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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