2027 AI Researcher Apprentice - Level 6 - Crawley

Working alongside AI researchers, engineers and domain specialists, you will support research and experimentation on live projects, translating questions into evidence-based findings, prototypes and recommendations.

What you'll do

• Reviewing technical literature and summarising relevant methods and evidence
• Designing controlled experiments and defining clear evaluation criteria
• Preparing data and developing proof-of-concept machine learning models
• Analysing results, limitations, uncertainty and potential sources of bias
• Documenting methods and communicating findings through reports, demonstrations and reviews
• Working with experienced researchers and engineers on live research challenges

Training

The programme is delivered through a virtual learning model, combining:

• Live virtual lecturers
• Online learning resources
• Self-directed learning activities

You will study towards a Level 6 Machine Learning qualification with Corndel, developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to build and apply artificial intelligence responsibly in an engineering environment.

After the apprenticeship

After the apprenticeship you will role off into the business as an AI Researcher.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Number skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Initiative

Qualifications

• Essential: GCSE, 5 GCSE's including Maths and English (grade Graduate 4/C or above)
• Essential: A Level, 3 A Levels in Maths and a relevant subject (grade C and above with a B in Maths)

Things to consider

Because of the work we do at Thales, all roles are subject to security requirements.

To be considered for this position, you must have the permanent right to work in the UK and be able to successfully complete and maintain UK Government security checks, including Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) screening and Security Clearance (SC), which is a government background check, before starting employment.

To be eligible for SC clearance, you will typically need to have lived in the UK continuously for the last five years. As part of the vetting process, you will be asked to provide evidence of your identity, right to work in the UK, any time spent overseas during the last five years, and your employment and/or education history.

For further details of the evidence required to apply for security clearance please follow this link - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels

Benefits

Holiday entitlement of 201 hours a year (plus a company day and bank holidays). Contributory company pension. Health care cash plan. Employee assistant programme. Learning and development support. Employee discount and wellbeing portal. Life cover. 80 hours volunteering per year (first two years), then 24 each year after that.

About the employer

Together, we create the ingenious technological systems and innovations that impact and improve people's lives every single day. Even if you haven't heard the name Thales before, you've definitely benefited from our inventiveness. We reinvest 20% of our sales in Research & Development in the UK. Together we supply invention across 4 core areas: Aerospace, Space, Defence and Security, Digital Identity and Security.

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Machine learning engineer (level 6), Digital
• Apprenticeship level: Degree (level 6)
• Training provider: CORNDEL LIMITED
• Expected duration: 2 Years
• Hours: 37 hours a week. Working week: Flexible Working

Monday - Thursday, 8 hours per day

Friday, 5 hours

• Start date: 6 September 2027
• Positions available: 2
• Wage: £24,000 a year