Senior Research Scientist

Title: Senior Research Scientist

Location: Chelmsford, Great Baddow

Type: Hybrid (2 days a week at the office)

BAE Systems Digital Intelligence is home to 4,500 digital, cyber, and intelligence experts. We work across 10 countries to collect, connect, and understand complex data, enabling governments, armed forces, and commercial businesses to unlock digital advantages in demanding environments.

We are seeking a Senior Research Scientist to join our Data and Decision Support Capability within the Innovation and Technology division.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Machine Learning (ML) and/or statistical signal processing, with excellent Python programming skills and extensive experience with relevant libraries and toolboxes.

You will join our Advanced Information Processing (AIP) group, focusing on developing novel inference algorithms and applying AI/ML to sequential (time-series) data and decision-making processes.

This role offers opportunities to work on AI/ML research projects for clients in the space, defense, security, and commercial sectors, as well as internal BAE Systems programs. You will also have the chance to collaborate with academic partners and develop your research interests.

The Data and Decision Support Capability encompasses teams working on AI/ML for RF, EW, radar, sonar, data fusion, reinforcement learning, agent-based ML, autonomy, signal processing, edge ML, image analysis, computer vision, generative AI, large language models (LLMs), knowledge graphs, NLP, and graph ML. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on these topics.

Typical Responsibilities:

• Lead technical project delivery and supervise junior researchers
• Prepare and present technical reports, proposals, and supporting material
• Conduct novel research in specific areas, collaborating with internal/external partners and universities
• Develop prototypes and proof-of-concept demonstrators
• Own tasks within projects, ensuring high standards
• Work independently and as part of a team
• Present results to technical and non-technical audiences
• Mentor junior staff in research topics
• Publish and patent innovative concepts and findings as appropriate

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

• PhD or equivalent industry experience in a relevant field
• Several years of applying AI/ML and/or statistical signal processing to sequential data and decision-making post-PhD
• Experience developing proof-of-concept software in Python
• Familiarity with frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn

Preferred domains include:

• RF communications and CEMA
• Electronic or Electromagnetic Warfare (EW)
• Tracking and sensor data fusion
• Radar signal processing
• Acoustic data processing (sonar)
• Distributed sensing and processing
• Autonomy
• Human-machine teaming
• Space-domain awareness
• Positioning, navigation, and timing
• Pattern of life analytics

Why BAE Systems?

This is a role where you can make a real difference. We foster an inclusive culture that values diversity, rewards integrity and merit, and empowers you to reach your potential. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to inclusive recruitment. If you have a disability or health condition affecting assessment performance, please discuss potential reasonable adjustments with your recruiter.

Please note that many roles are subject to security and export control restrictions, which may limit eligibility based on nationality, residency, or other factors. All applicants must meet the Baseline Personnel Security Standard, with some roles requiring higher security vetting, including 5-10 years of UK residency depending on the role.

Division overview: Capabilities

Our Capabilities team leads in cyber defense, engineering, consulting, and project management, delivering solutions that keep us at the forefront of digital transformation and defense industries worldwide. As a team member, you will contribute to creating and managing solutions that defend our clients in an evolving digital landscape.