Data Scientist Lead

About Us
Venatôre is a mission-driven government contractor based in Tampa, FL, supporting federal and civilian agencies with secure cutting-edge technology, cybersecurity, and mission support services. Our teams are trusted in demanding environments because we integrate with client missions, combining technical depth, operational precision, and innovative thinking to deliver meaningful results where they matter most.

About the Job
The Data Scientist Lead is responsible for leading the organization's data science, data engineering, and analytics functions in support of mission-critical military operations. This senior technical leadership role oversees the design, development, and operationalization of advanced data analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning capabilities that enhance data-driven decision-making across the command. Working closely with senior government stakeholders, including the Chief Data Officer (CDO) and Executive Data Officer (XDO), the Data Scientist Lead translates operational requirements into scalable technical solutions while providing strategic direction, technical oversight, and mentorship to a multidisciplinary team. This position requires the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, mission-focused environment and may require occasional domestic and international travel.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategic Oversight

• Lead and provide technical oversight for data engineering, data science, analytics, and predictive analytics teams in support of operational mission objectives.
• Establish strategic priorities for data management, advanced analytics, AI/ML, and data engineering initiatives.
• Serve as the senior technical advisor on data science, machine learning, and analytics capabilities.
• Mentor and develop technical staff while promoting best practices, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects, priorities, and deliverables in a fast-paced operational environment.

Data Science & Artificial Intelligence

• Lead the development, validation, deployment, and operationalization of advanced statistical models and AI/ML solutions.
• Apply supervised, unsupervised, reinforcement learning, and generative AI techniques, including Large Language Models (LLMs) and multimodal AI, to solve complex mission challenges.
• Guide the full data science lifecycle, including data exploration, feature engineering, model development, validation, deployment, and performance monitoring.
• Evaluate emerging AI and machine learning technologies for mission applicability and operational effectiveness.

Data Engineering & Architecture

• Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of secure, scalable, and fault-tolerant data pipelines supporting structured and unstructured data.
• Direct ETL/ELT processes, data integration, data warehousing, and modern data lake/lakehouse architectures.
• Ensure data quality, governance, accessibility, and compliance throughout the data lifecycle.
• Support enterprise data management strategies and architecture modernization initiatives.

Stakeholder Engagement & Mission Support

• Collaborate with the USCENTCOM Chief Data Officer (CDO), Operations Directorate Executive Data Officer (XDO), and other government stakeholders to define operational data requirements.
• Participate in governance boards, technical working groups, and strategic planning forums.
• Translate complex technical findings into clear, actionable recommendations for senior military leadership and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ensure analytical capabilities directly support operational planning, mission execution, and strategic decision-making.

Analytics & Technology

• Guide the use of SQL, Python, R, and other analytical tools to develop data-driven solutions.
• Oversee implementation and utilization of visualization platforms such as Power BI, Tableau, Qlik, Palantir Foundry, and Maven Smart System (MSS).
• Support enterprise analytics platforms, distributed data processing technologies, and database environments including Apache Spark, Databricks, Hadoop, Oracle, PostgreSQL, MySQL, and Microsoft SQL Server.
• Promote adoption of modern analytics methodologies and industry best practices.

Required Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Active Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility.
• Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Analytics, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related technical discipline.
• More than 10 years of progressively responsible experience in data science, analytics, or data engineering, including significant leadership experience.
• Demonstrated experience supporting Military, Federal Government, or Intelligence Community organizations.
• Proven experience gathering, implementing, and managing data science requirements for senior government stakeholders.
• Expertise developing and deploying advanced AI/ML solutions using frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Scikit-learn.
• Advanced proficiency in Python and/or R for data engineering, automation, analytics, and machine learning development.
• Experience designing and maintaining ETL/ELT pipelines, data warehouses, and data lake/lakehouse environments.
• Experience with enterprise data visualization and analytics platforms, including Power BI, Tableau, Qlik, Palantir Foundry, or Maven Smart System (MSS).
• Experience working with distributed data processing technologies such as Apache Spark, Databricks, and Hadoop.
• Experience administering or utilizing relational database platforms including SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL, and MySQL.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated experience briefing senior military or government leadership.
• Ability to travel occasionally to domestic and international locations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Analytics, Information Technology, or another related technical discipline.
• Experience implementing enterprise data and analytics solutions within Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud environments.
• Strong knowledge of Department of Defense data strategies, governance frameworks, cybersecurity requirements, and information assurance standards.
• Experience with ESRI ArcGIS technologies and geospatial analytics.
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional technical teams in fast-paced operational environments.
• Experience supporting AI/ML modernization initiatives within Department of Defense or Intelligence Community organizations.

Benefits
Venatôre offers a competitive benefits package designed to support the well-being of our employees, including:

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 10 Federal Holidays
• 401(k) with company matching
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid military leave

Venatôre is a woman owned small business and an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to disability or protected veteran status.