Principal Data Scientist

Leonardo
Bristol
1 month ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Principal Data Scientist

Principal Data Scientist

Principal Data Scientist and Machine Learning Researcher

Principal Data Engineer (GCP)

Principal Data Analyst

Principal Data Engineer

Overview

Your impact
This is a highly rewarding and hands-on role with exposure across both traditional and cutting-edge enterprise IT as well as bespoke Operational Technology systems. You will be working in a dynamic environment with a team motivated to deliver innovative solutions to customers within defence, government and commercial sectors. We are after creative, passionate, technically savvy and personable people to help grow our practice and solve some of the most challenging, exciting and critical challenges to the UK’s digital landscape.

Job Description
This is a highly rewarding and hands-on role with exposure across both traditional and cutting-edge enterprise IT as well as bespoke Operational Technology systems. You will be working in a dynamic environment with a team that is motivated to deliver innovative solutions to customers within defence, government and commercial sectors. We are after creative, passionate, technically savvy and personable people to help grow our practice and solve some of the most challenging, exciting and critical challenges to the UK’s digital landscape.


Responsibilities
  • Lead on the continual development of Automation, Orchestration and Machine Learning capabilities
  • Be a People Leader and manage 4-6 individuals
  • Undertake pre-processing of structured and unstructured data
  • Lead the end-to-end development of predictive models and machine-learning algorithms
  • Coach/mentor junior members of the team

What You’ll Bring
  • UK DV Clearance or the ability to obtain it (national-security-vetting levels)
  • Excellent data science and analytics experience
  • Strong knowledge in advanced analytics methods
  • Strong knowledge across statistical models, machine learning and AI algorithms
  • Experience with programming languages such as Java, Python, R, SQL
  • Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS and Azure
  • Ability to communicate complicated technical and analytical information to a nontechnical audience
  • A degree in Computer science, Statistics, Data Science or equivalent field would be advantageous but is not essential

This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.


Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, which could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information please visit the official government guidance.


Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you’re looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

  • Time to Recharge: generous leave with up to 12 additional flexi-days each year
  • Secure your Future: pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution
  • Your Wellbeing Matters: free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity
  • Rewarding Performance: all employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme
  • Never Stop Learning: free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning
  • Refer a friend: financial reward through our referral programme
  • Tailored Perks: spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more
  • Flexible working: flexible hours with hybrid working options

For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

Be part of something bigger - apply now!


Primary Location
GB - Bristol - Coldharbour Lane

Contract Type
Permanent

Hybrid Working
Hybrid


#J-18808-Ljbffr

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

How Many Data Science Tools Do You Need to Know to Get a Data Science Job?

If you’re trying to break into data science — or progress your career — it can feel like you are drowning in names: Python, R, TensorFlow, PyTorch, SQL, Spark, AWS, Scikit-learn, Jupyter, Tableau, Power BI…the list just keeps going. With every job advert listing a different combination of tools, many applicants fall into a trap: they try to learn everything. The result? Long tool lists that sound impressive — but little depth to back them up. Here’s the straight-talk version most hiring managers won’t explicitly tell you: 👉 You don’t need to know every data science tool to get hired. 👉 You need to know the right ones — deeply — and know how to use them to solve real problems. Tools matter, but only in service of outcomes. So how many data science tools do you actually need to know to get a job? For most job seekers, the answer is not “27” — it’s more like 8–12, thoughtfully chosen and well understood. This guide explains what employers really value, which tools are core, which are role-specific, and how to focus your toolbox so your CV and interviews shine.

What Hiring Managers Look for First in Data Science Job Applications (UK Guide)

If you’re applying for data science roles in the UK, it’s crucial to understand what hiring managers focus on before they dive into your full CV. In competitive markets, recruiters and hiring managers often make their first decisions in the first 10–20 seconds of scanning an application — and in data science, there are specific signals they look for first. Data science isn’t just about coding or statistics — it’s about producing insights, shipping models, collaborating with teams, and solving real business problems. This guide helps you understand exactly what hiring managers look for first in data science applications — and how to structure your CV, portfolio and cover letter so you leap to the top of the shortlist.

The Skills Gap in Data Science Jobs: What Universities Aren’t Teaching

Data science has become one of the most visible and sought-after careers in the UK technology market. From financial services and retail to healthcare, media, government and sport, organisations increasingly rely on data scientists to extract insight, guide decisions and build predictive models. Universities have responded quickly. Degrees in data science, analytics and artificial intelligence have expanded rapidly, and many computer science courses now include data-focused pathways. And yet, despite the volume of graduates entering the market, employers across the UK consistently report the same problem: Many data science candidates are not job-ready. Vacancies remain open. Hiring processes drag on. Candidates with impressive academic backgrounds fail interviews or struggle once hired. The issue is not intelligence or effort. It is a persistent skills gap between university education and real-world data science roles. This article explores that gap in depth: what universities teach well, what they often miss, why the gap exists, what employers actually want, and how jobseekers can bridge the divide to build successful careers in data science.