Associate Data Scientist

QinetiQ Group plc; Farnborough; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence technology firm in Farnborough is seeking an Associate Data Scientist to provide operational meteorological and oceanographic support. You will troubleshoot complex issues, deliver training, and work with advanced technologies alongside experts in the field. Candidates should have a relevant degree and experience in meteorology or oceanography. Competitive benefits include a matched pension scheme, private health options, and a generous holiday allowance.

Benefits

Matched contribution pension scheme

Generous holiday allowance

Private Medical Insurance

Employee discount portal

Volunteering opportunities

Qualifications

• Relevant degree or equivalent experience required.
• Previous experience in meteorology/oceanography or naval training preferred.
• Ability to work autonomously in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Undertake troubleshooting for complex technical issues.
• Ensure compliance with security and quality standards.
• Identify improvement opportunities in capabilities.
• Deliver training and mentoring to users.
• Collaborate with stakeholders for technical solutions.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Experience in GIS applications

Education

Relevant degree in Meteorology, Oceanography, Data Science

Job description

As an Associate Data Scientist, you will be working in a team supplying operational meteorological and oceanographic support and expertise primarily exploiting the outputs of numerical weather prediction models. Day‑to‑day, you will work closely alongside the existing team with considerable opportunities to build domain knowledge and gain valuable real world application experience whilst serving within a team that provides SME Meteorological and Oceanographic data and application support.

Responsibilities

• Undertake troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis for complex technical issues, recommending and implementing solutions.
• Maintain compliance with security and quality standards, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of outputs.
• Proactively identify improvement opportunities and contribute to capability development initiatives.
• Deliver advanced training and mentoring to end users and other colleagues outside of your team, both on‑site and remotely.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to align technical solutions with operational requirements.
• Serve within a team providing data and applications support, ensuring operational capabilities and functionality are maintained.
• Apply strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to evaluate and implement multiple solutions.
• Communicate complex technical information clearly to potentially non‑technical customers.
• Work autonomously and manage priorities in a dynamic operational environment.
• Show interest or experience in GIS applications, modelling and understanding of data formats, contents and manipulation.

Essential Qualifications

• Relevant degree in Meteorology, Oceanography, Data Science or equivalent experience.
• Previous experience in a data field, practical experience in meteorology/oceanography or completion of naval HM Officers/ratings training.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage priorities in a dynamic operational environment.

Why Join QinetiQ?

At QinetiQ we are not just imagining tomorrow – we are creating it. From cutting‑edge defence technology to ground‑breaking innovations, our mission is to empower and protect lives. Join us as an Associate Data Scientist at our Farnborough site, where you will have the opportunity to work with state‑of‑the‑art technology in partnership with some of the most brilliant minds. Our Farnborough facility features high‑energy laser technologies, a 5 m pressurised wind tunnel with unique simulation capability, and a vibrant hub of research and innovation. We value diversity, collaboration and a culture of continuous learning, and we are proud to support the Armed Forces community through the Arms Forces Covenant and our Gold Award standard in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.

Benefits

• Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance.
• Generous holiday allowance, with the option to purchase additional days.
• Option to join Health Cash Plan, Private Medical Insurance and Dental Insurance.
• Employee discount portal: Personal Accident Insurance, Travel Insurance, Restaurants, Cinema Tickets and much more.
• Volunteering opportunities – helping charities and local communities.

Recruitment Process

We aim to make our recruitment process as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments. Many roles are subject to national security vetting; applicants who already hold the appropriate level of vetting may be able to transfer it upon appointment. Certain roles are subject to additional restrictions, which may involve nationality or previous nationalities. All applicants for this role must be eligible for DV clearance.