Principal Data Scientist

Leonardo UK Ltd; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in Aerospace and Defence is seeking a Principal Data Scientist in Bristol. This hands-on role involves leading machine learning capabilities and managing a small team. Candidates should have strong data science experience, knowledge of programming languages, and cloud platforms. Competitive benefits include generous leave, pension scheme, mental health support, and opportunities for continuous learning. This is a hybrid role that promotes flexibility and work-life balance.

Benefits

Generous leave including flexi-days

15% employer contribution pension scheme

Free access to mental health support

Access to 4,000+ online courses

Flexible working hours

Financial reward for referrals

Annual budget for flexible benefits

Qualifications

• Excellent data science and analytics experience.
• Strong knowledge in advanced analytics methods.
• Strong knowledge across statistical models, machine learning, and AI algorithms.
• Experience with programming languages such as Java, Python, R, SQL.
• Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS and Azure.
• Ability to communicate technical information to a non-technical audience.

Responsibilities

• Lead on the continual development of Automation, Orchestration, and Machine Learning capabilities.
• Be a People Leader and manage 4-6 individuals.
• Undertake pre-processing of structured and unstructured data.
• Lead the end-to-end development of predictive models and machine-learning algorithms.
• Coach/mentor junior members of the team.

Skills

Data science and analytics experience

Advanced analytics methods

Statistical models

Machine learning

AI algorithms

Java

Python

R

SQL

AWS

Azure

Education

Degree in Computer Science, Statistics, or Data Science

Job description

Job Description

Principal Data Scientist

Your impact

This is a highly rewarding and hands on role with exposure across both traditional and cutting-edge enterprise IT as well as bespoke Operational Technology systems. You will be working in a dynamic environment with a team that is motivated to deliver innovative solutions to customers within defence, government and commercial sectors. We are after creative, passionate, technically savvy and personable people to help grow our practice and solve some of the most challenging, exciting and critical challenges to the UK’s digital landscape.

As a Principal Data Scientist you will:

• Lead on the continual development of Automation, Orchestration and Machine Learning capabilities
• Be a People Leader and manage 4-6 individuals
• Undertake pre-processing of structured and unstructured data
• Lead the end-to-end development of predictive models and machine-learning algorithms
• Coach/mentor junior members of the team

What you’ll bring

• UK DV Clearance or the ability obtain it (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearancelevels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels)
• Excellent data science and analytics experience
• Strong knowledge in advanced analytics methods
• Strong knowledge across statistical models, machine learning and AI algorithms
• Experience with programming languages such as Java, Python, R, SQL
• Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS and Azure
• Ability to communicate complicated technical and analytical information to a nontechnical audience
• A degree in Computer science, Statistics, Data Science or equivalent field would be advantageous but is not essential

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