Research Scientist: Data Science and Machine Learning AIP

BAE Systems; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence company based in Chelmsford is seeking a candidate with a strong background in AI/ML and programming expertise in Python. This role involves leading technical projects, preparing reports, and developing prototypes for various sectors including defence and security. The ideal candidate will hold a PhD or equivalent experience and possess extensive knowledge in statistical signal processing. Join us to drive novel research and participate in collaborative projects with both industry and academic partners.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent industry experience in a relevant discipline.
• Several years of expertise in the application of AI/ML and statistical signal processing to sequential data.
• Experience in software development for proof of concept in Python.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical delivery of projects, managing junior researchers.
• Prepare and deliver technical reports and proposals.
• Develop prototypes and proof of concept demonstrators.
• Mentor junior staff on research topics.

Skills

Machine Learning

Programming in Python

Statistical signal processing

TensorFlow

Pytorch

scikit-learn

Education

PhD or equivalent industry experience

Job description

Overview

You should have a solid background in Machine Learning (ML) and/or statistical signal processing combined with excellent programming skills in Python and extensive experience in the use of libraries and toolboxes to support efficient development. The right candidate will join our Advanced Information Processing (AIP) group, specialising in developing novel inference algorithms and the application of AI/ML to sequential (time-series) data and decision making. The candidate will have the opportunity to deliver a wide range of AI/ML research topics for customers across the space, defence, security and commercial sectors as well as into our internal BAE Systems programmes. You will also have the opportunity to maintain strong links with Academic partners and to grow technical research areas of interest to you.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical delivery of projects, leading junior researchers.
• Prepare and deliver technical reports, technical proposals and supporting material.
• Lead novel research in given topic areas; this can be in partnership with other (internal or external) suppliers and/or leading UK Universities.
• Develop prototypes and proof of concept demonstrators.
• Take ownership of tasks in projects and deliver to challenging standards.
• Work effectively both on self-directed projects and as part of a project team.
• Effectively present results to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Undertake mentoring of junior staff working on similar research topics.
• Patent and/or publish (e.g. in academic conference and journal articles) novel concepts and research findings, where appropriate.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent industry experience in a relevant discipline.
• Several years of expertise in the application of AI/ML and/or statistical signal processing to sequential (e.g. sensor time-series) data and decision‑making post PhD.
• Experience in software development for proof of concept in Python.
• Experience with machine and deep learning frameworks: TensorFlow, Pytorch, scikit-learn, etc.

Additional Interests

• RF communications
• CEMA Electronic or Electromagnetic Warfare (EW) Tracking and sensor data fusion
• Radar signal processing
• Acoustic data processing (including sonar)
• Distributed sensing and processing
• Autonomy
• Human machine teaming
• Space‑domain Awareness (SDA)
• Positioning, navigation, and timing
• Pattern of life analytics

Vetting & Diversity

We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.