IO Associates

Role: Machine Learning Engineer Rate: £550/day - Outside IR35 Location: Cheltenham Duration: Initial 6-12 months Clearance Required: eDV A leading client within the UK defence sector is currently seeking several experienced Machine Learning Engineers to join their advanced AI and data science division. This role offers the chance to contribute directly to the UK's national defence capability while working at the cutting edge of applied AI. The successful candidate will be joining a multidisciplinary team focused on developing and deploying machine learning models across a variety of complex defence use cases-ranging from autonomous systems and surveillance technologies to predictive analytics and decision-support platforms. Key Responsibilities: Designing and implementing robust ML models suited to Real Time or mission-critical defence environments Processing and analysing complex datasets, including geospatial, signals, or operational intelligence data Collaborating closely with software engineers, data scientists, and defence stakeholders to ensure scalable and secure system integration Conducting rigorous testing, validation, and documentation of all ML models in line with regulatory and operational standards Staying current with emerging AI/ML techniques and assessing their applicability to defence applications Essential Skills & Experience: Strong background in machine learning, data science, or AI, with a degree in a related field Solid programming skills in Python and proficiency with libraries such as TensorFlow and PyTorch Demonstrated ability to build and optimise ML pipelines from prototype to deployment Understanding of algorithm performance in constrained or sensitive environments Desirable: Prior experience within the defence, aerospace, or national security sectors Familiarity with computer vision, signal processing, or natural language processing Exposure to MLOps, edge computing, or synthetic data generation Knowledge of government or MOD procurement and technical frameworks is an advantage If you are interested in the above position, please contact me, James Chapman on or email me at (even if you don't have a CV yet, I'd like to speak with you!

Role: Machine Learning Engineer Location: Cheltenham Salary: £90,000 Clearance Required: eDV One of our key clients within the UK defence sector is seeking a Machine Learning Engineer to support the expansion of their applied AI and data science capability. Working on mission-critical systems where performance, reliability, and interpretability are essential. You will contribute to the development of advanced machine learning models that support a broad spectrum of defence applications, including Real Time object detection, multi-sensor data fusion, anomaly detection in complex systems, and predictive analytics for operational readiness. The role sits within a multidisciplinary engineering team, collaborating closely with software developers, data scientists, and subject matter experts to design, train, validate, and deploy ML solutions on secure, often resource-constrained platforms. A deep understanding of ML pipelines, data preprocessing, model optimisation, and deployment into production. Key Responsibilities: Designing and implementing robust ML models suited to Real Time or mission-critical defence environments Processing and analysing complex datasets, including geospatial, signals, or operational intelligence data Collaborating closely with software engineers, data scientists, and defence stakeholders to ensure scalable and secure system integration Conducting rigorous testing, validation, and documentation of all ML models in line with regulatory and operational standards Staying current with emerging AI/ML techniques and assessing their applicability to defence applications Essential Skills & Experience: Strong background in machine learning, data science, or AI, with a degree in a related field Solid programming skills in Python and proficiency with libraries such as TensorFlow and PyTorch, Demonstrated ability to build and optimise ML pipelines from prototype to deployment Understanding of algorithm performance in constrained or sensitive environments Desirable: Prior experience within the defence, aerospace, or national security sectors Familiarity with computer vision, signal processing, or natural language processing Exposure to MLOps, edge computing, or synthetic data generation Knowledge of government or MOD procurement and technical frameworks is an advantage If you are interested in the above position, please contact me, James Chapman or email me at (even if you don't have a CV yet, I'd like to speak with you!)

Role: Lead Python Developer Location: Cheltenham or London Salary: £80,000 - £90,000 Clearance Required: DV We're looking for an experienced Lead Python Developer to join a high-impact programme within the UK Defence and National Security sector. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in delivering secure, mission-critical software systems that directly support national safety and strategic defence operations. As a technical leader, you'll drive the design and development of advanced Python-based systems-often in highly secure environments guiding cross-functional teams, ensure engineering excellence, and oversee the full software life cycle, from concept and prototyping to secure deployment and ongoing support. Key Responsibilities: Leading the design and development of Python-based software systems in a high-security setting Working closely with data scientists, analysts, and engineering teams to deliver scalable, reliable solutions Architecting secure applications and services in line with defence-grade standards Mentoring developers and enforcing best practices across code, testing, and deployment Integrating machine learning models and Real Time data pipelines where applicable Collaborating with stakeholders to gather requirements and showcase technical progress Essential Skills & Experience: Proven expertise in Python development in production environments Experience in secure or regulated industries (Defence, Government, Aerospace, etc.) Solid grasp of CI/CD, containerisation (Docker/Kubernetes), and cloud or on-premise deployments Ability to lead technical discussions, reviews, and deliverables across cross-functional teams Familiarity with Agile/Scrum delivery Active DV Clearance If you are interested in the above position, please contact me, James Chapman

Title: IT Service Desk Analyst- 1st Line Support Salary: Up to £27,000 D.O.E Location: Bath (Hybrid 3x PW in office) Are you someone who thrives in a client-facing IT support role and enjoys solving technical issues while delivering excellent service? We're looking for a 1st Line Service Desk Analyst to join a friendly, customer-focused IT team in Bath, supporting 500+ users across multiple office locations. In this role, you'll be the first point of contact for IT support - resolving incidents and service requests, escalating issues when necessary, and ensuring that all tickets are managed efficiently and within SLAs. This is a great opportunity for someone with a strong interest in IT who enjoys working in a collaborative team and providing real value to end users. What you'll do: Act as the first point of contact for technical support issues via the Service Desk Troubleshoot and resolve a wide range of 1st line issues (hardware, software, user access) Escalate complex incidents to 2nd or 3rd line teams with clear, detailed documentation Carry out IT onboarding for starters and leavers, and manage equipment setup Maintain and update support tickets, ensuring a great customer experience Participate in daily system checks, asset management, and procurement tasks Be part of the on-call and office hours rota, supporting users both remotely and on-site What you'll bring: Previous experience in an IT support role (ideally 1st line) A proactive, customer-focused attitude with strong communication skills Sound technical awareness with a genuine interest in IT A full UK driving licence (occasional travel to other offices required) Organised and detail-oriented approach to problem-solving What's in it for you: 25 days holiday plus bank holidays life assurance 4x Salary Encouragement and support for professional development and long-term progression Involvement in IT service improvement initiatives and projects Discretionary performance based bonus And more! Our client has a 2 stage interview process and for the right candidate they will interview this week! If you're interested in this role, or know someone who would be, please reach out