Computational Engineer

Computational Engineer

Location: Colworth Science Park, UK – Hybrid

Job Purpose: As a Computational Engineer within the Safety, Environmental & Regulatory Science (SERS) team at Unilever, you will take the lead in designing, developing, and delivering robust data analytics solutions that inform business decisions and scientific research. You will own and drive the development of dashboards, reporting tools, and AI-driven analytics frameworks that support cross-functional teams across safety, sustainability, and innovation.

You'll act as a subject matter expert in analytics best practices, proactively engaging with business stakeholders, scientists, and digital tool developers to identify needs, design fit-for-purpose solutions, and ensure continuous improvement of data capabilities. This is a unique opportunity to shape how data empowers Unilever's scientific and regulatory agenda.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead Data Analytics Delivery
• Build and maintain scalable cloud data pipelines (e.g. Databricks, Spark, Airflow, ADF) with strong orchestration, monitoring, CI/CD, and data quality/governance for analytical workflows.
• Drive continuous improvement of reporting and analytics assets, ensuring alignment with SERS strategic goals.
• Dashboarding & Reporting
• Develop and maintain Power BI dashboards and automated reporting solutions that provide clear, actionable insights.
• Translate complex data into engaging stories for technical experts, scientists, and senior stakeholders, adapting communications to audience needs.
• Project & Stakeholder Management
• Independently manage analytics projects or workstreams
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand data needs and deliver fit-for-purpose analytics solutions.
• Establish strong relationships with IT and business teams to enable access and management of data within the enterprise data lake environment
• Advanced Analytics & Innovation
• Contribute to the development and application of AI and machine learning solutions that enable predictive insights and automation within SERS.
• Stay informed on emerging trends in data science, cloud analytics, and digital innovation bringing new thinking and opportunities into the team.
• Tool Development & Operational Support
• Support the development, testing, and deployment of digital tools used across SERS functions.
• Provide timely and reliable support for ad hoc data queries and operational reporting needs, while ensuring compliance with data standards and governance.

All About You

Essential Qualifications & Experience:

• Degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science or equivalent practical experience.
• Demonstrated experience (minimum 3 - 4 years) designing and delivering analytics solutions in a business or scientific environment.
• Expertise in Power BI and dashboard design.
• Expertise in data modelling
• Proficient in Python, R, or similar tools for data analysis and transformation.
• Strong SQL skills and experience working with relational databases.
• Hands-on experience with cloud platforms (Azure preferred) and version control systems (e.g., Git).
• Proven ability to lead initiatives and influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Strong communicator who can tailor insights to a variety of audiences.
• Highly organised with the ability to prioritise competing demands in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrates a growth mindset, curiosity, and commitment to continuous learning.

• Desirable:
• Experience with Azure Databricks.
• Exposure to AI/ML applications in a business or scientific context.

What We Offer:

• A vibrant, research-driven environment at Colworth Science Park (Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire), with on-site amenities such as a restaurant, gym, nursery and social club.
• Opportunities to lead impactful data projects that enhance safety, regulatory compliance, and sustainability.
• A supportive, inclusive team culture that values innovation, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Hybrid working model to support work-life balance.

About Unilever:

Unilever is one of the world's leading suppliers of Food, Home and Personal Care products with sales in over 190 countries and reaching 2 billion consumers a day. Unilever has more than 400 brands found in homes around the world, including Dove, Tresemme, Lynx, Lifebuoy, Shea Moisture, Persil, Domestos, Ben & Jerry's, Magnum, Marmite, The Vegetarian Butcher, Graze and Pot Noodle.

Faced with the challenge of climate change and the need for human development, we want to move towards a world where everyone can live well and within the natural limits of the planet. That's why our purpose is 'to make sustainable living commonplace'.

Not only do we offer a competitive salary and pension scheme, we also offer an annual bonus, subsidised gym membership, a discounted staff shop and shares. You'll have the opportunity to work directly with our renowned and exciting brands in a flexible and hybrid working environment.

Whilst the role is advertised on a full-time basis, we would be happy to discuss possible flexible working options and what this may look like for you. We are a key advocate of wellbeing and offer a variety of support for our people including hubs, programmes and development opportunities. We strive to achieve a family-friendly and inclusive workplace and to, above all, create possibilities for all.

Diversity at Unilever is about inclusion, embracing differences, creating possibilities and growing together for better business performance. We embrace diversity in our workforce. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants and continuing development of all employees regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. We are also more than happy to provide reasonable adjustments during our application and interview process to enable you to be present your best self.

Recruitment Fraud:

Cyber criminals advertise fake job adverts with prestigious employers as a way of stealing information or even defrauding individuals out of money. In the most sophisticated cases, they will set up fake websites, which have a similar address to companies like Unilever. They even conduct fake telephone interviews and then offer candidates a role with the proviso they pay a fee for background checks or to cover work visa costs. These types of attacks are becoming more common as more people are looking for employment in the economic climate.

How is Unilever tackling this?

Many of Unilever's recruitment sites publish a warning to candidates about recruitment fraud. The Cyber Security team also proactively scan for signs of people setting up fake Unilever sites and act to close them down.

What can I do?

If you become aware of potential recruitment fraud, spot fake Unilever recruitment adverts or fake LinkedIn profiles, report them via Una Live Chat.

Unilever does not accept responsibility or liability for any candidates who are financially impacted by recruitment fraud. Your vigilance is key!