Principal Data Scientist / AI Lead

Core4ce is seeking a Data Scientist / AI Lead to provide advanced analytical insight and AI-assisted capabilities in support of the Defense Health Agency (DHA) Data Governance program. The ideal candidate will analyze metadata inventories, identify patterns and gaps, and evaluate AI-enabled techniques to support discovery, enrichment, and future-state recommendations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support analytical exploration of metadata inventories to identify patterns, gaps, and anomalies
• Evaluate and prototype AI-assisted techniques for metadata enrichment, classification, or discovery (as applicable)
• Support semantic discovery and advanced search concepts in coordination with UX and governance teams
• Provide analytical input to Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) and future-state recommendations
• Collaborate with: Data Governance Analyst on governance-informed analytics and quality insights, Data Engineer on data preparation and analytical readiness, and Chief Architect on feasibility and architectural alignment
• Develop analytical artifacts, findings, and recommendations to support program objectives
• Support documentation and presentation of analytical results for stakeholder review

* This position is designed to be flexible, with responsibilities evolving to meet business needs and enable individual growth.

Required Qualifications:

• 7+ years of experience in data science, analytics, or applied AI supporting Federal IT or enterprise data environments
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust or DoD Secret clearance
• Strong proficiency in Python and analytical libraries/tools used for data analysis and modeling
• Experience working with large, heterogeneous datasets and enterprise metadata
• Familiarity with data discovery, classification, and enrichment techniques
• Experience operating in secure, RMF-governed environments
• Ability to operate within Agile , SAFe, or hybrid Agile/Waterfall delivery models
• Strong analytical reasoning and ability to communicate findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience supporting Department of Defense (DoD) programs
• Defense Health Agency (DHA) or health IT experience strongly preferred
• Experience applying AI/ML techniques to data discovery, metadata enrichment, or data quality analysis
• Familiarity with enterprise data platforms, catalogs, or governance tools
• Experience supporting fixed-price, milestone-based Federal contracts

Why Work for Us?

Core4ce is a team of innovators, self-starters, and critical thinkers-driven by a shared mission to strengthen national security and advance warfighting outcomes.

We offer:

• 401(k) with 100% company match on the first 6% deferred, with immediate vesting
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage-employee portion paid 100% by Core4ce
• Unlimited access to training and certifications, with no pre-set cap on eligible professional development
• Tuition assistance for job-related degrees and courses
• Paid parental leave, PTO that grows with tenure, and generous holiday schedules
• Got a big idea? At Core4ce, The Forge gives every employee the chance to propose bold innovations and help bring them to life with internal backing.

Join us to build a career that matters-supported by a company that invests in you.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, disability, veteran status, age, genetic information, or other legally protected status.