Senior Data Scientist & Machine Learning Researcher

RTX; Gloucester; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence and aerospace technology firm is seeking a Senior Data Scientist & Machine Learning Researcher to develop innovative AI solutions. In this hybrid role, you'll lead AI/ML projects, mentor team members, and work collaboratively to solve mission-focused challenges. The ideal candidate has a robust background in machine learning and excellent problem-solving skills. Join a company that values innovation, professional development, and a supportive work culture.

Benefits

Competitive salaries

25 days holiday

Company bonus scheme

Private medical insurance

Flexible working culture

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of AI/ML algorithms for different data types and tasks.
• Experience training and developing AI models, including Large Language Models.
• Ability to produce high-quality scientific writing for internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop complex novel data science solutions contributing significantly to ML projects.
• Scope, design and deliver data-centric solutions while working collaboratively.
• Provide technical leadership in small project groups.

Skills

Python

Machine Learning

Problem-solving

Deep Learning

Mentorship

Education

BSc in Machine Learning, Data Science, Computer Science or Mathematics

Tools

HuggingFace

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Docker

AWS

Job description

Senior Data Scientist & Machine Learning Researcher

Location: Gloucester, London or Manchester

Hybrid role: Must be prepared to work from Raytheon or customer site depending on demand. Average of 3 days a week on-site.

Clearance: SC required; must already hold or be able to gain an eDV clearance.

Duration: Permanent

Hours: Full time, 37 hrs per week

At Raytheon UK we take immense pride in being a leader in defence and aerospace technology. We are dedicated to fuelling innovation, nurturing talent and fostering a culture of excellence. Joining our team means being part of an organisation that shapes the future of national security whilst investing in your growth and personal development. We provide a collaborative environment with abundant opportunities for professional development and a profound sense of purpose in what we do. Together we are not just advancing technology; we are building a community committed to safeguarding a safer and more connected world.

About the role

This role is within the Strategic Research Group (SRG). The SRG is a team of Data Science, Machine Learning and AI specialists who develop novel AI solutions to mission‑focussed challenges. You will be responsible for the technical development and leadership of AI/ML projects from initial idea scoping right through to final project delivery in both customer and internal domains. You will demonstrate novel thinking, propose new ideas for solving challenging problems and mentor others on your project team to deliver towards your proposed solution.

Skills and Experience

Requirements

• BSc in Machine Learning, Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics or a related field.
• Experience coding in Python and associated ML packages such as HuggingFace, TensorFlow, PyTorch.
• Established track record of delivering ML solutions to customers and internal stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of AI/ML algorithms for different data types and tasks, including Generative AI, NLP and computer vision, sufficient to undertake research and development beyond existing literature.
• Experience training and developing AI models, including Large Language Models.
• Ability to produce high‑quality scientific writing for internal and external stakeholders as well as academic publications.
• Problem‑solving with autonomy.
• Self‑starter, proactive in finding solutions.
• Experience mentoring team members and undertaking technical leadership on small projects or sub‑parts of larger deliveries.

Desirable

• PhD or Masters degree highlighting experience of academic research.
• Experience using robust ML pipelines with appropriate version control and environment management (e.g. venvs, Docker).
• Working knowledge of Linux and basic command‑line functionality (e.g. AWS CLI, Docker CLI, ssh, ls, cd).
• Experience deploying AI models in a scalable way for external users.
• Experience working in cloud environments, especially AWS, GCP or Azure.
• Research publications in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Comfortable following agile processes for project delivery.
• Experience delivering AI/ML projects in defence or government.
• Existing network of contacts across defence and government.
• Experience writing technical project proposals.

Responsibilities

• Develop complex novel data science solutions contributing significantly to ML projects with minimal guidance.
• Scope, design and deliver data‑centric solutions while working collaboratively across disciplines.
• Undertake research and applied AI/ML tasks on both customer and internal research projects.
• Provide technical leadership in small project groups.
• Generate ideas for new research directions.
• Advise on suitability of group research ideas based on prior experience.
• Mentor more junior team members within their project team and the wider SRG.
• Deliver AI/ML/Data Science solutions to a broad range of problems in defence.
• Work with customers and internal stakeholders to determine appropriate technical approaches and perform the required technical development for delivery.
• Communicate effectively, presenting and demonstrating work internally and to senior stakeholders, adapting to audiences of different technical expertise levels.

Benefits and Work Culture

Benefits

• Competitive salaries.
• 25 days holiday, statutory public holidays plus the opportunity to buy and sell up to 5 days (37hr).
• Contributory pension scheme (up to 10.5% company contribution).
• Company bonus scheme (discretionary).
• Six‑times salary life assurance with pension.
• Flexible benefits scheme with extensive salary sacrifice options including health cashplan, dental and cycle‑to‑work.
• Enhanced sick pay.
• Enhanced family‑friendly policies including shared parental leave.
• Car allowance (dependent on grade/role).
• Private medical insurance (dependent on grade).

Work Culture

• 37hr working week, although hours may vary depending on role, job requirement or site‑specific arrangements.
• Early 1:30pm finish Friday – start your weekend early.
• Remote hybrid and site‑based working opportunities depending on your needs and the requirements of the role.
• Flexible working culture that is output‑not‑time‑spent‑at‑desk focussed. Formal flexible arrangements can be requested and assessed on a case‑by‑case basis.
• Up to 5 paid days volunteering each year.

RTX

Raytheon UK is a landed company and part of the wider RTX organisation. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, USA, RTX provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide across three industry‑leading businesses: Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney and Raytheon.

Supporting over 35,000 jobs across 13 UK sites, RTX is helping to drive prosperity. Each year our work contributes over £2.7 bn to the UK economy and offers a wealth of opportunities to 4,000 suppliers across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

RTX adheres to the principles of equal employment opportunity. All qualified applications will be given careful consideration without regard to ethnicity, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.