Data Scientist – Defence
Turn complex data into AI-driven solutions that support real-world defence operations.
Location: Farnborough, Hampshire
Working pattern: Hybrid
Employment: Permanent
Travel: Approximately 30% UK and international travel
Security Clearance: UK SC minimum; DV preferred
The Opportunity
Are you a Data Scientist looking to apply your skills to projects that have a genuine operational impact?
This is an opportunity to join an international defence technology organisation, developing and implementing AI capabilities that help defence customers turn complex data into actionable intelligence and better decision-making.
Working closely with Defence customers, Data Engineers, Intelligence Domain Advisors and internal technical teams, you will take AI and machine learning solutions from initial concept through to deployment and operational use.
You'll have the opportunity to work directly with end users, understand their challenges and develop solutions that make a tangible difference during real-world operations and military exercises.
What You'll Be Doing
* Developing and implementing machine learning models and AI-driven solutions.
* Integrating AI services, including agentic workflows, to automate data processing and analysis.
* Transforming complex datasets into high-value outputs that support senior decision-makers.
* Working directly with customers and stakeholders to understand requirements and identify opportunities for AI adoption.
* Collaborating with Data Engineers and Intelligence Domain Advisors to deliver customer-focused solutions.
* Supporting experimentation, demonstrations and operational activities, including military exercises.
* Helping customers understand and effectively use data and AI capabilities within SitaWare products.
* Supporting the development and continuous improvement of data science services.
* Travelling to customer sites across the UK, with some international travel for customer and company activities.
About You
We're looking for a Data Scientist with a strong technical foundation and a genuine interest in applying AI to complex, real-world problems.
You'll ideally have:
A Bachelor's degree or higher in Data Science, Computer Science or a related discipline.
Around 2 years' experience working as a Data Scientist within the software or IT industry.
Demonstrable experience developing and implementing machine learning models.
Strong programming skills using languages, tools and frameworks commonly used within data science.
Experience with data preprocessing and feature engineering.
Good computer science fundamentals to support software and data science development.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
The confidence to work independently as well as collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
Fluent English.
A full UK Driving Licence.
Experience working directly with external customers would be advantageous, as would previous experience within the defence or military sector.
The Team
You'll join a collaborative Western Europe team of around 18 colleagues based across Farnborough, Bucharest and Paris.
The team brings together project managers, solution architects, engineers, trainers and consultants, working closely together to deliver successful customer projects.
You will report to a Senior Manager and work alongside Data Engineers and Intelligence Domain Advisors on a daily basis.
Why Join?
You'll be joining a technology organisation with a strong international presence and a clear focus on developing software that supports critical decision-making.
The organisation has been developing innovative software solutions since 1985 and its technology is used by more than one million people every day across over 50 countries.
Its SitaWare software is trusted by more than 50 nations and NATO, supporting military operations and critical defence decision-making.
Benefits
* Permanent position with hybrid working.
* 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.
* 37.5-hour working week.
* Stakeholder pension scheme operated by Scottish Widows.
* Private healthcare, with family cover available at additional cost.
* Corporate discounts through ADS Group membership.
* Time off in lieu.
* International and UK travel opportunities.
* Opportunity to work with cutting-edge AI, data science and defence technology.
* Collaborative, international working environment.
* Opportunities for continued professional and technical development.
Security Clearance
Due to the nature of the work, you must have the right to live and work in the UK and be able to meet the security requirements associated with the role.
UK Security Clearance (SC) is the minimum requirement, with DV clearance preferred. Please note you need to able to qualify for Security Clearance
Apply Now
If you're a Data Scientist who wants to apply machine learning and AI to meaningful defence challenges, we'd be keen to hear from you.
Apply today to discuss the opportunity in more detail