foundry's products, capabilities and workflows. Engaging directly with defence customers to translate their needs and goals into technical requirements. Providing hands on support to end users. Extending and improving internal ML platforms, tooling, and best practices, incorporating learnings from deployments back into shared frameworks. Core Skills & Experience Degree in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, or a related STEM field (or equivalent practical experience) Strong engineer with demonstrated proficiency in programming languages such as Python, producing clean, reproducible, well-tested, and well-documented code suitable for long-term ownership and handover. Hands-on experience with production infrastructure, including Docker, Linux, CI/CD, MLOps, cloud platforms, and model serving architectures. Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. Exceptional problem-solving skills and comfortable working in ambiguous, fast-moving environments, often embedded with customers or delivery teams. Comfortable solving technical problems with limited internet access. Nice to Have Prior experience working with government customers, defence contractors, or in military environments. Experience in areas of model development, data processing…