Principal Data Scientist & Machine Learning Researcher

Salary: £50,000 - 90,000 per year

Requirements:

• We require a BSc in Machine Learning, Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics or a related field.
• We require multiple years of experience delivering novel ML solutions to customers and internal stakeholders.
• We require excellent coding practice using Python and associated ML packages such as HuggingFace, TensorFlow and PyTorch, following best practices.
• We require experience developing robust ML pipelines with MLOps tools for model training, monitoring and deployment.
• We require experience with version control and environment management such as venvs or Docker.
• We require experience writing technical project proposals.
• We require experience managing teams, either through technical leadership and/or line management.
• We require experience leading teams using agile principles.
• We require expert knowledge of AI/ML algorithms for different data types and tasks, including Generative AI, NLP and computer vision, sufficient to propose research beyond existing literature.
• We require experience training and developing AI models, including Large Language Models.
• We require the ability to produce high-quality scientific writing for internal and external stakeholders as well as academic publications.
• We require the ability to work with high levels of autonomy, with awareness of appropriate business policies and strategy to guide actions.
• We require SC clearance.
• We require that applicants already hold or are able to gain an eDV clearance.
• Desirable: a PhD or Masters degree highlighting academic research experience.
• Desirable: experience deploying AI models in a scalable way for external users.
• Desirable: experience developing supporting systems for AI deployments such as backend databases and front-end UIs.
• Desirable: working knowledge of Linux systems, including basic command-line functionality.
• Desirable: experience working in cloud environments, especially AWS, or equivalents such as GCP or Azure.
• Desirable: research publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Desirable: experience delivering AI/ML projects in defence or government.
• Desirable: an existing network of contacts across defence and government.

Responsibilities:

• We support the Head of Data Science & Machine Learning using our experience to contribute to group strategy and stakeholder engagement.
• We bring ideas for novel research that will drive competitive advantage across our customer community.
• We work with autonomy to develop complex, novel data science solutions.
• We support triaging and responding to opportunities, aligning to group and wider business strategies.
• We design and deliver data-centric solutions while working collaboratively across disciplines.
• We provide technical delivery of research and applied AI/ML tasks on both customer and internal research projects.
• We provide technical leadership across multiple projects.
• We manage more junior team members across the SRG.
• We deliver AI/ML/Data Science solutions to a broad range of problems in defence.
• We work with customers and internal stakeholders to determine appropriate technical approaches and carry out the technical development required for delivery.
• We communicate clearly, present and demonstrate our work internally, to senior stakeholders and at conferences, adapting to audiences with different levels of technical expertise.

Technologies:

• AI
• AWS
• Azure
• Backend
• Cloud
• Computer Vision
• Docker
• GCP
• Support
• Linux
• Machine Learning
• MLOps
• Model Training
• Network
• PyTorch
• Python
• Security
• TensorFlow

More:

We are Raytheon UK, a leader in defence and aerospace technology, and this role sits within our Strategic Research Group (SRG), a team of Data Science, Machine Learning and AI specialists developing novel AI solutions to mission-focused problems. This is a hybrid role based in Gloucester, London or Manchester, with an average of three days a week on site and work from a Raytheon or customer site depending on demand. We offer a collaborative environment with strong professional development opportunities and a sense of purpose in supporting national security. Our benefits include 25 days holiday plus public holidays, the option to buy and sell up to 5 days, a contributory pension scheme with up to 10.5% company contribution, a discretionary bonus scheme, life assurance, flexible benefits including health cash plan, dental and cycle to work, enhanced sick pay, enhanced family-friendly policies, private medical insurance depending on grade, a 37-hour working week, early Friday finish, flexible working options and up to 5 paid volunteering days each year. We are part of RTX, a global organisation with more than 180,000 employees worldwide and a strong UK presence.

last updated 36 week of 2026