AI Engineer

Searchlight Cyber Ltd; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000

Job description

WHO ARE WE?

Searchlight Cyber provides organizations with relevant and actionable dark web threat intelligence, to help them identify and prevent criminal activity.

Founded in 2017 with a mission to stop criminals acting with impunity on the dark web, we have been involved in some of the world's largest dark web investigations and have the most comprehensive dataset based on proprietary techniques and ground-breaking academic research.

Today we help government and law enforcement, enterprises, and managed security services providers around the world to illuminate deep and dark web threats and prevent attacks.

ABOUT THE POSITION

We are seeking a highly skilled AI Engineer to develop and optimize AI-driven reasoning systems using large language models (LLMs) alongside fine-tuned deep learning models for analyzing dark web data. This role involves building and integrating retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) techniques, fine-tuning smaller transformer-based models (e.g., BERT, DistilBERT), and leveraging deep learning architectures for reasoning-based intelligence extraction, pattern recognition, and anomaly detection.

The ideal candidate will have experience in training and fine-tuning AI models, as well as implementing scalable solutions for automated dark web analysis.

WHAT WILL I DO?

• Develop and optimize AI-driven reasoning systems using LLMs to process and analyze dark web data.
• Implement retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) techniques to enhance contextual analysis and knowledge retrieval from structured and unstructured dark web sources.
• Train and fine-tune smaller deep learning models, including vision models (e.g., CNNs, Vision Transformers) and transformer-based NLP models (e.g., BERT, DistilBERT) for classification, entity recognition, and document intelligence.
• Design and maintain scalable AI-powered query systems that integrate reasoning capabilities for dark web intelligence.
• Utilize deep learning and machine learning techniques to enhance automated anomaly detection, pattern recognition, and dark web data analysis workflows.
• Integrate trained models with existing intelligence platforms to improve real-time decision-making and risk assessment.
• Implement responsible AI frameworks, ensuring ethical usage and mitigation of biases in AI-driven dark web analysis applications.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

• Strong programming skills in Python, with experience in AI/ML libraries such as PyTorch, Langchain, and Hugging Face.
• Hands-on experience with LLMs, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and transformer-based architectures such as GPT, BERT, or T5.
• Experience training and fine-tuning smaller deep learning models for NLP and computer vision tasks.
• Knowledge of vector databases (e.g., FAISS, Pinecone, Weaviate) and their use in AI-driven retrieval systems.
• Familiarity with anomaly detection techniques using deep learning and traditional ML approaches.
• Experience working with large-scale data processing frameworks (e.g., Spark, Hadoop, or similar technologies).
• Knowledge of indexing and search systems such as Elasticsearch, Neo4j, or PostgreSQL.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication skills for cross-functional collaboration.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME?

Job satisfaction; working for a company that is genuinely making people's lives better and helping to reduce the impact of internet-based crime. You will have the opportunity to grow your career with the company in a very exciting industry.

On top of a generous salary in line with your experience, you'll receive a great benefits package and a learning and development plan to help ensure your career always moves in the right direction.

You'll be challenged with interesting projects that will help you think outside the box and have plenty of opportunities to learn and practice new skills. You'll be a key member of the team, directly contributing to our customer and supplier relationships and helping business goals. We believe in training & development, having fun, and a great work-life balance.

Your benefits package will include:

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Entry into company pension scheme
• Private healthcare from Axa, including dental and vision coverage
• You'll receive a Perkbox membership, offering a range of high street discounts and other rewards
• We offer both TechScheme and Cycle2Work
• Comprehensive training and support to develop your career, including a training budget
• A range of office perks, including free fresh fruit daily, a bean to cup coffee machine and more
• Regular team building and reward events

INTERVIEW PROCESS

• Screening Call with our Talent Manager
• Short Technical test (role specific)
• Face to face interview with line manager and senior management
  • We'd love to meet you in person for an interview, but are happy for a video call too!
• Offer and onboarding