As a Lead Data Scientist, you will spearhead technical direction for business-critical national security projects, spanning UAV automation, computer vision, and LLMs. You will manage cross-functional teams and act as a trusted advisor to senior military stakeholders, architecting production-grade AI solutions that provide a genuine edge in contested environments and real-world high-stakes scenarios.
Lead Data Scientist at Faculty
Are you ready to move beyond theoretical research and ship AI that genuinely shapes national security? We are looking for a Lead Data Scientist to join a world-class, PhD-heavy team working on high-stakes projects like UAV automation and OSINT with LLMs. Backed by the scale of a global leader, this role offers the autonomy to lead complex technical roadmaps for senior defense stakeholders. With a £130k base, unlimited leave, and a focus on responsible AI, you'll deliver solutions that provide the UK with a competitive edge in contested environments while growing your own technical leadership.
About this role
Role overview
About the company
Leading applied AI scale-up and Accenture-acquired consultancy specializing in high-stakes human-centric AI for national security and government.
Backed by Apax Digital Fund, LocalGlobe, GMG Ventures, GMG Ventures LP, Jaan Tallinn, Mercuri.
What you'll do
What you will do
- Set the technical strategy for complex projects, balancing speed and innovation while delivering production-grade AI architectures.
- Lead and mentor multi-disciplinary squads, managing other managers to ensure technical excellence across the data science craft.
- Interface directly with senior defense stakeholders to scope ill-defined problems and translate high-level requirements into actionable technical roadmaps.
Who you are
Who this is a fit for
- Deep expertise in machine learning domains such as Computer Vision, Signal Processing, or LLMs with a proven track record of shipping models.
- Extensive experience leading technical teams and managing commercial delivery within consulting, defense tech, or high-stakes product environments.
- Must be eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC) and willing to travel to client sites 2-4 days per week across the UK.
Why this role
Why this role is remarkable
- Deploy AI that matters by working on mission-critical national security challenges with the MOD, Dstl, and major aerospace partners.
- Join a PhD-heavy technical culture that prioritizes rigorous, responsible, and explainable AI over hype cycles, backed by the scale of a global leader.
- Enjoy a high-autonomy environment with exceptional benefits, including an unlimited annual leave policy and specialized coaching for mental well-being.
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