National AI Awards 2025Discover AI's trailblazers! Join us to celebrate innovation and nominate industry leaders.

Nominate & Attend

Senior Data Scientist – Machine Learning -  Defence – Eligible for SC

Marylebone High Street
4 weeks ago
Create job alert

Senior Data Scientist – Machine Learning - Defence – Hybrid – Eligible for SC

I’m working with a leading Tech company that provide Machine Learning and Data Science expertise to the Defence sector, developing advanced analytics and AI solutions. They collect their own data for building and deploying cutting-edge Machine Learning technologies that enhance national security. They are in the process of building a new Data Science / AI team from the ground up and you'll have the opportunity to shape the technical direction and capabilities of their products. This will be a truly greenfield role where you get to build something from scratch. Experience of doing this previously will be highly valuable as will experience in the Defence sector.

The Role

As the successful Senior Data Scientist, you'll be part of a small team developing AI solutions for defence applications, working with unique datasets . This position offers the chance to apply machine learning in an environment with direct impact on real-world operations.

They provide intelligence data to support Defence operations so we need someone who is ethically aligned with their business mission.

Responsibilities

  • Apply data science techniques to defence challenges including Object Detection, Track Fusion, Causal NetworksGraph Data / Clustering, Reinforcement Learning, and LLM/RAG deployment

  • Conduct ML research and lead operational deployment to build models from scratch

  • Mentor junior team members

  • Implement Data Science best practices

  • Stay current with emerging trends in AI, sensor technologies, and simulation techniques

    Requirements

  • PhD or an MSc in a quantitative field (Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or related STEM discipline)

  • AT least 3-4 years Data Science experience and proven skills in a Senior Data Scientist role.

  • Strong experience of at least one of the following and appreciation of the rest: Object Detection, Track Fusion, Causal Networks, Reinforcement Learning, and LLM/RAG deployment

  • Strong Python programming skills and proficiency with ML libraries

  • Familiarity with MLOps and Cloud platforms (Azure preferred – Azure Cloud Platform, Azure DevOps, Azure AI tools)

  • Security clearance (SC) essential or the ability to obtain it

  • Clear communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences

    What Sets Them Apart

  • Direct Data Access: They collect their own data, eliminating the data silo issues common in defence work

  • End-to-End Development: Build solutions from scratch and see them deployed in the real world

  • Practical Impact: Contribute to projects that enhance national security

  • Balanced Approach: Initially 80% operational work and 20% research, shifting toward more research as capabilities mature

  • Innovation Potential: Opportunity to develop ideas that could become standalone products

    Work Arrangement

  • Hybrid working (minimum one day per week in office)

  • Office locations in London, Oxford or Lincolnshire

  • Salary: Circa £80,000 (based on experience) + bonus + benefits

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Data Scientist

Senior Data Scientist - Outside IR35 Contract

Senior Data Scientist

Senior Data Scientist

Senior Data Scientist

Senior Data Scientist

National AI Awards 2025

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Top 10 Mistakes Candidates Make When Applying for AI Jobs—And How to Avoid Them

Avoid the biggest pitfalls when applying for artificial intelligence jobs. Discover the top 10 mistakes AI candidates make—plus expert tips and internal resources to land your dream role. Introduction The market for AI jobs in the UK is booming. From computer-vision start-ups in Cambridge to global fintechs in London searching for machine-learning engineers, demand for artificial-intelligence talent shows no sign of slowing. But while vacancies grow, so does the competition. Recruiters tell us they reject up to 75 per cent of applications before shortlisting—often for mistakes that could have been fixed in minutes. To help you stand out, we’ve analysed thousands of recent applications posted on ArtificialIntelligenceJobs.co.uk, spoken with in-house talent teams and independent recruiters, and distilled their feedback into a definitive “top mistakes” list. Below you’ll find the ten most common errors, along with actionable fixes, keyword-rich guidance and handy internal links to deeper resources on our site. Bookmark this page before you hit “Apply”—it could be the difference between the “reject” pile and a career-defining interview.

Top 10 Best UK Universities for AI Degrees (2025 Guide)

Discover the ten best UK universities for Artificial Intelligence degrees in 2025. Compare entry requirements, course content, research strength and industry links to choose the right AI programme for you. Artificial Intelligence continues to transform industries—from healthcare to finance to transportation. The UK leads the way in AI research and education, with several universities consistently ranked among the world’s best for Computer Science. Below, we spotlight ten UK institutions offering strong AI-focused programmes at undergraduate or postgraduate level. While league tables shift year to year, these universities have a track record of excellence in teaching, research, and industry collaboration.