Data Scientist

Leonardo UK Ltd; England; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace and defence company in the UK is seeking a Data Scientist to support data analysis and automation tasks. You will prepare and transform data while applying machine learning techniques. The role offers a hybrid working environment and opportunities for professional development. Ideal candidates will have experience with Python, SQL, and data visualisation, and a degree in a related field is preferred. Join a collaborative team focused on innovation and problem-solving.

Benefits

Generous leave with additional flexi-days

Pension scheme with employer contribution

Mental health support

Access to online courses

Financial rewards for referrals

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Foundational understanding of data concepts, data types, formats, and quality.
• Willingness to work collaboratively and follow guidance from experienced colleagues.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently on technical tasks.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, clean, and transform structured and unstructured data.
• Apply basic statistical, machine learning, and AI techniques.
• Design, develop, and validate data models and visualisations.

Skills

Python for data manipulation

Data preparation

Statistical techniques

Machine learning

Attention to detail

Education

Degree in Data Science, Computer Science or related field

Tools

Excel

SQL

Power BI

Job description

Job Description:

Your impact

Are you ready to apply your early-career experience in data science to lead technical tasks and contribute to the delivery of secure, high-integrity systems and services? At Leonardo UK, Data Scientists work under the guidance of experienced engineers and scientists to support data preparation, analysis, and automation tasks. You’ll gain hands-on experience with real-world data challenges while learning how to apply tools and techniques that support decision-making and innovation.

Your work at Leonardo UK will see you take the lead in solving customer problems in an agile, innovative and team-centric manner. The role may involve a blended hybrid working model, with a mixture of working from home and working on site at one of our Leonardo offices to ensure close collaboration with the wider team and with our customers.

What you will do as a Data Scientist

• Prepare, clean and transform structured and unstructured data to support analytical workflows
• Apply basic statistical, machine learning and AI techniques to solve operational and business challenges
• Design, develop and validate data models and visualisations to extract insights and inform decision-making
• Contribute to the automation of data workflows using scripting and orchestration tools
• Collaborate with engineers, analysts, and data scientists on project tasks
• Document data processes and support compliance with data governance standards
• Participate in training and development activities to build your technical capability

What you’ll bring

• A foundational understanding of data concepts, including data types, formats, and quality
• Proficient in Python for data manipulation, analysis, and automation tasks
• Familiarity with spreadsheets and databases (e.g. Excel, SQL)
• An interest in learning about cloud platforms and data tools
• A logical, problem-solving mindset and attention to detail
• Willingness to work collaboratively and follow guidance from experienced colleagues
• Demonstrated ability to work independently on technical tasks and contribute to project-level decision-making

Core Areas (must have):

• Awareness of data lifecycle stages: collection, storage, processing, and analysis
• Proficient programming skills in Python
• Understanding of data quality and validation principles
• Basic knowledge of data visualisation tools (e.g. Power BI, matplotlib, Excel)
• Ability to follow documented procedures and maintain accurate records
• Interest in working with cloud-based or hybrid data environments
• Experience delivering engineering tasks with minimal supervision
• Ability to contribute to technical discussions and propose solutions to moderately complex problems

Desirable:

• Degree or equivalent experience in Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related field
• Experience leading small technical tasks or work packages
• Exposure to APIs, scripting, or automation tools (e.g., Jupyter, GitHub Actions)
• Awareness of data ethics, privacy, and security principles
• Familiarity with Agile or DevOps ways of working
• Interest in progressing toward roles in data analysis, engineering, or science
• Demonstrated innovation in solving data challenges or improving processes

This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

Be part of something bigger - apply now!

Primary Location: GB - Bristol - Coldharbour Lane

Contract Type: Permanent

Hybrid Working: Hybrid