Lead Data Scientist

Forward Deployed Data Scientist, Applied AI & Agentic Systems (Modeling)$165,000 - $175K base + 30% bonus (guaranteed) Northern VirginiaTravel: RequiredA mission-driven defense technology company modernizing high-stakes government decision-making through AI-enabled software and proprietary data.About the CompanyThis team is building advanced software and AI applications for some of the most complex workflows in national security, defense acquisition, supply chain, logistics, sustainment, and modernization. Their platform helps government users make faster, better-informed decisions using proprietary datasets, applied AI, and production-grade software.This is not "AI for AI's sake." The work is deeply applied, technically challenging, and tied directly to real-world mission outcomes.The RoleWe're looking for a Forward Deployed Data Scientist who can embed with government stakeholders, understand ambiguous mission problems, and turn them into production-ready AI systems.This is a hands-on, build-and-ship role for someone who can model, prototype, deploy, communicate, and iterate in complex environments. You'll operate at the intersection of applied AI, data science, customer delivery, and platform engineering"”working closely with AI platform, agentic AI, and data engineering teams to take ideas from concept to live deployment.What You'll DoEmbed directly with customers to understand ambiguous defense and national security problemsTranslate complex mission needs into clear technical requirements and AI solution designsBuild models, heuristics, workflows, and agentic AI systems that solve real operational problemsWork with proprietary, commercial, and government-relevant datasets to uncover actionable insightsRapidly prototype, test, and iterate based on user feedbackDeploy AI/ML solutions into production environmentsMeasure model and system effectiveness, tune performance, and improve reliabilityIntegrate solutions into broader AI agent, skills, and platform frameworksGeneralize one-off customer solutions into reusable capabilities for future deploymentsLead through influence across product, platform, data, and engineering teamsWhat You'll BringStrong applied data science and AI/ML experienceProven ability to build models and deploy real systems, not just perform analysis or researchExperience translating fuzzy customer, business, or mission problems into technical AI requirementsHands-on experience rapidly prototyping and productionizing AI/ML solutionsStrong Python/data science fundamentals and practical modeling abilityAbility to communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical stakeholdersHigh autonomy, strong ownership, and comfort operating in ambiguous environmentsExperience partnering cross-functionally with engineering, platform, and data teamsU.S. Citizenship requiredBonus: experience in defense, government, national security, regulated industries, or complex enterprise environmentsUS CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED!!About People In AIPeople In AI is a specialist recruitment partner for high-growth AI, ML, data, and infrastructure companies. We work with leading teams building frontier technology across applied AI, machine learning systems, data platforms, and intelligent software.

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