AI Cybersecurity Contractor

Marhala AI is a London-based technology startup specialising in premium digital products for the global luxury hotels and travel sectors. We bridge the gap between elegant user experience and enterprise-grade security.

The company was founded by a recent graduate who brings lived travel experiences, teaching experience in a sensitive socio-political climate and over ten years' programming experience.

We are hiring a high-integrity AI Cybersecurity Contractor to lead the protection of our client's AI-integrated software and automated communication pipelines. This role is the cornerstone of our Security-by-Design philosophy, ensuring that our bespoke AI software models, from bespoke websites and marketing automation to customer profiling systems, remain resilient, transparent and fully compliant with UK data protection law.

This opportunity is ideal for students, recent graduates or entry-level professionals who want to grow with a UK startup company that has plans for international growth. You should be able to work independently with minimal supervision, with the option to work at our client's office for local candidates. You can also choose to complete all work remotely; we're more interested in the quality and ethics of your work.

Key responsibilities

• AI Security Architecture: Review, design and implement secure frameworks for our client's AI-driven software, ensuring the integrity of our client's cloud server, LLM integrations, endpoints and automated data flows.
• Mentorship: Working with the CEO, act as the mentor to a part-time Cybersecurity college Intern, guiding their development in a professional, high-stakes environment.
• Global Compliance: Ensure all technology delivery maintains the requirements of the UK GDPR and international information standards frameworks.
• Vulnerability & Threat Management: Lead threat modelling, penetration testing and security audits for high-profile hospitality clients, maintaining the "Marhala Standard" of technical excellence.

The ideal candidate

• Global talent: This position is open to qualified applicants worldwide. You must have completed a bootcamp or higher qualification in cybersecurity, AI or a related subject.
• UK eligibility: Candidates applying from the United Kingdom must have Right to Work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship.
• Technical expertise: Proven academic and/or internship experience in AI security, software engineering or digital forensics. Familiarity with securing AWS cloud server infrastructure and commercial third-party system integrations is a plus.
• Integrity and professionalism: A commitment to professional integrity and the handling of sensitive client data with the highest level of confidentiality. For us, this is non-conditional.

You will get

• The experience of working for a dynamic AI mobile app and software development startup company registered in the UK, with future plans to expand abroad.
• Work on a client project and see the results of your hard work.
• Work flexibly remotely or at our client's location in Surrey.
• The option to increase your monthly hours with the onboarding of future clients.

Confidentiality & onboarding

• Non-Disclosure Agreement: The successful candidate will be required to sign a comprehensive Non-Disclosure Agreement before accessing client projects or project-specific documentation.
• Provisional Start Date: 15th June 2026.

Fair hiring & equal opportunities

At Marhala AI, we believe that integrity and talent have no borders. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every individual is treated with respect and dignity.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds, regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age or disability. Our hiring process is focused strictly on your technical potential, your ethical alignment with our Security-by-Design philosophy, and your ambition to grow alongside the company. We value lived experience and the unique perspectives that a diverse, global team brings to the future of AI, including our research and development.

How to apply

Please submit your CV and a brief statement about yourself, your philosophy regarding AI transparency and your career ambitions to [email protected]. Any CVs submitted without this will not be considered.