Lead Data Scientist

Contract Role: Data Science Technical Lead Location: Remote (UK-based) - You must be based in the UK. Duration: 15 Months Clearance/Industry Experience: Defence sector exposure preferred Day Rate: Competitive (Inside IR35) Lithium3 are looking for a Data Science Technical Lead to take ownership of end-to-end technical delivery for high-impact data science use cases within a manufacturing environment. This is a remote UK-based contract running for 15 months, offering the opportunity to lead innovation in statistical modelling, machine learning, and production optimisation. You would be the DS Tech Lead within the Data Product Team (Data Engineers, Data Architects etc) and will be supported by another Data Scientist. Tasks are a mixture of enhancing existing models and also taking ownership of new projects such as: • Predictive modelling for production line faults • Statistical process control in manufacturing environments What You’ll Be Doing: • Leading the technical design, build, and deployment of robust data science solutions. • Ensuring high standards of scalability, maintainability, and security across all projects. • Collaborating with cross-functional teams including engineers, analysts, and business stakeholders. • Mentoring data scientists and enforcing best practice architecture and development methods. • Driving improvements across platforms, tooling, and workflows. • Providing strategic insight to help steer key business decisions. • Overseeing operational support and performance monitoring post-deployment. • Advocating for compliance and security, especially within regulated/defence sectors. Key Skills & Experience: • Strong background in data science, machine learning, and data engineering. • Proven track record of leading technical delivery of data/AI projects at scale. • Expert with modern tools and frameworks (Python, ML libraries, MLOps). • Deep experience with Azure (AWS and GCP also valuable). • Excellent stakeholder engagement and technical leadership skills. • Knowledge of modelling in manufacturing, or similar regulated industries is a bonus. We are looking to interview w/c 1st September and have a start date of 1st October ideally or ASAP after. Candidates with short notice periods will be considered (i.e. 1 month max). In the first instance, apply to this role and we shall be in touch accordingly. Lithium3 IT Consulting Limited is an Equal Opportunities Employer. By applying for this role your details will be submitted to Lithium3. Our Candidate Privacy Information Statement on our website explains how we will use your information.