DV Cleared Data Scientist

Salt Creating Futures Ltd; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

DV allowance £5,000 p.a.

Up to 10% target annual bonus

Market-leading pension scheme

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Job summary

Salt Creating Futures Ltd is seeking a DV-cleared Data Science Specialist (AI & Machine Learning) to join a premier technology and defence practice. Location: Cheltenham, Ipswich, or Manchester, on-site.

You will lead a 6-person data science team, deliver advanced AI/ML solutions, and drive data capability maturation across critical platforms. The role combines hands-on delivery with strategic leadership, focusing on building custom models, leveraging emerging technologies, and delivering

Qualifications

• Expert-level programming in Python, Scala or Java with data libraries (Pandas, NumPy).
• Deep practical ML knowledge and frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn).
• Strong analytics: graphs, time-series, geospatial data, numerical methods.
• Proven leadership of technical teams and independent delivery with an innovation mindset.

Responsibilities

• Direct line management and technical leadership for a team of 6 data scientists.
• Drive exploitation of complex data sets on critical platforms to deliver actionable outcomes.
• Coordinate design, build and deployment of custom data models, ML algorithms.
• Mentor team members and upskill the data science capability within the team.

Skills

Python

Scala

Java

Pandas

NumPy

TensorFlow

PyTorch

scikit-learn

Leadership

Data Visualization

Tools

Pandas

NumPy

TensorFlow

PyTorch

scikit-learn

Job description

DV Cleared Data Science Specialist (AI & Machine Learning) Location:Cheltenham, Ipswich, or Manchester (100% On-site)

Salary:Up to £100,000 + 10% Bonus

Working Pattern:Full-Time (37.5 hours per week, Monday–Friday)

Security Clearance:Active DV Clearance (10+ years UK residency required)

About the Role We are seeking aData Science Specialistto join a premier technology and defence practice. Sitting within a specialist team, this strategic and technical leadership role is responsible for maturing internal data science capabilities and maximizing the value of complex datasets across critical platforms.

Leading an agile team of 6 data scientists, you will combine hands-on delivery with strategic influence, identifying high-impact opportunities, building custom AI/ML models, and championing emerging technologies to solve complex customer challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Line Management:Direct line management and technical leadership for a team of 6 data scientists across multiple agile projects.
• Advanced Data Exploitation:Drive the exploitation of complex data sets on critical customer platforms to deliver actionable outcomes.
• AI & Algorithm Development:Coordinate the design, build, and implementation of custom data models, intelligent algorithms, and machine learning solutions.
• Mentorship & Capability Building:Act as a senior technical authority to upskill and mentor team members in data science and AI practices.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Programming & Scripting:Expert-level skills in interpreted and compiled languages (Python, Scala, or Java), including proficiency with libraries like Pandas and NumPy.
• Machine Learning & Frameworks:Deep practical knowledge of ML techniques and popular frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn).
• Advanced Data Analytics:Solid grasp of graphs, time-series modelling, numerical algorithms, and geospatial analytics.
• Leadership & Outcomes:Proven experience leading technical teams, managing project delivery, and operating independently with an innovation-focused mindset.

Package & Benefits

• Competitive salary up to£100,000
• £5,000 per annumDV allowance (payable monthly while holding active clearance in role)
• Up to10% target annual bonus
• Market-leading pension scheme
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays