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
49
Salary range
£35k – £160k
Hiring companies
17

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.

  1. 01
    Design and implement machine learning models.
  2. 02
    Optimise algorithms for performance and scalability.
  3. 03
    Collaborate with data scientists and software engineers.
  4. 04
    Conduct experiments and validate results.
  5. 05
    Document and present findings to stakeholders.
  6. 06
    Stay updated with the latest research and tools.
Salary on the board

£35k – £160k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 27 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

By seniority
£k base
Entry
39
40
1 job
Junior
69
83
1 job
Mid
35
160
13 jobs
Senior
50
110
4 jobs
Lead
90
120
2 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 50 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Python
82%
Machine Learning
70%
PyTorch
60%
TensorFlow
52%
AWS
36%
MLOps
32%
Azure
26%
GCP
26%
Kubernetes
26%
Docker
24%
Data Pipelines
14%
Scikit-learn
14%
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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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. 1

    Learn the Fundamentals

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

  2. 2

    Build Projects

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

  3. 3

    Gain Industry Experience

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

  4. 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. 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

49 live roles

See all 49 roles
Faculty AI logo

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 high-impact ML solutions. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, define best practices, and mentor junior engineers while ensuring ethical and scalable deployment.

Faculty AI London, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent Flexible Clearance Required
Faculty AI logo

Senior Machine Learning Engineer

This role involves leading the design and deployment of production-grade machine learning systems for high-impact clients, particularly in the defence sector. The engineer will drive technical architecture, build scalable ML infrastructure, and ensure ethical and operational standards are met. Collaboration with cross-functional teams and mentoring junior engineers are key aspects of the position.

Faculty AI London, United Kingdom
Remote Permanent Flexible Clearance Required
PhysicsX logo

Principal Machine Learning Engineer

As a Principal Machine Learning Engineer, you will lead the deployment of AI models and engineering surrogates, working closely with data scientists, simulation engineers, and customers. You will mentor team members, design scalable ML systems, and travel to customer sites globally to ensure successful implementation and drive technical innovation.

PhysicsX United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent

Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Senior Machine Learning Engineer | Cambridge / Hybrid | £80,000–£120,000 + BonusJoin a fast-growing FinTech/InsurTech company in Cambridge that is transforming how financial and insurance products are built using machine learning and data-driven decision-making.Their platform leverages advanced ML models to...

Platform Recruitment Cambridge, United Kingdom

Principal Machine Learning Engineer (Live Sports Insights)

As a Principal Machine Learning Engineer, you will lead the development of AI and ML systems that transform raw sports data and live video into real-time insights and personalised experiences for millions of fans. You will influence technical strategy, mentor engineers, and ensure responsible AI practices while working on cutting-edge technologies like computer vision and generative AI.

Sky Tw75Qd, TW7 5QD, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent

Data & Machine Learning Engineer

As a Data & Machine Learning Engineer, you will build and maintain scalable data pipelines, develop and deploy machine learning models, and work with cloud-based data platforms. You will collaborate with engineers, analysts, and stakeholders to deliver end-to-end solutions, focusing on good engineering practices and continuous improvement.

eFinancialCareers Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom £40,000 – £55,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required

MLOps Engineer / Machine Learning Engineer

MLOps Engineer / Machine Learning EngineerLocation: Portsmouth (2 days every other week on-site, remainder remote)Rate: Up to £537 per day (Umbrella only)Clearance: MOD SC Clearance required (enhanced vetting applies)Your new companyYou will be joining a leading global consultancy delivering critical...

Hays Technology Portsmouth, Hampshire, United Kingdom £537 pd

Graduate AI Machine Learning Engineer

This role involves designing and deploying machine learning models, working collaboratively with cross-functional teams to integrate AI into scalable applications, and maintaining model performance. The engineer will preprocess large datasets, stay current with AI research, and contribute to innovative projects across industries. Full training and mentorship are provided, with a focus on responsible AI and ethical practices.

Global Tech Recruitment London, United Kingdom £39,000 – £40,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent
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.

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