Senior Research Scientist: Data Science and Machine Learning

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.