Senior Research Scientist: Data Science and Machine Learning AIP Before you apply -Don't miss o[...]

BAE Systems; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense and security firm in the UK is looking for an AI/ML Researcher to lead project delivery and mentor junior staff. You will work on diverse AI/ML topics and collaborate with academic partners to conduct research and develop innovative prototypes. The ideal candidate will have a PhD or equivalent experience and a strong background in Machine Learning and Python programming, with a focus on sensor data and decision-making.

Benefits

Flexible working

Competitive rewards

Professional growth opportunities

Qualifications

• Solid background in Machine Learning and/or statistical signal processing.
• Excellent Python programming skills.
• Experience with relevant libraries and toolboxes.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical project delivery, including mentoring junior researchers.
• Prepare and present technical reports, proposals, and supporting materials.
• Conduct novel research in partnership with external suppliers and UK universities.
• Develop prototypes and proof of concept demonstrators.
• Take ownership of tasks and deliver high standards.
• Work independently and in teams.
• Present results to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Mentor junior staff on research topics.
• Publish patents or research findings in academic journals and conferences.

Job description

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 internal BAE Systems programmes. You will also have the chance to maintain strong links with academic partners and grow your technical research areas of interest.

The Data and Decision Support Capability includes diverse teams working in AI/ML areas such as RF, EW, radar, sonar, data fusion, reinforcement learning, agent-based ML, autonomy, signal processing, edge ML, image analysis, generative AI, LLMs, NLP, and knowledge graphs. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

Typical Responsibilities:

1. Lead technical project delivery, including mentoring junior researchers.
2. Prepare and present technical reports, proposals, and supporting materials.
3. Conduct novel research in partnership with external suppliers and UK universities.
4. Develop prototypes and proof of concept demonstrators.
5. Take ownership of tasks and deliver high standards.
6. Work independently and in teams.
7. Present results to technical and non-technical audiences.
8. Mentor junior staff on research topics.
9. Publish patents or research findings in academic journals and conferences.

You should have a solid background in Machine Learning and/or statistical signal processing, with excellent Python programming skills and experience with relevant libraries and toolboxes.

Qualifications include:

• PhD or equivalent industry experience in a relevant discipline.
• Several years of AI/ML and/or signal processing experience applied to sensor time-series data and decision-making post-PhD.
• Experience in Python software development for proofs of concept.
• Experience with frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, etc.

Preferred experience in domains such as RF communications, EW, radar, sonar, distributed sensing, autonomy, space-awareness, or pattern analytics.

BAE Systems Digital Intelligence employs 4,500 experts across 10 countries, working on complex data to support government, military, and commercial clients.

Why join BAE Systems? You can make a real difference in an inclusive culture that values diversity, integrity, and merit. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and offer adjustments for disabilities. Many roles require security clearances, including the Baseline Personnel Security Standard and higher vetting levels depending on the role and residency history.

Our Capabilities division leads in cyber defense, engineering, consulting, and project management, delivering solutions across air, land, sea, cyber, and space sectors. Join us to work on boundary-pushing projects in a supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth, accreditation, and community involvement. We offer flexible working, competitive rewards, and a rewarding career path in a diverse and innovative company.