Senior Machine Learning Engineer

We are seeking a Senior Machine Learning Engineer to join our growing Data Science team, reporting to the Head of Data Science. This role will be responsible for designing, developing, deploying, and optimising machine learning models in production environments, ensuring scalability, reliability, and performance.

You will play a key role in building robust ML pipelines, implementing MLOps best practices, and working closely with data scientists and engineers to deploy AI-driven solutions.

What you’ll be doing as a Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Develop and deploy high-performance machine learning models, ensuring seamless integration into business workflows
Implement MLOps best practices, including CI/CD pipelines, monitoring, logging, and automated retraining of models
Optimise ML models for performance, scalability, and latency, ensuring they meet real-world operational requirements
Design and develop efficient data pipelines, transforming raw data into high-quality features for ML models
Deploy and manage machine learning models on cloud-based AI/ML platforms such as Azure ML, AWS SageMaker, or Databricks
Work closely and ongoing collaboration with Data and Software Engineering, Data Science, Architecture, Data Management and BI teams to ensure the delivery integration of ML models into production systems and drive AI adoption across the organisation
To drive tooling, frameworks, policies, best practices, and feedback loops across “workforce”, Data Science, Product, and “Head of” across Thames
Stay updated with advancements in AI, ML, and deep learning techniques, actively contributing to innovation and technology improvements within the businessBase Location: Hybrid – Clear Water Court, Reading
Travel to other site will be required
36 hours a week.

What you should bring to the role
To thrive in this role, the essential criteria you’ll need is:
experience in machine learning engineering, model deployment, and optimisation
Strong experience in MLOps & AI Deployment – Implementing automated model retraining, monitoring, and CI/CD pipelines
Scalable ML Systems – Experience optimising models for low-latency, high-throughput production applications
Big Data & Cloud ML – Hands-on experience working with cloud-based AI/ML services such as Azure ML, Databricks, or AWS SageMaker
Cross-Functional Collaboration – Proven ability to work with data scientists, engineers, and business teams to translate AI solutions into operational impact
Confidence and credibility to engage in regulatory events (e.g. OFWAT) and represent Thames Water in external discussions with vendors and partners
Hands-on experience with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, GCP) for AI/ML workloads
Strong skills in SQL, Spark, and ETL workflows to process large-scale data efficientlyAdditional skills and experiences would be great to have/bring:

Experience in the Water/Waste Utility Sector – Understanding of key challenges in infrastructure monitoring, resource optimisation, and sustainability
Experience working with sensor and IoT data for real-time predictive analytics
Experience building AI models to automate decision-making and operational workflows.
Master’s or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Data Science, AI, or a related field
Cloud AI/ML Certifications – Certifications in Azure ML, AWS AI, or Google Cloud AI/ML solutionsWhat’s in it for you?

Competitive salary from £90,000 to £100,000 per annum
Annual Leave - 26 days holiday per year increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays)
Car Allowance
Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets
Generous Pension Scheme through AON
Private Medical Health Care
Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assuranceFind out more about our benefits and perks

Who are we?
We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learn more about our purpose and values

Working at Thames Water
Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, we’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment