What skills are essential for a Machine Learning Engineer?

Essential skills include programming (Python, R), mathematics (linear algebra, calculus), statistics, and knowledge of machine learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch).

What is the difference between a Data Scientist and a Machine Learning Engineer?

Data Scientists focus on extracting insights from data, while Machine Learning Engineers build and deploy the models that power these insights. The roles often work closely together.

What are the typical responsibilities of a Machine Learning Engineer?

Responsibilities include designing and implementing machine learning models, optimising algorithms, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and staying updated with the latest research.

What are the salary ranges for Machine Learning Engineers?

Salary ranges can vary widely based on experience, location, and industry. For more detailed information, refer to the salary section on this page.

Machine Learning Engineer Jobs

Engineers who build, train, and deploy machine learning models. A core role in the tech industry, driving innovation and solving complex problems.

Open roles

Salary range

£35k – £150k

Hiring companies

View 31 live roles → Get an alert

Machine Learning Engineers are at the heart of the tech revolution, combining software engineering with advanced data science to create intelligent systems. They work across a wide range of industries, from tech giants and scaleups to research-heavy startups and the larger consultancies. Their role involves designing, building, and deploying machine learning models that can process and learn from vast amounts of data, enabling applications from natural language processing to computer vision and beyond.

What the role does

Inside the role of a Machine Learning Engineer

A typical week for a Machine Learning Engineer is a mix of coding, model training, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

01

Design and implement machine learning models.
02

Optimise algorithms for performance and scalability.
03

Collaborate with data scientists and software engineers.
04

Conduct experiments and validate results.
05

Document and present findings to stakeholders.
06

Stay updated with the latest research and tools.

Salary on the board

£35k – £150k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 21 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

By seniority

£k base

Junior

1 job

Mid

100

9 jobs

Senior

120

7 jobs

Lead

150

2 jobs

Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 4 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Python

100%

PyTorch

75%

Machine Learning

75%

TensorFlow

50%

Kubernetes

50%

AWS

50%

GCP

50%

Pandas

25%

fastAPI

25%

Scipy

25%

Kubeflow

25%

3D Point-Cloud Data

25%

Career ladder

From Junior to Principal

A typical UK progression for machine learning engineers. Years are guidance — strong people move faster, and many senior folks sidestep into research, product or management.

Level 1

Junior Machine Learning Engineer

0–2 yrs

Assist in the development and testing of machine learning models, with a focus on learning and gaining hands-on experience.
Level 2

Machine Learning Engineer

2–5 yrs

Own the development and deployment of machine learning models, working closely with data scientists and software engineers.
Level 3

Senior Machine Learning Engineer

5–8 yrs

Lead the design and implementation of complex machine learning systems, guiding junior team members and driving innovation.
Level 4

Principal Machine Learning Engineer

8+ yrs

Strategise and oversee the machine learning initiatives of an organisation, influencing the direction of projects and mentoring the team.

Pathway

How to become a Machine Learning Engineer

There's no single route, but most people follow some version of these steps.

1

Learn the Fundamentals

Gain a strong foundation in programming, mathematics, and statistics. Familiarise yourself with key machine learning concepts and tools.
2

Build Projects

Apply your knowledge by working on real-world projects. This could be through internships, personal projects, or open-source contributions.
3

Gain Industry Experience

Start your career as a Junior Machine Learning Engineer, working on smaller projects and learning from more experienced colleagues.
4

Specialise and Advance

Develop expertise in specific areas of machine learning, such as deep learning or reinforcement learning. Take on more complex projects and leadership roles.
5

Lead and Innovate

As a Senior or Principal Machine Learning Engineer, lead major projects, mentor junior team members, and drive innovation within your organisation.

Live jobs

31 live roles

See all 31 roles →

Senior Machine Learning Engineer

As a Senior Machine Learning Engineer, you will lead the development and deployment of cutting-edge AI systems for diverse clients, focusing on scalable, production-grade ML software and infrastructure. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve critical challenges, define best practices, and mentor junior engineers.

Faculty AI London, United Kingdom

Hybrid Permanent Flexible Clearance Required

Lead Machine Learning Engineer

As a Lead Machine Learning Engineer, you will set the technical direction for complex AI projects, balance trade-offs, and guide team priorities. You will design and implement reliable, scalable ML systems, lead hiring processes, and mentor engineers while driving innovation and fostering team growth.

Faculty AI London, United Kingdom

Hybrid Permanent

Senior Machine Learning Engineer

About us PhysicsX is a deep-tech company with roots in numerical physics and Formula One, dedicated to accelerating hardware innovation at the speed of software. We are building an AI-driven simulation software stack for engineering and manufacturing across advanced industries....

PhysicsX North Tyneside, NE29 8EP, United Kingdom

On-site Permanent Clearance Required

Senior Machine Learning Engineer - National Security (London)

We’re looking for aSenior Machine Learning Engineer to join a supportive, multidisciplinary team developing AI/ML systems to solve critical National Security challenges. As a Senior Machine Learning Engineer, you’ll lead onsite engagements with clients and stakeholders to translate their problems...

Mind Foundry London, United Kingdom

On-site Permanent Clearance Required

Senior Machine Learning Engineer - National Security (Gloucestershire)

Mind Foundry Gloucester, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom

On-site Permanent Clearance Required

Principal Machine Learning Engineer

PhysicsX United Kingdom

Senior Machine Learning Applications and Compiler Engineer, LPX

NVIDIA is seeking engineers to develop algorithms and optimizations for our LPX inference and compiler stack. You will work at the intersection of large-scale systems, compilers, and deep learning, crafting how neural network workloads map onto future NVIDIA platforms. This...

NVIDIA Cambridge, United Kingdom

Senior Machine Learning Applications and Compiler Engineer, LPX

NVIDIA

See all 31 roles →

Top hirers

Companies hiring machine learning engineers

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Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

The locations with the most live listings for this role today.

FAQs

Common questions

Essential skills include programming (Python, R), mathematics (linear algebra, calculus), statistics, and knowledge of machine learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch).
Data Scientists focus on extracting insights from data, while Machine Learning Engineers build and deploy the models that power these insights. The roles often work closely together.
Responsibilities include designing and implementing machine learning models, optimising algorithms, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and staying updated with the latest research.
Salary ranges can vary widely based on experience, location, and industry. For more detailed information, refer to the salary section on this page.

Hiring machine learning engineers?

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Machine Learning Engineer Jobs

Inside the role of a Machine Learning Engineer

£35k – £150k

What hiring managers ask for

From Junior to Principal

Junior Machine Learning Engineer