Principal Data Scientist (AI)

Location: UK-based hybrid role; 2–4 days per week on Defence client sites throughout the UK, with remaining work from the London office or remotely elsewhere within the UK. UK Security Clearance (SC) eligibility required.

Company

hirify.global builds and deploys responsible, human-centric AI solutions for clients across government, finance, retail, energy, life sciences, and defence.

What you will do

• Own and grow a strategic portfolio of machine learning work for the Defence sector.
• Translate client challenges into technical roadmaps and lead project scoping, delivery, and client engagement.
• Write production-grade Python code and set technical standards across sophisticated delivery projects.
• Act as a technical authority on machine learning within hirify.global and represent its capabilities externally.
• Partner with commercial and delivery teams on technical selling, pitching, and business growth.
• Mentor and guide junior data scientists through complex problem-solving, planning, and execution.

Requirements

• Deep domain expertise in Defence or another relevant industry.
• Prior direct management and mentoring experience.
• Broad knowledge of machine learning techniques, including Generative AI and agentic AI applications using Large Language Models.
• Advanced Python skills and experience building and maintaining scalable codebases.
• Pragmatic decision-making skills, with the ability to balance time, resources, and complexity.
• Strong communication skills for building trust with senior stakeholders and technical counterparts.

Culture & Benefits

• Unlimited annual leave.
• Private healthcare and dental coverage.
• Enhanced parental leave.
• Family-friendly flexibility and hybrid working.
• Sanctus coaching.
• Applications are encouraged from people of all backgrounds, and part-time hours can be discussed.

Hiring process

• 30-minute Talent Team screen.
• 30-minute introduction to the Business Unit Technical Director.
• 90-minute technical interview followed by a 90-minute commercial and principles interview.