Lead Machine Learning Engineer (LLMs / RAG / Python / GCP) | UK/EU Remote, B2C Start-up | £500-650/day | Outside IR35 | Initial 6-month contract, likely extension We’re supporting a stealth-mode, venture-backed startup with a world-class founding team (ex-Google) and a clear mission: applying modern ML techniques to solve real-world challenges in creative, impactful ways. They’re looking for a Lead Machine Learning Engineer (Contract) to help design, build, and deploy core ML components of their product - and to set the technical direction and lead others by example. If you thrive on solving complex problems under pressure, enjoy working hands-on with the latest ML and RAG techniques, and can confidently lead a small team while staying close to the code, this could be a great fit. What You’ll Do as Lead Machine Learning Engineer (LLMs / RAG / Python / GCP) | UK/EU Remote, B2C Start-up | £500-650/day | Outside IR35 | Initial 6-month contract, likely extension • Lead the design and implementation of ML models, with a focus on Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and LLM-powered features • Take ownership of tricky, ambiguous problems - reasoning out loud, making decisions, and driving solutions forward without waiting for perfect specs • Build and scale robust backend infrastructure & APIs (Python, GCP, etc.) • Debug and optimise the state of the ML stack; know what’s going on under the hood, not just at the surface • Collaborate directly with the founding team to iterate quickly on product direction and integrate ML into a mobile-first environment • Support and guide more junior engineers, setting the pace and standard for the team What We’re Looking For as Lead Machine Learning Engineer (LLMs / RAG / Python / GCP) | UK/EU Remote, B2C Start-up | £500-650/day | Outside IR35 | Initial 6-month contract, likely extension • Strong theoretical and practical ML skills, with experience training models from scratch • Hands-on experience applying LLMs in production, including fine-tuning & RAG pipelines • Confident, fast-thinking problem solver who can reason clearly under pressure • Backend engineering expertise in Python (FastAPI, Pydantic, etc.) and experience deploying on GCP • Startup mindset: proactive, resilient, and comfortable with ambiguity • A leader who can take charge when needed, guide junior team members, and make tough decisions Contract Details • Contract: LTD company (UK/EU) / B2B • Location: Remote (must be EU-based for timezone reasons) • Duration: 6 months, with potential to extend • Start: ASAP If you’re an experienced ML engineer who’s technically sharp, enjoys leading from the front, and thrives in fast-moving environments, we’d love to hear from you. Apply here, and we’ll be in touch if it’s a strong match.