Senior Data Scientist

ParleyX; London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A mission-focused defense technology group is seeking a Data Scientist to lead machine learning initiatives. This role involves developing and deploying ML models in defense applications within a collaborative lab environment. The ideal candidate will have a strong quantitative background and experience in deploying ML solutions, particularly in complex operational contexts. The position offers a hybrid working model and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

30 days annual leave

Private medical insurance

Pension contribution

Cycle to Work scheme

Discretionary performance bonus

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience deploying machine learning models in real-world systems.
• Ability to explain complex topics to non-technical stakeholders.
• Prior experience in the defense or aerospace sector is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Translate complex operational problems into tractable ML use cases.
• Design, adapt, and deploy machine learning models across applications.
• Run experiments and deliver production-ready AI components.

Skills

Python programming

Machine Learning frameworks

Collaborative mindset

Clear communication skills

Experience with object detection

Familiarity with MLOps

Education

PhD or 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.