About the role
The Role
We have an opportunity for a Principal Engineer in our AI & Algorithms department, working with a particular focus on our defence and security clients.
You’ll
join a team of talented engineers and scientists designing,
building
and testing intelligent systems that require
cutting edge
algorithms. As one of the senior technical voices in the team,
you’ll
be architecting the AI approach on projects, setting the technical bar for others, and helping shape the work we deliver. As well as hands-on engineering,
you’ll
spend time with clients, using your
expertise
to win new projects as well as deliver them.
You’ll
work in multidisciplinary teams that use our labs and computing resources to enable us to deliver ambitious projects.
Much of our defence and security work requires security clearance, so we ask for it up front. You
won’t
work exclusively in that sector, but a genuine interest in it matters to us.
What
you’ll
be doing
Designing and implementing
cutting-edge
AI solutions to our clients’ problems
, such as agentic AI
that can search for, interpret and analyse information as well as plan and act to achieve a goal.
Acting as technical lead and architect on our larger, more complex projects, owning the technical solution and the value it delivers to the client.
Setting technical direction and acting as technical reviewer across the department, with your opinion
sought
by colleagues.
Leading the development of proposals and costed work programmes, turning client problems into work we can win and deliver.
Driving internal capability and demonstrators that keep us at the leading edge and
open up
new conversations with clients.
Mentoring engineers and conducting technical interviews to help us recruit and grow strong people.
Contributing to how the department works, improving our processes and technical standards.
What you can bring
5+ years’ experience designing and delivering
cutting edge
AI
s
olutions, including experience delivering agentic
AI
systems.
Experience in
assuring the quality of the output of
AI
systems and the
technologies that
help to achieve this
.
Experience collaborating with subject matter experts to create systems that are built on deep and specialist domain understanding.
A
strong
undergraduate degree
in a relevant technical subject, such as AI/machine learning, computer science,
mathematics
or
physics.
Strong Python and software engineering judgement.
The ability to architect the technical approach on complex projects and to review the work of others, including working autonomously as the technical authority.
Experience mentoring and developing engineers.
Experience working with non-technical stakeholders for your work.
Interest in working directly with
clients
and contributing to proposals and sales conversations.
A genuine affinity for working in the defence and security sector.
Because
of where this role sits, holding (or being able to obtain) UK security clearance is essential. You must be eligible to obtain Security Check (SC) level security clearance (
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/united-kingdom-security-vetting-applicant
). You must be able to work in the UK without restrictions
in accordance with
UK National Law and be prepared to successfully undertake
an appropriate level
of UK National Security Vetting according to UK Government criteria. We offer a flexible approach to hybrid working, although some of the projects you will be working on will require full-time working in the office.
Why Cambridge Consultants?
Cambridge Consultants creates exciting and novel breakthroughs in technology and products. Our work on intelligent systems area has helped create world-first and market-changing technologies including
real-time AI-enhanced medical imaging
,
autonomous defence systems against cyberattacks
, and
edge algorithms to help visually impaired people navigate indoor spaces
.
We combine our research output with engineering rigour to create innovative and robust solutions to solve complex problems presented to us by our clients. We help clients across a diverse range of markets, including defence/security, healthcare, biotech, industrial and energy, so there is no shortage of variety.
At the heart of what we do are talented and motivated multi-disciplinary teams empowered to create
cutting edge
technologies and systems to solve difficult problems for our clients.
We offer a diverse, fun, and challenging work environment where
you'll
have the chance to work on a wide variety of projects that deliver real value using technology.
We recognise and celebrate individual
talent
and we understand the importance of letting individuals be just that. Our people are here to do the best work of their
lives
and our job is to provide the platform for them to do it.
Diversity & Inclusion
Cambridge Consultants is a workplace where everyone is welcome. When the brightest minds come together and feel included, that’s when we develop the most important technology breakthroughs. We believe that diversity can only flourish when everyone feels involved and has a sense of belonging. We welcome and value all people regardless of their characteristics and encourage applications from all backgrounds and dimensions of society.
By submitting an application to Cambridge Consultants, you confirm that the information provided in this application, together with any supporting documentation, is true, complete, and accurate to the best of your knowledge and belief. You understand that any false statement, misleading information, or material omission may render you liable to disqualification from the recruitment process, withdrawal of any offer of employment, or dismissal without notice if discovered following appointment. You acknowledge that the organisation reserves the right to verify the information supplied.