Principal Data Scientist | Machine Learning Lead

West London/ Hybrid Working | £600-£700 per day | Initial 6-12 Month Contract | Extension Potential

Principal Data Scientist | Machine Learning Lead | Lead Data Scientist | Senior Data Scientist | Machine Learning Engineer | Predictive Maintenance | Predictive Analytics | MLOps | Python | AWS | Production ML | Data Science Leadership | Model Deployment

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Principal Data Scientist to join a major Predictive Maintenance programme focused on transforming airline operations through advanced Machine Learning. This role combines hands-on machine learning delivery with technical leadership, offering the opportunity to shape strategy, mentor Data Scientists and drive production-grade ML solutions that reduce delays, prevent cancellations and improve aircraft availability.

Working within a growing Product Data Science function, you'll partner closely with Product, Engineering and Data teams to deliver machine learning products that create measurable operational value. This is a highly visible role with significant influence over technical direction, engineering standards and the future growth of the Data Science capability.

About the Organisation

This programme is investing heavily in predictive maintenance, leveraging data and Machine Learning to identify technical risks before they become operational issues. The team is building scalable, production-ready machine learning capabilities within a complex, mission-critical environment where the impact of your work will be seen every day.

Why Join?

• Work on Machine Learning products with direct operational impact
• Influence the future of predictive maintenance within a large-scale environment
• Mentor and develop a growing team of Data Scientists
• Drive solutions from concept through to production deployment
• Enjoy flexible hybrid working and high levels of technical ownership

Technology Environment

• Python
• AWS
• MLOps Tooling
• Production ML Platforms
• Modern Software Engineering Practices

Key Responsibilities

• Design, build, deploy and manage production-ready Machine Learning models
• Solve complex predictive maintenance and operational risk challenges
• Define and promote best practice across Machine Learning and software engineering
• Lead code reviews and drive technical excellence across the team
• Mentor and support the development of junior Data Scientists
• Partner with Product and Engineering teams to deliver measurable business outcomes
• Support MLOps, model deployment and productionisation activities
• Help scale and mature a growing Data Science capability

Requirements

• Proven experience delivering Machine Learning solutions in production environments
• Strong background as a Principal Data Scientist, Lead Data Scientist, Senior Data Scientist or Senior Machine Learning Engineer
• Expert-level Python development skills
• Demonstrable experience taking ML models from experimentation through to production
• Strong software engineering mindset with excellent coding standards
• Experience mentoring and developing technical teams
• Background working within product-led technology environments

Desirable Experience

• MLOps and model lifecycle management experience
• Cloud platform expertise, ideally AWS
• Experience working within large-scale, complex operational environments
• Exposure to predictive maintenance, asset management, transport, logistics or operational analytics

What Success Looks Like

• Production ML models delivering measurable operational value
• Enhanced predictive maintenance capabilities across the programme
• Strong engineering and Machine Learning standards embedded within the team
• Junior Data Scientists supported and developed through effective mentoring
• Machine Learning products successfully deployed and adopted by the business

Key Details

Location: West London / Hybrid Working
Rate: £600-£700 per day
Contract: Initial 6-12 months with strong extension potential

Whilst exposure to Generative AI is welcome, the core focus of this role is traditional Machine Learning, predictive modelling, production deployment and technical leadership. Candidates should have significant experience building, deploying and operating Machine Learning solutions in production environments.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Our client is an equal opportunities employer.

At Xpertise, we keep things human. Your application will always be reviewed by a real person. We do not rely on AI or automated screening tools. Every candidate receives fair, considered attention from our team.

Right to work in the UK is required for this role.