Overview
AI & Machine Learning Specialist (Cheltenham, Cheltenham, United Kingdom)
Recruiter: Krystle James
Career Grade: D
Internal Closing Date: 28/10/2025
Security isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind when you think of BT, but when it comes to keeping everyone safely connected, We Are The Protectors. We deal with thousands of cyber-attacks every day, so that millions of people can safely go about their daily lives and run their businesses. We deliver vital work at scale, with real breadth and impact. We connect for good.
You'll be joining a specialist security team that is a trusted partner to governments worldwide, protecting critical national infrastructure and committed to the safety and security of our nation and global communities. Our mission focused work is innovative, inspiring and technologically challenging in a way that makes every day different and stimulating. We provide the opportunity to work on rare projects, with exciting tools and brilliant people. Everyone has access to unparalleled professional and personal development opportunities and your contribution is always valued.
Why this job matters
This role sits in the Technology Office and plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of data exploitation across GSS. The successful candidate will drive the development and deployment of advanced data science and machine learning capabilities, helping to unlock new efficiencies, enable innovative business growth, and establish GSS as a centre of excellence in secure AI applications.
Operating in complex and high-assurance environments, the role demands a strategic mindset and hands-on expertise. The role holder will collaborate with stakeholders across the business to identify impactful opportunities and develop robust solutions.
This job role can be based in Manchester, Ipswich, Cheltenham. Onsite (Office based 5 days per week). Monday-Friday 37.5 hours per week. You will need to be eligible to obtain DV Security Clearance before starting this role. You will need to have lived in the UK for 10+ years to be eligible.
What you’ll be doing
- Leads the extraction and analysis of big data through the application of Data Science & AI techniques to generate insight from data to support decision-making across the business or to embed in new products and services.
- Mentors other Data Science & AI professionals, helping to improve the team’s abilities by acting as a technical resource.
- Monitors the latest technology and market trends related to data science and machine learning operations and artificial intelligence, sharing this knowledge with the team.
- Operates as an SME within own field of expertise, defining the technology infrastructure which enables optimal building and deployment of data science and machine learning algorithms.
- Works to identify and prioritise high-impact internal/external opportunities aligned with business goals.
Essential Skills
- Technology Deployment
- Solution Design
- System Design
- Growth Mindset
- Cloud Computing
What we'd like to see on your CV
• Artificial Intelligence: Experience deploying deep learning and vldl models including frontier LLMs.
•Software Development: Highly experienced with compiled and interpreted languages such as Python and Scala/Java, confident with common in libraries like Pandas, NumPy.
Benefits
- Competitive salary + 10% On Target Bonus
- BT Pension scheme, minimum 5% Employee contribution, BT contribution 10%
- On-call allowance (Depending on role requirements)
- 25 days annual leave (not including bank holidays), increasing with service
- Huge range of flexible benefits including cycle to work, healthcare, season ticket loan
- World-class training and development opportunities
- From January 2025, equal family leave: receive 18 weeks at full pay, 8 weeks at half pay and 26 weeks at the statutory rate. It’s for all parents, no matter how your family is made up.
- Enhanced women’s health support: including help with menopause symptoms, cancer screenings, period care and more.
- 24/7 private virtual GP appointments for UK colleagues
- 2 weeks paid carer’s leave
- World-class training and development opportunities
- Option to join BT Shares Saving schemes.
- Discounted broadband, mobile and TV packages
- Access to 100’s of retail discounts including the BT shop
#LI-Onsite
Security is one of the fastest growing parts of our global organisation. We are protecting our networks from more than 6,500 cyber attacks each day, investing over £40m in research each year – and in employing nearly 3,000 people, we’re also the largest private cyber employer in the UK. With incredible opportunities to learn, develop and grow your skills, we’ll invest in you, nurture your potential and shape your future – whatever your background or experience.
In today’s world, safe and secure digital connections have never been more vital. You’ll be joining a global company operating at the forefront of the information age: BT employs 90,000 people in 180 countries. With huge scale, we’re capable of achieving great things, striving to be personal, simple, and brilliant for our customers whilst creating an inclusive working environment where people from all backgrounds can succeed. Play your part. Make a difference. We are the Protectors.
A FEW POINTS TO NOTE:
Although these roles are listed as full-time, if you’re a job share partnership, work reduced hours, or any other way of working flexibly, please still get in touch.
We will also offer reasonable adjustments for the selection process if required, so please do not hesitate to inform us.
DON'T MEET EVERY SINGLE REQUIREMENT?
Studies have shown that women and people who are disabled, LGBTQ+, neurodiverse or from ethnic minority backgrounds are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification and criteria. We're committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where everyone can be their best, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every requirement on the Job Description, please apply anyway – you may just be the right candidate for this or other roles in our wider team.
IMPORTANT: Before applying for this role, please make sure you have the right to work in the country where the role is based. Unless it clearly stipulates within in the job advert above that the hiring company is looking to or able to sponsor applicants it is deemed that the hiring employer will only consider applications from those able to comply with and work in the country where the role is based.
