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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Data Scientist - **Company:** Mott MacDonald - **Location:** Birmingham, UK - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Geographic Information Systems, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Vision, Microsoft Azure, Github, Python (Programming Language), Machine Learning, Operational Databases, Tensorflow, Pytorch, Large Language Models, Model Validation, Generative AI, Keras, AI Platforms, Kubernetes, Information Technology, Machine Learning Operations, Terraform, Docker, Databricks - **Published:** July 24, 2026 - **Apply:** https://uk.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=bdc9ead7f3069f3d ## About the Role * Experience delivering production data science, machine learning or AI in an enterprise environment. * Practical experience in Python and modern machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow or Keras. * Practical experience with generative AI, large language models, embedding models, retrieval augmented generation, AI agents, model evaluation and fine-tuning techniques. * Experience designing and operating end-to-end MLOps workflows, including model training, deployment, monitoring, automation and continuous improvement. * Ability to work across cloud and engineering environments, including tools such as Azure, Kubernetes, Docker, MLflow, GitHub Actions, Terraform or Databricks. * Clear communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts in accessible business language. * Experience coaching, mentoring or giving technical guidance to data scientists, machine learning engineers or data professionals Desirable: * Experience applying computer vision, geospatial data science or predictive modelling to engineering, infrastructure, environmental or asset management work. * Knowledge of tools and methods such as LangChain, LLM orchestration, agentic tool use, segmentation foundation models, zero/few-shot visual understanding * Experience developing reusable internal AI platforms, foundation-model services or automation capabilities for use by wider teams. * Postgraduate qualification or equivalent research experience in data science, engineering, computer science, applied mathematics or a related discipline. * Evidence of innovation, publication, award recognition or contribution to data science practice. ## Description We are looking for a Principal Data Scientist to help shape the design, development and delivery of production-grade AI, machine learning and data science solutions across Mott MacDonald. The role will focus on turning complex business, engineering and environmental needs into scalable, reliable data products and AI services. The successful candidate will bring technical experience across generative AI, large language models, retrieval augmented generation, machine learning, computer vision, geospatial data science and MLOps. They will work with multidisciplinary teams to identify valuable use cases, shape solution architecture, develop reliable models and ensure solutions are tested, monitored and improved in live use. The role includes end-to-end AI and data science delivery; setting standards for model development, evaluation and deployment; building reusable internal AI services; coaching data scientists and engineers; contributing to AI governance; and translating technical opportunities into clear business value for project teams and senior stakeholders. Candidate Specifications, Please be advised that offers for this role are conditional upon obtaining the appropriate level of Security Clearance. UK Immigration Mott MacDonald Ltd. are not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. This decision is as a consequence of the changes made to the Skilled Worker route by the UK Government in April 2024. We continue to welcome applications from candidates who are eligible for alternative immigration routes in the UK, that do not require sponsorship as a Skilled Worker now or in future. Agile working At Mott MacDonald, we believe it makes business sense for you and your manager to choose how you can work most effectively to meet your client, team, and personal commitments. We offer a hybrid working policy that embraces your well-being, flexibility, and trust. Equality, diversity, and inclusion We put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of our business, seeking to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they can contribute. Accessibility We want you to perform your best at every stage in the recruitment process. If you are disabled or need any support to enable you to apply or attend an interview, please contact us at reasonable.adjustments@mottmac.com and we will talk to you about how we can support you. We offer some fantastic benefits including: Financial wellbeing * We match employee pension contributions between 4.5% and 7%. * Life assurance equal up to 4 x your basic salary, with an option to increase the level of cover to 6 x your salary. * Our income protection scheme provides a financial benefit, as well as absence and return to work support due to long-term illness or injury. * Flexible benefits, including increased life assurance cover, critical illness insurance, payroll saving and will writing. * As an independently owned business we share the financial success of the business with all our colleagues in various ways including annual bonus schemes. Employee Ownership * Our employee ownership model means no external investors, just us, creating a culture of shared success. * Our employees have a stake and a voice in our business, giving them a direct connection to our success through our personal and group performance bonuses. * As your career grows, so does your stake, recognising your long-term impact and contribution. * Your voice matters, with the opportunity to connect directly with senior leadership through formal channels to help shape our future. * For our senior roles you will have a direct pathway towards ownership from day one. Health and wellbeing * Private medical insurance for all UK colleagues. * Health cash plan to support you with every day health costs and treatments. * Access to Peppy, providing free support from menopause experts for all UK colleagues. * A variety of wellbeing support is available through our comprehensive wellbeing program, including access for you and your family. * Ability to flex your salary to opt into a wide range of health benefits, many of which can be extended to your family too. ## Related Videos - [Innovating Developer Tools with AI: Insights from GitHub Next](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1268-innovating-developer-tools-with-ai-insights-from-github-next) - [Docker Compose: Rediscovered](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1978-docker-compose-rediscovered) - [Machine learning in the browser with TensorFlowjs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/155-machine-learning-in-the-browser-with-tensorflowjs) - [Data Science, ML & AI in the Oil and Gas Industry at NDT Global - Dr. Katja Träumner](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1308-data-science-ml-ai-in-the-oil-and-gas-industry-at-ndt-global-dr-katja-traumner) - [Bringing AI Model Testing and Prompt Management to Your Codebase with GitHub Models](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1536-bringing-ai-model-testing-and-prompt-management-to-your-codebase-with-github-models) - [Docker build without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100114-docker-build-without-docker) ## Related Articles - [Data Engineer Salary UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/253-data-engineer-salary-uk) - [MLops – Deploying, Maintaining And Evolving Machine Learning Models in Production](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/115-mlops-deploying-maintaining-and-evolving-machine-learning-models-in-production) - [Coffee with Developers - Maria Apazoglou - Making AI understandable for all in production](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/475-coffee-with-developers-maria-apazoglou-making-ai-understandable-for-all-in-production) - [MLOps And AI Driven Development](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/82-mlops-and-ai-driven-development) - [MLOps – What’s the deal behind it?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/125-mlops-what-s-the-deal-behind-it) - [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer)