Lead Computer Vision Engineer

Location : UK – with a preference for candidates able to travel to Bristol and other UK client sites

Security Clearance : SC clearance/eligibility required

Working pattern : Hybrid, with 2–4 days per week on-site depending on client requirements

Salary: £100,000+

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Lead Computer Vision Engineer to drive the development and deployment of advanced AI solutions across the defence sector.

This is a senior, hands-on technical leadership position, combining cutting-edge Computer Vision and Machine Learning with the delivery of real-world solutions to complex defence challenges.

You will act as a technical authority, leading the design and implementation of sophisticated Computer Vision systems while shaping technical strategy, developing new capabilities and mentoring engineers.

The role offers significant autonomy and the opportunity to work on challenging, high-impact projects where advanced AI is applied to real-world operational problems. Alongside technical delivery, you will contribute to business development, support client engagements and help identify new opportunities to apply Computer Vision technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead hands-on Computer Vision development, designing and architecting solutions for complex technical challenges.
• Take ownership of the technical delivery of Computer Vision projects, guiding multidisciplinary teams throughout the development lifecycle.
• Design, develop and deploy state-of-the-art Computer Vision and Machine Learning models into production environments.
• Address the practical challenges of real-world deployment, including model performance, optimisation, latency and reliability.
• Act as the technical authority for Computer Vision, providing expertise to both technical teams and clients.
• Shape the technical strategy and roadmap for Computer Vision capabilities within the defence sector.
• Contribute to business development activities, including bids, proposals and identifying opportunities to apply advanced visual intelligence.
• Stay up to date with the latest developments in Computer Vision and AI, translating emerging research into practical applications.
• Develop reusable tools, R&D accelerators and best practices to strengthen technical capability.
• Mentor and support engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, collaboration and continuous learning.

About You

• Extensive experience in Computer Vision, with a strong understanding of state-of-the-art approaches and techniques.
• Strong knowledge of both Machine Learning-based and classical Computer Vision methods.
• Proven experience taking Computer Vision models from development through to production deployment.
• Experience designing and architecting complex technical systems, translating ambiguous requirements into practical solutions.
• Demonstrable technical leadership experience, with the ability to guide engineers and take ownership of delivery.
• Strong Python development skills, including object-oriented programming, with the ability to work at a lower level when required.
• An understanding of the challenges associated with deploying AI systems in real-world environments, particularly around performance, latency and reliability.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• An entrepreneurial mindset, with the confidence to work autonomously, shape technical direction and identify new opportunities.
• A passion for developing people, building technical capability and staying at the forefront of Computer Vision research.

Working Environment

• Hybrid working, with an expectation of spending approximately 2–4 days per week on client sites.
• Client locations may be based across the UK, so flexibility and a willingness to travel are essential.
• When not working on-site, there is flexibility to work remotely from elsewhere in the UK.
• This is a permanent opportunity offering significant technical ownership, autonomy and the chance to influence the direction of advanced AI projects.

Interested?

If you are a senior Computer Vision specialist looking for a role where you can combine hands-on engineering, technical leadership and the deployment of advanced AI within the defence sector, this is an opportunity to make a significant impact.

Candidates must be eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC) and willing to travel to client sites as required.

We welcome conversations with candidates who may not meet every requirement but have strong, relevant experience and the ambition to take on a leading technical role.