AI Research Engineering Manager | Early-Stage Defence Start-Up | London

AI Research Engineering Manager | Early-Stage Defence Start-Up | London

AI Research Engineering Manager required to lead the design and deployment of advanced intelligent systems at an exciting defence start-up in London.

You’ll build and lead a small, but rapidly growing and high-performing team building the AI behind next-generation autonomous and decision-support systems. It’s a hands-on leadership role where you’ll shape the technical direction from day one.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and grow a top-tier AI research engineering team.
• Own the roadmap from research to deployment — experiments, design, and integration.
• Work closely with leadership and engineering teams to align AI development with strategic objectives.
• Stay close to the code: review models, guide experiments, and drive technical excellence.
• Build a practical, curious, high-energy team culture.

What You’ll Bring

• MSc or PhD in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Computer Science , or related fields.
• 5+ years applying state-of-the-art AI to real systems, ideally in autonomous or high-integrity domains.
• Proven leadership experience - mentoring teams and delivering production AI.
• Strong programming skills in Python, C++, or Rust ; experience with ML frameworks.

Nice to Have

• Background in defence, robotics, start-ups, or military environments .
• Experience with real-time systems, autonomy, or sensor fusion .
• Track record of research or publications at major conferences (NeurIPS, ICLR, CVPR, etc.).
• Comfort working in fast-paced, agile, mission-driven teams.

Why Join

Join early and help build both the technology and the team tackling some of the hardest challenges in defence and autonomy.

If you’re motivated by mission, excited by technical depth, and want to work with people who care deeply about what they build, get in touch now!

AI Research Engineering Manager | Early-Stage Defence Start-Up | London