Lead AI/ML Data Scientist (Remote - Top Secret)

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking an experienced Lead AI/ML Data Scientist to support advanced analytics, AI/ML, and data visualization initiatives for federal law enforcement and intelligence missions. This role focuses on designing and delivering data‑driven solutions that enable targeting, lead prioritization, and operational decision‑making. The ideal candidate brings strong experience with Python, AI/ML (including large language models), cloud analytics, and data visualization, along with the ability to communicate insights clearly to both technical and operational stakeholders.

Location: Remote or Hybrid (1-2 days onsite in Springfield, VA)

Responsibilities:

• Partner with mission stakeholders to define analytical requirements and deliver actionable insights using advanced analytics, AI/ML, generative AI, and predictive modeling.
• Design and maintain scalable data models integrating diverse data sources including law enforcement systems, commercial data, open‑source intelligence (OSINT), and social media.
• Design and deliver interactive dashboards and reports using tools such as Tableau or Power BI to support real‑time operational awareness.
• Clearly communicate analytical findings to technical and non‑technical audiences, supporting investigative and operational decisions.
• Manage and query relational databases to ensure data integrity and accessibility.
• Automate data ingestion, transformation, and analysis pipelines using Python, SQL, and cloud‑native tools.
• Support cloud modernization efforts within AWS GovCloud environments, optimizing data architectures for performance and security.
• Build analytical models supporting lead generation, prioritization, and targeting workflows.
• Conduct entity resolution, link analysis, pattern‑of‑life analysis, and social media analysis to identify relationships and emerging trends.
• Produce actionable intelligence products and target packages for investigative and enforcement operations.
• Design and develop end‑to‑end AI/ML solutions that transform large volumes of structured and unstructured data into operational insights.
• Architect and document scalable data pipelines for ingesting text, image, video, and metadata from multiple platforms.
• Collaborate on demos and whitepapers to showcase and mature analytical solutions.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related technical field.
• 6+ years of progressive experience in data science, advanced analytics, and data visualization, with ownership of solutions from concept through production.
• Experience supporting federal law enforcement, intelligence, or national security missions.
• Strong experience designing, developing, and deploying AI/ML models and advanced analytics in production environments.
• Advanced proficiency in Python for data manipulation, automation, and scalable workflow development.
• Strong expertise in SQL and relational databases such as Oracle, PostgreSQL, or MySQL.
• Hands‑on experience building automated data pipelines with a focus on scalability and reliability.
• Experience leveraging cloud services (e.g., S3, EC2, RDS, Lambda) to support analytics and data processing.
• Proven ability to design impactful dashboards and data visualizations with a focus on storytelling and executive communication.
• Experience with link analysis, geospatial analysis, or network visualization tools.
• Strong collaboration and leadership skills with the ability to influence cross‑functional teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of translating complex technical concepts for diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with modern software development practices including Git, testing, and iterative development.

Clearance Requirement:

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Active DHS clearance, DoD Top Secret clearance, or Q‑level clearance required or eligible.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in a relevant technical discipline.
• Experience working with large‑scale or cloud‑based big data environments.
• Experience developing prototypes or proof‑of‑concept analytics solutions end‑to‑end.
• Experience with image processing or signals analysis.
• Knowledge of federal data governance standards and compliance frameworks.
• Experience with change management tools and practices (e.g., GitHub workflows).

Compensation:

• Pay range: $180,000 - $200,000 (Based on years of relevant experience)

Benefits: 

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401k, paid time off, federal holidays, and sick leave.

Application Period: Opens on 05/11/2026 and will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.

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