Agentic AI Engineer - Defence & Security

Overview

We have an opportunity for an 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 solve hard, real-world problems. As an Agentic AI Engineer, you’ll take the technical lead on parts of our projects, mentor more junior colleagues, and play an active part in shaping and winning new work. With well-equipped labs and substantial computing resources behind you, you’ll turn state-of-the-art research into systems our clients can depend on. 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.

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 systems that can search for, interpret and analyse information as well as plan and act to achieve a goal.
• Taking technical ownership of significant parts of client projects, delivering quality work to budget and schedule with little supervision.
• Acting as technical authority or technical lead on smaller projects and contributing to the technical direction of larger ones.
• Mentoring and supporting less experienced engineers and helping them develop as technical consultants.
• Working directly with clients to understand their problems, show what’s possible, and build their confidence in our work.
• Contributing to proposals and helping scope new work, translating client needs into credible technical approaches.
• Building demonstrators and internal capability that showcase our expertise in defence, security and adjacent markets.

What you need to succeed:

• 3+ years’ experience designing and delivering cutting edge AI solutions, including some experience developing agentic AI systems.
• Strong Python programming skills and a solid grasp of modern software development practice.
• A strong undergraduate degree in a relevant technical subject, such as AI/machine learning, computer science, mathematics or physics.
• A track record of delivering quality technical work in a team
• The ability to lead and mentor others.
• An interest in working with clients and getting involved in proposals and sales conversations.
• A genuine affinity for working in the defence and security sector.

Some projects at Cambridge Consultants are subject to security restrictions. This role requires you to obtain a Security Check (SC) level security clearance  ( 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 National Security Vetting criteria.

Please be aware that, for roles requiring Security Check clearance, applicants will typically need to have been continuously resident in the UK for a minimum of 5 years immediately prior to applying for this role in order to meet the requirements for Security Check (SC) clearance.

What we offer:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (with the option to buy 10 more a year)
• Company bonus (profit share)
• Flexible working patterns and hybrid working
• Medical insurance and group income protection
• Employee assistance programme and mental health support group
• Enhanced maternity/paternity leave
• Sabbatical leave
• Travel insurance (business and leisure)
• Generous company pension plan
• Personalised career development and training plans
• Free breakfast and two-course lunch in the office every day
• Free onsite parking and we are close to public transport links
• A variety of events organised by our social committee, ranging from summer and Christmas parties to board game nights and socials at our own rooftop bar!

Why Cambridge Consultants?

At Cambridge Consultants, you'll contribute to radical, new-to-the-world innovation that transforms business, society and the planet. Joining our multidisciplinary teams means helping to turn bold ideas into reality, harnessing the power of deep tech to create products, services and experiences that have never existed before. Whether you're advancing technologies, shaping strategy, supporting operations or driving commercial growth, it's an opportunity to make a real impact and help create the future.