Principal Machine Learning Engineer

Overview

In this role you will be the definitive ML engineering authority, defining architectural standards and guiding the engineering craft across the organization. You’ll own the technical vision for scalable ML systems and partner with executives to shape AI strategy. You’ll lead flagship programmes, elevate engineering capabilities, and ensure durable foundations. This is a chance to influence multi-team delivery, win high-value engagements, and advance responsible AI at scale.

Pay / Benefits

• Unlimited Annual Leave Policy
• Private healthcare and dental
• Enhanced parental leave
• Family-Friendly Flexibility & Flexible working
• Sanctus Coaching
• Hybrid Working

Responsibilities

• Define and own the organisation-wide technical vision for ML engineering and establish scalable architectural standards
• Oversee end-to-end delivery of flagship ML programmes spanning multiple workstreams and client organisations
• Drive strategic adoption of new technologies and practices across engineering teams
• Coach senior engineers, build capability pipelines, and foster technical rigour and excellence
• Represent the technical voice in C-suite and executive client engagements to shape AI strategy
• Lead on significant sales/pre-sales opportunities with architectural authority to differentiate offerings
• Coordinate with Data Science, Commercial, and Infrastructure leadership to align ML strategy with business goals

Key requirements

• Mastery of Python and production-grade ML systems design and operation at scale
• Proven track record across multiple frameworks and paradigms
• Deep expertise in containerisation, orchestration, and MLOps at scale
• Experience setting architectural direction for complex, full-stack AI platforms
• Proven ability to develop and mentor senior engineering talent
• Visible external profile through publications, conferences, open-source leadership, or industry influence
• Ability to translate ML engineering decisions into commercial outcomes and strategic client direction

• Strategic thinking
• Leadership and coaching
• Executive-level communication
• Python
• Cloud providers (multi-cloud)
• ML platforms and pipelines

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