Senior Data Scientist

ParleyX; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A mission-focused defense technology group in London is hiring a Data Scientist to lead machine learning delivery across various defense and aerospace projects. The ideal candidate will have strong research credentials and hands-on experience deploying ML models. This role offers a hybrid working model and requires candidates to maintain Security Clearance. Unique benefits include 30 days leave, private insurance, and performance bonuses.

Benefits

30 days annual leave

Private medical insurance

Pension contribution

Discretionary performance bonus

Cycle to Work scheme

Gympass

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or Engineering.
• Strong programming proficiency in Python.
• Experience deploying machine learning models in real-world systems.
• Familiarity with MLOps practices.

Responsibilities

• Translate complex operational problems into ML use cases.
• Design and deploy machine learning models across applications.
• Run experiments and deliver AI components into live systems.
• Collaborate across teams to identify AI opportunities.
• Mentor junior data scientists.

Skills

Python programming

Machine Learning frameworks

Collaboration

Clear communication

Education

PhD in a quantitative field

Master's in a quantitative field

Tools

Azure

Job description

ABOUT THE COMPANY

A mission-focused defense technology group is hiring a Data Scientist to lead machine learning delivery across a range of strategic and operational use cases. The organization bridges advanced digital engineering and simulation with real-world mission expertise - delivering high-impact solutions across defense, aerospace, and national security domains. With a strong cross-functional structure, this role operates within a dedicated digital and synthetics unit that combines data science, synthetic environments, and decision systems to accelerate the deployment of practical, AI-driven capabilities.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Data Scientist will join a collaborative lab-style environment focused on translating operational defense challenges into technical AI/ML solutions. The role is hands-on and research-oriented, with an emphasis on building and deploying ML models across key domains such as object detection, causal inference, track fusion, LLM/NLP integration, and reinforcement learning. Ideal for someone with strong research credentials and a desire to apply them in a real-world, national security context.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Translate complex operational problems into tractable ML use cases
• Design, adapt, and deploy machine learning models across applications like object detection, RAG/LLM, reinforcement learning, track fusion, and causal networks
• Run experiments and deliver production-ready AI components into live systems
• Collaborate across technical and domain-specific teams to identify impactful AI opportunities
• Mentor junior data scientists and support the development of shared internal tooling
• Contribute to technical standards and best practices across the ML lifecycle
• Stay abreast of advances in AI, simulation, and sensor systems relevant to defense and aerospace

REQUIREMENTS

• Advanced degree (PhD preferred; Master's with strong applied experience also considered) in a quantitative field such as Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or Engineering
• Strong programming proficiency in Python and ML frameworks
• Hands-on experience deploying machine learning models in real-world systems
• Familiarity with MLOps practices and cloud platforms (Azure preferred)
• Ability to work with at least one of: object detection, causal inference, LLMs/NLP, reinforcement learning, or sensor fusion
• Clear and effective communicator, able to explain complex topics to non-technical stakeholders
• Strong collaboration and mentoring mindset within multidisciplinary teams
• Prior experience in the defense or aerospace sector is advantageous but not essential

WORKING MODEL & SECURITY

• London-based role with hybrid flexibility
• Candidates must be eligible for and able to maintain Security Clearance (SC) aligned with national defense standards

BENEFITS & CULTURE

• 30 days annual leave
• Private medical insurance
• Pension contribution
• Group life insurance and long-term disability protection
• Discretionary performance bonus
• Cycle to Work scheme, Electric Car scheme, and Gympass
• Employee Assistance Program and business travel insurance
• Culture grounded in collaboration, excellence, and humility, with clear values driving both leadership and innovation

If you're a data scientist eager to apply ML in high-consequence environments and contribute to cutting-edge operational capabilities, this role offers a rare blend of purpose, autonomy, and technical challenge.