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- Tasks: Lead AI and Data Science projects, guiding teams in cutting-edge research and technical delivery.
- Company: Innovative R&D firm focused on advanced analytics and AI solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to ÂŁ90,000, mentorship opportunities, and a collaborative work culture.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with strong links to academia and excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI while working on impactful, real-world applications.
- Qualifications: PhD in a relevant field and 10+ years of experience in AI/ML.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 90000 ÂŁ per year.
Operating at the leading edge of advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and data‑driven decision support, delivering complex solutions into safety‑critical and mission‑focused environments. Its teams work across long‑term R&D programmes, translating cutting‑edge research into deployable capability used by highly demanding customers.
The culture is strongly engineering‑led, research‑driven, and collaborative, with close links to academia and partner organisations. Individuals are trusted to shape technical direction, influence strategy, and contribute at both programme and enterprise level.
As a Lead Technologist, you will join a growing AI and Data Science capability and play a central role in leading technical delivery across large, complex AI programmes. You will provide technical direction, assurance, and mentorship while shaping research agendas that influence future capability.
You’ll guide multidisciplinary teams working across areas such as reinforcement learning, natural language processing, large language models, knowledge graphs, and AI applied to sensing domains including RF, electronic warfare, radar, sonar, acoustics, imagery, and remote sensing.
You will identify novel research opportunities, help establish partnerships with leading academic institutions, and direct research activities to ensure technical excellence and real‑world applicability. A key part of the role involves clearly articulating complex technical ideas to both specialist and non‑specialist audiences, including internal stakeholders and external customers.
You will also provide engineering assurance across bids, publications, and project outputs, raising quality and consistency by applying your experience and judgement. Mentoring and developing less‑experienced engineers and researchers will be central to your impact within the organisation.
Your background:
- PhD in a relevant technical discipline (e.g. AI, ML, data science, computer science, engineering, mathematics, or physics)
- Significant post‑doctoral experience (typically ~10+ years) applying AI / ML in industry or advanced research environments
- Proven experience leading R&D teams or technical workstreams on complex AI‑driven programmes
- Strong track record of engineering assurance, governance, or technical review of high‑impact outputs
- Experience leading or contributing to technical proposals, bids, or externally facing research material
- Ability to operate confidently at both deep technical and strategic levels, influencing direction and decision‑making
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex research clearly to varied audiences
Desired:
- Experience in one or more of the following technical domains:
- AI / ML for imagery and computer vision, including remote sensing
- Reinforcement learning
- Natural Language Processing and Large Language Models
- Knowledge graphs and graph‑based neural networks
- AI applied to RF, electronic warfare, radar, sonar, or acoustics
- Autonomy and intelligent systems
Senior Technical Lead in Chelmsford employer: Sanderson Government & Defence
Contact Detail:
Sanderson Government & Defence Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Technical Lead in Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the AI and Data Science field. Attend meetups, conferences, or even online webinars. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly to hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those related to AI and ML. This is your chance to demonstrate your technical prowess and how you've applied your knowledge in real-world scenarios. Make sure to include any collaborative work that highlights your ability to lead teams.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your communication skills. You’ll need to explain complex concepts clearly to both techies and non-techies. Practice articulating your past experiences and how they relate to the role of a Lead Technologist.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. So, get your application in and let’s see what you can bring to the table!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Technical Lead in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Technical Lead role. Highlight your experience in AI and data science, especially any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how your background aligns with the job description!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your work in AI and how you've led teams or projects. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be presenting complex ideas to various audiences, make sure to demonstrate your communication skills in your application. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate clarity and conciseness!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sanderson Government & Defence
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and technologies in AI and data science. Be ready to discuss your experience with reinforcement learning, natural language processing, and any other relevant areas. This shows you’re not just a candidate but a passionate expert in your field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Technical Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and influence strategy. Prepare examples of how you've successfully guided multidisciplinary teams in the past, and be ready to discuss how you can mentor less-experienced engineers.
✨Communicate Clearly
You’ll need to articulate complex technical ideas to both specialists and non-specialists. Practice explaining your previous projects in simple terms, focusing on the impact and outcomes rather than just the technical details. This will help you connect with your interviewers.
✨Research the Company Culture
Understand the engineering-led and research-driven culture of the company. Think about how your values align with theirs and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their collaborative environment. This will show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a place where you can thrive.