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

Nominate & Attend

Senior Research Scientist: Data Science and Machine Learning

BAE
Chelmsford
1 month ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Senior Research Scientist: Data Science and Machine Learning AIP

Senior Data Scientist - Creative Optimization

Senior Data Scientist - Research

Senior Data Scientist in Agencies

Analyst, Data Science – at Bank of England (Visa Sponsorship Available)

Senior Data Scientist

 

Location(s): UK, Europe & Africa : UK : Great Baddow 

 

BAE Systems Digital Intelligence is home to 4,500 digital, cyber and intelligence experts. We work collaboratively across 10 countries to collect, connect and understand complex data, so that governments, nation states, armed forces and commercial businesses can unlock digital advantage in the most demanding environments.

BAE Systems Digital Intelligence Innovation and Technology is seeking to recruit a senior researcher to join our rapidly expanding Data and Decision Support Capability. We are looking for candidates who are adaptable, enthusiastic and highly motivated. You should have solid background in Machine Learning (ML) and/or statistical signal processing combined with excellent programming skills in Python and extensive experience in the use of libraries and toolboxes to support efficient development. The right candidate will join our Advanced Information Processing (AIP) group, specialising in developing novel inference algorithms and the application of AI/ML to sequential (time-series) data and decision making. The candidate will have the opportunity to deliver a wide range of AI/ML research topics for customers across the space, defence, security and commercial sectors as well as into our internal BAE Systems programmes. You will also have the opportunity to maintain strong links with Academic partners and to grow technical research areas of interest to you.

 

The Data and Decision Support Capability has a diverse range of teams/groups working across various AI/ML areas such as AI/ML for RF, EW, radar, sonar, distributed sensing-processing, data fusion, reinforcement learning, agent-based ML, autonomy, ML for signal processing,  edge ML, image analysis and computer vision, generative AI, deep fake, LLMs, knowledge graphs, NLP, graph ML and others. You will have the opportunity to work with these colleagues in multi-disciplinary teams. Candidates will also have the opportunity to mix technical challenges with customer-facing and project support tasks.

 

In addition to a solid academic background and excellent written and verbal communication skills, we are particularly interested in candidates with considerable experience in applying AI/ML and developing/tunning state-of-the-art algorithms in one or more of the following application areas: electronic/electromagnetic warfare and CEMA, acoustic data processing, radar in general, object tracking, sensor data fusion, space-domain awareness, (A)PNT, autonomy, human machine teaming and edge ML. Prior experience in  managing and leading the delivery of research projects and teams is high desirable.

 

Typical Responsibilities:

 

  • Lead technical delivery of projects, leading junior researchers. Prepare and deliver technical reports, technical proposals and supporting material

  • Lead novel research in given topic areas; this can be in partnership with other (internal or external) suppliers and/or leading UK Universities

  • Develop prototypes and proof of concept demonstrators

  • Take ownership of tasks in projects and deliver to challenging standards

  • Work effectively both on self-directed projects and as part of a project team

  • Effectively present results to both technical and non-technical audiences

  • Undertake mentoring of junior staff working on similar research topics

  • Patent and/or publish (e.g. in academic conference and journal articles) novel concepts and research findings, where appropriate.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

 

  • Having a PhD or equivalent industry experience in a relevant discipline is essential for this role. You will also have several years of expertise in the application of AI/ML and/or statistical signal processing to sequential (e.g. sensor time-series) data and decision making post PhD. Of particular interest are candidates with experience in one or more of the following domains:

    • RF communications and CEMA

    • Electronic or Electromagnetic Warfare (EW)

    • Tracking and sensor data fusion

    • Radar signal processing

    • Acoustic data processing (including sonar)

    • Distributed sensing and processing

    • Autonomy

    • Human machine teaming

    • Space-domain Awareness (SDA)

    • Positioning, navigation, and timing

    • Pattern of life analytics

  • Experience in software development for proof of concept in Python is essential

  • Experience with machine and deep learning frameworks: TensorFlow, Pytorch, scikit-learn, etc. is essential

  • Current right to work in the UK is essential

  • Evidence of publication in relevant journals and conferences is highly advantageous.

  • Appetite for working in a secure environment is desirable but not essential.

Why BAE Systems?

 

This is a place where you’ll be able to make a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Division overview: Capabilities

At BAE Systems Digital Intelligence, we pride ourselves in being a leader in the cyber defence industry, and Capabilities is the engine that keeps the business moving forward. It is the largest area of Digital Intelligence, containing our Engineering, Consulting and Project Management teams that design and implement the defence solutions and digital transformation projects that make us a globally recognised brand in both the public and private sector.

As a member of the Capabilities team, you will be creating and managing the solutions that earn us our place in an ever changing digital world. We all have a role to play in defending our clients, and this is yours. 

 

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.

AI Jobs UK 2025: 50 Companies Hiring Now

Bookmark this guide – we refresh it every quarter so you always know who’s really scaling their artificial‑intelligence teams. Artificial intelligence hiring has roared back in 2025. The UK’s boosted National AI Strategy funding, record‑breaking private investment (£18.1 billion so far) & a fresh wave of generative‑AI product launches mean employers are jockeying for data scientists, ML engineers, MLOps specialists, AI product managers, prompt engineers & applied researchers. Below are 50 organisations that have advertised UK‑based AI vacancies in the past eight weeks or formally announced growth plans. They’re grouped into five easy‑scan categories so you can jump straight to the kind of employer – & culture – that suits you. For each company you’ll find: Main UK hub Example live or recent vacancy Why it’s worth a look (tech stack, culture, mission) Use the internal links to browse current vacancies on ArtificialIntelligenceJobs.co.uk – or set up a free job alert so fresh roles land in your inbox.

Return-to-Work Pathways: Relaunch Your AI Career with Returnships, Flexible & Hybrid Roles

Stepping back into the workplace after a career break can feel like embarking on a whole new journey—especially in a cutting-edge field such as artificial intelligence (AI). For parents and carers, the challenge isn’t just refreshing your technical know-how but also securing a role that respects your family commitments. Fortunately, the UK’s tech sector now boasts a wealth of return-to-work programmes—from formal returnships to flexible and hybrid opportunities. These pathways are designed to bridge the gap, equipping you with refreshed skills, confidence and a supportive network. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover how to: Understand the booming demand for AI talent in the UK Leverage transferable skills honed during your break Overcome common re-entry challenges Build your AI skillset with targeted training Tap into returnship and re-entry programmes Find flexible, hybrid and full-time AI roles that suit your lifestyle Balance professional growth with caring responsibilities Master applications, interviews and networking Whether you’re returning after maternity leave, eldercare duties or another life chapter, this article will equip you with practical steps, resources and insider tips.

LinkedIn Profile Checklist for AI Jobs: 10 Tweaks That Triple Recruiter Views

In today’s fiercely competitive AI job market, simply having a LinkedIn profile isn’t enough. Recruiters and hiring managers routinely scout for top talent in machine learning, data science, natural language processing, computer vision and beyond—sometimes before roles are even posted. With hundreds of applicants vying for each role, you need a profile that’s optimised for search, speaks directly to AI-specific skills, and showcases measurable impact. By following this step-by-step LinkedIn for AI jobs checklist, you’ll make ten strategic tweaks that can triple recruiter views and position you as a leading AI professional. Whether you’re a fresh graduate aiming for your first AI position or a seasoned expert targeting a senior role, these actionable changes will ensure your profile stands out in feeds, search results and recruiter queues. Let’s dive in.