PhD Graduate AI & Algorithms Engineer (2026 start)

Cambridge Consultants

THE ROLE We have an exciting opportunity for an internship within our AI & Algorithms department. This placement can be between 6- and 12-months duration with a flexible start date, and is suitable for PhD and Masters students who have completed their first year of study. As an AI & Algorithms Engineer (PhD Intern), you’ll have the opportunity to get involved with a range of diverse projects working and supported by a talented team of experts and mentors. You'll engage in hands-on tasks such as modelling, training, testing, and data-wrangling. With cutting-edge labs and computing resources at your disposal, you'll use technology to solve problems in the real world.   WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING * Working alongside our engineers building AI systems, developing your skills through hands-on coding and training/testing models. * Supporting projects for our clients to solve real-world problems. * Learning software development skills in mixed-discipline teams, attending stand-ups and contributing to planning sessions. * Contributing to our internal research and development programs, building on state-of-the-art AI literature to produce our own, market-leading solutions and compelling demonstrations that showcase our expertise to clients. * Communicating the results of your work to your colleagues and clients.        WHAT YOU CAN BRING We are looking for someone with a degree in a relevant subject, such as AI/machine learning, computer science, mathematics, physics or theoretical physics, and currently studying towards a relevant PhD or Master’s.  You will also have: * Interest in applying AI and algorithmic techniques to real-world problems. * Strong Python programming skills and understanding of modern version control (e.g. Git) * Demonstrable research experience in a data-driven field (such as project work, conference proceedings, journals publications).   Some projects at Cambridge Consultants are subject to security restrictions. This role requires you to obtain a Security Check level security clearance (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/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.   While not essential requirements, we would also be very interested if you have experience with any of the following: * Information science, Bayesian statistics * Signal processing * Bioinformatics * Reinforcement learning * Transformer and diffusion models * Robotics (including VLA models) * Edge compute   WHY CAMBRIDGE CONSULTANTS? 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. We combine our research output with engineering rigour to create innovative and robust solutions to solve complex problems presented to us by our clients. We help clients across a diverse range of markets, including defence/security, healthcare, biotech, industrial and energy, so there is no shortage of variety. At the heart of what we do are talented and motivated multi-disciplinary teams empowered to create cutting edge technologies and systems to solve difficult problems for our clients. We offer a diverse, fun, and challenging work environment where you'll have the chance to work on a wide variety of projects that deliver real value using technology.  We recognise and celebrate individual talent and we understand the importance of letting individuals be just that. Our people are here to do the best work of their lives and our job is to provide the platform for them to do it. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By submitting an application to Cambridge Consultants, you confirm that the information provided in this application, together with any supporting documentation, is true, complete, and accurate to the best of your knowledge and belief. You understand that any false statement, misleading information, or material omission may render you liable to disqualification from the recruitment process, withdrawal of any offer of employment, or dismissal without notice if discovered following appointment. You acknowledge that the organisation reserves the right to verify the information supplied. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cambridge Consultants

THE ROLE   We have an opportunity for a Principal 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 require cutting edge algorithms. As one of the senior technical voices in the team, you’ll be architecting the algorithmic approach on our projects, setting the technical bar for others, and helping shape the work we deliver. As well as hands-on engineering, you’ll spend time with clients, using your expertise to win new projects as well as deliver them. You’ll work in multidisciplinary teams that use our labs and computing resources to enable us to deliver ambitious projects. 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.  We offer a flexible approach to hybrid working, although some of the projects you will be working on will require full-time working in the office. WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING   * Applying data-driven software development in machine learning/AI, applied statistics, and sensor processing, alongside mathematical computing techniques such as digital signal processing, simulation, and numerical optimisation.  * Acting as technical lead and architect on our larger, more complex projects, owning the technical solution and the value it delivers to the client.  * Setting technical direction and acting as technical reviewer across the department, with your opinion sought by colleagues.  * Leading the development of proposals and costed work programmes, turning client problems into work we can win and deliver.  * Driving internal capability and demonstrators that keep us at the leading edge and open up new conversations with clients.  * Mentoring engineers and conducting technical interviews to help us recruit and grow strong people.  * Contributing to how the department works, improving our processes and technical standards.  WHAT YOU CAN BRING We are looking for an experienced engineer, with the breadth to lead the algorithmic component of multidisciplinary work and the ability to work with our commercial teams to help create and win new work. * 5+ years’ experience designing and delivering cutting edge algorithms for intelligent systems, including working on defence or security projects.  * Technical skills in one or more of: transformer models, diffusion models, reinforcement learning, machine vision and perception.  * A strong undergraduate degree in a relevant technical subject, such as AI/machine learning, computer science, mathematics or, physics. A PhD in a relevant subject is welcome but not required; deep, demonstrable industrial expertise is what matters.  * Strong Python and software engineering judgement. * The ability to architect the technical approach on complex projects and to review the work of others, including working autonomously as the technical authority.  * Experience mentoring and developing engineers.  * Experience working with non-technical stakeholders for your work.  * Interest in working directly with clients and contributing to proposals and sales conversations.  * A genuine affinity for working in the defence and security sector.   Because of where this role sits, holding (or being able to obtain) UK security clearance is essential. You must be eligible to obtain Security Check (SC) level security clearance (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/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 criteria.  While not essential requirements, we would also be very interested if you have experience with any of the following:  * Technical experience with any of: signal processing, edge computing, statistical modelling, numerical optimisation, or simulation.  * A track record of building client relationships and leading the technical side of sales campaigns and proposals.  * An established external profile: publications, conference talks or shareable project credentials  * A PhD or published research in a data-driven field   WHY CAMBRIDGE CONSULTANTS?  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. We combine our research output with engineering rigour to create innovative and robust solutions to solve complex problems presented to us by our clients. We help clients across a diverse range of markets, including defence/security, healthcare, biotech, industrial and energy, so there is no shortage of variety.  At the heart of what we do are talented and motivated multi-disciplinary teams empowered to create cutting edge technologies and systems to solve difficult problems for our clients. We offer a diverse, fun, and challenging work environment where you'll have the chance to work on a wide variety of projects that deliver real value using technology.   We recognise and celebrate individual talent and we understand the importance of letting individuals be just that. Our people are here to do the best work of their lives and our job is to provide the platform for them to do it. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By submitting an application to Cambridge Consultants, you confirm that the information provided in this application, together with any supporting documentation, is true, complete, and accurate to the best of your knowledge and belief. You understand that any false statement, misleading information, or material omission may render you liable to disqualification from the recruitment process, withdrawal of any offer of employment, or dismissal without notice if discovered following appointment. You acknowledge that the organisation reserves the right to verify the information supplied. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cambridge Consultants

INTRODUCTION We’re looking for STEM graduates keen to start making real products for our clients.  You’ll need to be eager to turn your hand to a lot of different tasks and enjoy constantly learning new things.  In return we can offer the chance to tackle some of the hardest engineering problems around, such as novel applications of robotics, collaborating with LEGO to develop LEGO® SMART Play™  and other embedded products, as well as defence and national security projects such as pioneering AI cyberattack response for the UK military. OVERVIEW   Cambridge Consultants undertakes over 300 technology, design and consulting projects every year. You will get to work across the broad range of markets, from Consumer Devices to Industrial Systems to Defence and National Security. The Electronics and Software group is a cohesive team of multi-disciplinary experts in everything to do with embedded systems and devices – whether that’s electronics, embedded software, physics, control, communications, security or algorithm design.  We’re much more interested in the engineer you can become than the one you are now, and we mentor our team to grow them into brilliant technologists. We need people who are enthusiastic about learning, keen to pick up new skills, and can show evidence of a rigorous approach to solving real-world problems. An ability to learn and a determination to grow are more important than the knowledge you already have.    YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES  With lots of support and guidance from your peers, you will work as part of our technical team on client assignments in multi-disciplinary projects for a wide range of markets. You may work on one or more projects at a time, in a variety of different disciplines and roles.  You will work on the design and implementation of systems for a wide range of applications and products. You will have many opportunities to develop your technical design skills for analogue and digital hardware, information engineering, embedded software, control, communications and whole product design. This could include writing software in C for embedded targets, writing SystemVerilog for FPGAs, PCB design and hardware testing.  You will have the chance to interact directly with clients at all phases of projects, from requirements capture and progress updates to final handover.    ABOUT YOU We’re looking for applicants with the following experience or skills:  * An excellent degree or PhD in general, electrical, electronic or information engineering, computer science or physics.  * Experience through university, work or home projects in at least one of the following areas, and enthusiasm for learning about the others:  * PCB design * Digital electronics (processors, memory, DSP, Verilog, VHDL)  * Analogue electronics (general, interfaces, RF, power)  * Software implementation in C, C++, Rust, or a similar programming language  Some projects at Cambridge Consultants are subject to security restrictions. This role requires you to obtain a Security Check level security clearance ( https://www.gov.uk/guidance/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. We welcome applications from recent graduates with industrial experience, final year students and graduates with relevant academic course or research experience.  We are looking for excellence and are as interested in your skills and ability to learn quickly as we are in your experience.  Along with your CV, please describe why you are attracted to this position, what you feel you offer Cambridge Consultants, and any achievements that you are particularly proud of. We are especially interested to hear about any software, electronics or engineering projects you have done, for a hobby, for work or for university.      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By submitting an application to Cambridge Consultants, you confirm that the information provided in this application, together with any supporting documentation, is true, complete, and accurate to the best of your knowledge and belief. You understand that any false statement, misleading information, or material omission may render you liable to disqualification from the recruitment process, withdrawal of any offer of employment, or dismissal without notice if discovered following appointment. You acknowledge that the organisation reserves the right to verify the information supplied. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------