Lead technical strategy for high-stakes AI projects in the UK defence sector, collaborating with partners like MOD and Leonardo. You will architect production-grade solutions for UAV automation, LLMs, and edge AI while managing cross-functional teams. This role combines deep technical machine learning expertise with strategic client leadership to deliver real-world national security impact.
Lead Data Scientist at Faculty - AI for National Security
Join Faculty's elite Defence team to build and deploy AI that gives the UK a genuine edge in national security. Working with the MOD and partners like Leonardo, you will lead high-stakes projects involving UAV automation, edge AI, and LLMs. This is a rare opportunity for a PhD-level technical leader to move the needle on global safety while enjoying an unlimited leave policy and a £130k salary. If you thrive on ambiguity and want to see your ML models ship into the real world, this is your next career-defining move.
Overview
Role overview
Company
Faculty
Faculty - Applied AI specialist now part of Accenture
Backed by Apax Digital Fund, LocalGlobe, GMG Ventures, GMG Ventures LP, Jaan Tallinn, Mercuri.
Responsibilities
What you will do
- Set the technical direction and architect scalable, production-grade ML solutions for complex defence and national security challenges.
- Lead and mentor multi-disciplinary teams of data scientists and managers, driving technical excellence and best practices across the organization.
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior government and military stakeholders, aligning cutting-edge AI capabilities with long-term strategic commercial goals.
Candidate profile
Who this is a fit for
- Deep expertise in machine learning domains such as Computer Vision, NLP/LLMs, or Signal Processing with a track record of delivering production software.
- Proven technical leadership experience, including managing other managers and overseeing the end-to-end delivery of complex, high-risk technical roadmaps.
- Must be eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC) and willing to travel to client sites across the UK 2-4 days per week.
What makes it remarkable
Why this role is remarkable
- Work on mission-critical AI applications including UAV automation, satellite computer vision, and OSINT with LLMs that ship into real-world, high-stakes environments.
- Join a prestigious, PhD-heavy technical culture within a company that has transformed over 350 global customers and is now part of the Accenture network.
- Enjoy market-leading benefits including an unlimited annual leave policy, private healthcare, and dedicated professional coaching through Sanctus.
Jack & Jill
How Jack & Jill work together
Meet Jack
Jack gets to know what you're great at and what you want next, then searches 14 million jobs daily and introduces you directly to hiring managers.
How does this work?
Jack's an AI agent for job searching and career coaching. He works for you.
Jill is the AI recruiter working for the company. She recruits from Jack's network.
If it's a match and the company wants to meet you, they'll make the intro. In the meantime, if you'd like, Jack will send you excellent alternatives.