Research Engineer (AI & Data Science)

The Vacancy We are looking for an ambitious AI \& Data Science Engineer to join our growing engineering team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a strong foundation in Python and a passion for machine learning, data science, and intelligent systems. In this role, you'll contribute to the development of AI-driven solutions, data pipelines, and analytics tools that support decision-making across multidisciplinary engineering projects. You'll work closely with experienced engineers to help define requirements, design system integrations, and develop innovative technologies that turn complex data into actionable insights. Whether you're building machine learning models, creating data visualisation tools, or supporting system-level architecture discussions, you'll play a key role in delivering intelligent solutions that make a real impact. What You'll Be Doing * Develop machine learning models for prediction, classification, anomaly detection, and decision support. * Build and maintain data pipelines for structured, unstructured, and sensor-derived datasets. * Develop Python-based modules for model training, evaluation, and deployment. * Create intuitive tools and user interfaces to visualise data, model outputs, and system performance. * Support data engineering activities, including feature extraction, dataset preparation, and data quality validation. * Contribute to model optimisation, benchmarking, testing, and documentation. * Collaborate with senior engineers to gather, define, and document AI and data requirements. * Evaluate commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) AI technologies, cloud services, and data processing solutions. * Support system architecture activities by defining data flows, interfaces, and integration points. * Assist with integration testing and troubleshooting across software, hardware, and data environments. What We're Looking For Essential Skills \& Experience * Strong Python programming skills. * Experience with libraries such as NumPy, Pandas, and scikit-learn. * Understanding of machine learning principles and model development methodologies. * Knowledge of data pipelines, analytics workflows, and intelligent systems. * Ability to interpret technical requirements and convert them into practical solutions. * Interest in systems engineering and multidisciplinary technology environments. Desirable Skills * Experience with TensorFlow or PyTorch. * Knowledge of data visualisation and dashboarding tools. * Familiarity with system architecture diagrams and interface documentation. * Exposure to MLOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and model deployment frameworks. * Experience with cloud-based ML platforms such as Azure Machine Learning, AWS SageMaker, or Google Vertex AI. * Knowledge of Python UI frameworks including Streamlit, PyQt, PySide, or Tkinter. Personal Attributes We're looking for someone who is: * Analytically minded with strong problem-solving abilities. * Curious about how data, AI models, and system components interact. * Comfortable working within cross-functional engineering teams. * An effective communicator with strong documentation skills. * Eager to learn, innovate, and contribute to cutting-edge projects. Why Join Us? This is an opportunity to work at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Systems Engineering , helping to develop next-generation solutions that solve complex real-world challenges. You'll gain exposure to the full AI lifecycle, from requirements definition and data engineering through to model deployment and system integration, while working alongside talented engineers in a collaborative environment. If you're passionate about AI, data, and building intelligent systems that make a difference, we'd love to hear from you. About The MTC The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) is an internationally renowned and respected research and development organisation, bridging the gap between academia and manufacturing, and is home to some of the brightest minds in engineering from around the globe. The MTC's engineers, scientists and technicians work with some of the most advanced manufacturing equipment in the world in a supportive and collegiate environment for the development and demonstration of new technologies on an industrial scale, helping manufacturers of all sizes develop new and innovative processes and technologies. Established to prove cutting edge manufacturing advances in an agile environment in partnership with industry, academia and other institutions, the MTC works with hundreds of industrial clients across a range of sectors including automotive, aerospace, rail, informatics, food and drink, infrastructure, construction and civil engineering, electronics, oil and gas and defence. The MTC helps businesses thrive by advancing their technological and engineering capabilities to improve their business efficiency, capability and competitiveness. Supported by one of the largest public sector investments in UK Manufacturing, the MTC's engineering capabilities cover research and development, advanced manufacturing management, factory design and training for the skills of the future. The MTC has world-class facilities in Coventry, Liverpool and Oxford, and is part of the UK's High Value Manufacturing Catapult, supported by Innovate UK. Reference Checks and Security Checks (where applicable) Due to the nature of our business, all employment is subject to satisfactory references being obtained alongside a level of security clearance checks.