Principal Data Scientist

Leonardo; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global aerospace and defense company in Bristol seeks a Principal Data Scientist to lead on automation and machine learning while managing a small team. Candidates should have substantial data science experience and expertise in programming and cloud platforms. The role also involves mentoring junior staff and developing predictive models. The company offers excellent benefits such as flexible working, generous leave, and a supportive environment for career development.

Benefits

Generous leave with flexi-days

Up to 15% employer contribution pension scheme

Free mental health support

Bonus scheme for eligible employees

Access to 4,000+ online courses

Referral programme rewards

Up to £500 annually on flexible benefits

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• UK DV Clearance or the ability to obtain it.
• 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 information.

Responsibilities

• Lead the continual development of Automation and Machine Learning capabilities.
• Manage a team of 4-6 individuals.
• Undertake pre-processing of structured and unstructured data.
• Lead the development of predictive models and machine-learning algorithms.
• Coach/mentor junior team members.

Skills

Data science and analytics experience

Advanced analytics methods

Statistical models, machine learning and AI algorithms

Programming languages (Java, Python, R, SQL)

Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure)

Communication skills for technical info

Education

Degree in Computer Science, Statistics or Data Science

Job description

Job Description:

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:

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.

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