Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Company Description Aotahi is a UK-based incorporated startup focused on streamlining administrative tasks in healthcare. Role Description As a Senior Machine Learning Engineer, you will lead the development and optimisation of an AI model for the Kinetic Edge Assistant (KEA), focusing on vision-to-text processing. Reporting to the CTO, you will drive the TRL3 phase objectives, including proof-of-concept model training and integration with the KEA software stack and associated edge hardware. This role is pivotal in ensuring on-device AI performance meets clinical standards for accuracy, latency, and reliability, while contributing to scalable, GDPR-compliant solutions. The position is fully-remote, based in the UK, fixed-term for three months starting in January 2026 with potential to extend. Key Responsibilities • Design, train, and fine-tune a machine learning model using pre-trained architectures. • Optimise models for edge deployment. • Collaborate on data annotation and curation, leveraging simulated and real-world surgical datasets to support iterative model refinement. • Integrate AI components with the custom Android Open Source Project (AOSP) software stack, incorporating experiment tracking and CI/CD. • Develop secure cloud integration pipelines for encrypted data uploads (AES-256/TLS 1.3), enabling GDPR-aligned storage, processing, and feedback loops for model improvement. • Collaborate on benchmarks and validations, including structured feedback from surgical professionals. • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to innovations. • Support cross-functional efforts with external partners for TRL4 ML development and hardware prototyping. Requirements • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field preferred but not necessary if relevant work experience and achievements can be shown. • 5+ years of experience in machine learning engineering, with a focus on computer vision and natural language processing for edge devices. • Proficiency in Python, PyTorch, and Hugging Face Transformers; experience with on-device optimisation (e.g., TensorFlow Lite, ONNX) and NPU acceleration. • Strong knowledge of data pipelines, annotation tools (e.g., Roboflow), and cloud platforms (e.g., Kubernetes). • Some familiarity with Android development, AOSP customisation, and security standards (GDPR, encryption protocols). • Demonstrated ability to deliver production-ready ML systems in resource-constrained environments, with a track record of >95% model accuracy in real-time applications. • Excellent problem-solving skills and experience in healthcare or regulated industries is advantageous. • UK work eligibility required. What We Offer • Annual salary equivalent of £75,533 (pro rata for 51 day contract: £14,816), plus equity if contract is extended. • Potential to extend beyond three month contract to full-time position upon project completion. • Fully remote working arrangements with discretionary travel for collaborations if practical (e.g., to visit our partner UK HE organisation, ECM facilities etc.). • Professional development opportunities, including access to our partner UK HE organisation resources and international partnerships. • Contribution to meaningful impact: improving healthcare efficiency and outcomes through AI innovation. • Collaborative, supportive, modern and future-focused work environment where your development and work-life balance are just as important as the company's aspirations.