Principal Agentic AI Engineer (Defence and Security)

Responsibilities

Our talent team is representing a confidential defence and security consultancy seeking a Principal Agentic AI Engineer. In this role, you will design and implement cutting-edge AI solutions, including agentic AI systems that can search, interpret, analyze information, and plan actions to achieve objectives.

You will serve as technical lead and architect on complex projects, owning the technical solution and ensuring value delivery. As a senior technical voice, you'll set the technical bar across the department, with colleagues seeking your expertise and guidance.

Your responsibilities include:

• Leading the development of proposals and costed work programs, translating client challenges into deliverable solutions
• Driving internal capability development and demonstrators to maintain leading-edge positioning
• Mentoring engineers and conducting technical interviews to strengthen the team
• Contributing to departmental processes and technical standards
• Assuring the quality of AI system outputs using appropriate validation technologies
• Collaborating with subject matter experts to build systems grounded in deep domain understanding
• Working directly with clients on sales conversations and project delivery

Much of the work requires UK security clearance. While you won't work exclusively in defence and security, genuine interest in this sector matters.

What We're Looking For

Required qualifications:

• 5+ years designing and delivering cutting-edge AI solutions, with specific experience in agentic AI systems
• Strong undergraduate degree in AI/machine learning, computer science, mathematics, physics, or related technical subject
• Strong Python skills and software engineering judgment
• Ability to architect technical approaches on complex projects and review others' work autonomously
• Experience mentoring and developing engineers
• Experience working with non-technical stakeholders
• Interest in client-facing work, including proposals and sales conversations
• Genuine affinity for the defence and security sector
• Must hold (or be able to obtain) UK Security Check (SC) level clearance
• Must be able to work in the UK without restrictions in accordance with UK National Law

The role offers flexible hybrid working, though some projects require full-time office presence.

How We Work with You

When you apply through Get A Job.ai, our recruiting team will review your background and conduct an initial screening. If there's a strong match, we'll submit your profile to our client for consideration. Please do not contact the client directly—all communication should flow through our team to ensure the best representation of your candidacy.

Pay

Compensation details to be discussed during the screening process.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Get A Job.ai is committed to inclusive hiring practices. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.