AI Engineer (Defence)

Location: Newcastle upon Tyne

Reporting to: AI Lead – Defence

Security clearance: must be eligible for UK SC-level security clearance (UK national)

Visa sponsorship: we cannot sponsor visas for this role

Closing date: applications reviewed on a rolling basis

About Neptune North

Neptune North is a high-performing technical consultancy. We build data, AI and software solutions for clients in defence, financial services and private capital. We specialise in solving demanding technical problems in challenging environments.

We were founded in 2024 as a joint venture between Oliver Wyman and Rokos Capital Management and are headquartered in the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne. We are currently recruiting exceptional engineers across every level.

The role

We’re looking for AI Engineers to develop impactful AI solutions for defence. This is a hands-on engineering role where you will have impact across a wide variety of projects.

Potential projects might include fully engineered solutions, developing Proof of Concepts (POCs), and applied research to support future defence‑relevant capabilities.

Responsibilities

Provide hands-on delivery in a wide range of AI projects; POCs to fully engineered solutions

Provide technical expertise when it is required within the organisation and in client engagements

Demonstrate flexibility in taking on work aligned to evolving company priorities

Play an active role in sharing expertise to raise and re-use capability

What makes a great candidate

Understanding of core AI/ML concepts

Expertise in machine learning models at the algorithmic level, rather than treating models as black‑box components

• •Experience in one or more aspects of AI, such as (but not restricted to):
• AI safety and security, low‑power and edge AI, AI explainability, AI robustness in contested environments, novel approaches to learning, agentic AI, integrating LLMs into workflows / RAG, multi-modal AI (text, image, audio, for example)

Excellent programming skills (Python and potentially other modern programming languages)

A solid grounding in software engineering best practices and a desire to maintain high engineering standards in all your work

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Experience working effectively as part of a team and enthusiasm for knowledge‑sharing and collaboration

Ability to work effectively with ambiguity, while maintaining a disciplined, outcome-focussed approach

Strong academic foundations, typically a first-class or 2:1 degree from a leading university in Computer Science, Mathematics, Machine Learning, or a related discipline

Experience in defence or national security is a strong plus

What you can achieve

Contribute to AI solutions that strengthen UK defence and national security

Build a strong foundation in POC and production AI systems and engineering best practices that will shape your career

Develop your skills across the full AI engineering stack and a variety of technologies

Learn from experienced AI and software engineers who are invested in your growth

Contribute to meaningful technical decisions as part of a collaborative, low-ego engineering team

Why join us

Work on a wide variety of interesting problems alongside high-calibre colleagues. Our culture is collaborative and supportive. Neptune North is a place where people help each other grow and feel a real sense of belonging

25 days holiday allowance plus bank holidays

Matching pension contributions up to 6%

Private health insurance through Bupa

Discretionary bonus

Equity, diversity and inclusion

At Neptune North we are committed to a work environment that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion. We believe diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences help us attract, develop and retain the best talent. We do not discriminate based on gender, age, race or ethnicity, identification as an LGBTQIA+ individual, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by relevant local law.