AI Business Development Lead

Booz Allen Hamilton; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 113,000 - 257,000; Full time

Job summary

Booz Allen Hamilton in Washington, DC seeks an advanced data scientist to shape and lead government research programs, collaborating with DARPA and similar agencies. You will develop bold AI/ML concepts, engage program managers, and guide proposals from concept through execution.

As part of the Defense Technology Group, you will advance national capabilities, publish advances, and mentor teams while staying current with tools and methodologies critical to high‑impact research initiatives.

Qualifications

• Experience shaping and capturing competitive R&D programs with federal government agencies such as DARPA, including concept development and proposal leadership
• Experience delivering advanced AI / ML or data science solutions in complex mission, research, or experimental environments
• Experience leading cross-functional technical teams through early-stage research design, modeling, experimentation, and technical writing
• Knowledge of the BAA lifecycle, including abstracts, white papers, full proposals, and associated technical evaluation pathways
• Knowledge of modern AI / ML tools and architectures, including Python, PyTorch or TensorFlow, and cloud-based analytic environments
• Ability to engage government program managers to refine early technical ideas and translate them into testable, milestone-oriented research concepts
• Ability to develop innovative technical narratives aligned to high-risk, high-reward research priorities and communicate them clearly to stakeholders
• Ability to guide internal teams through capture, proposal development, and verbal presentations, ensuring technical excellence and alignment with sponsor goals
• Ability to obtain a Secret clearance
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, or a STEM field
• Nice to have: Experience working at DARPA or as a performer on DARPA research programs or similar high‑risk, high‑reward R&D initiatives
• Nice to have: Heilmeier questions
• Nice to have: TS/SCI clearance
• Nice to have: Doctorate degree in a related STEM field

Responsibilities

• Lead early-stage concept development, sponsor engagement, and technical storytelling that shapes breakthrough program ideas
• Following award, transition into program leadership, guiding technical execution, milestone delivery, and analytic evaluation of scientific progress

Skills

R&D program leadership

AI/ML solutions

Cross-functional leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Technical storytelling

Proposal development

Security clearance

Bachelor's degree

DARPA experience

Heilmeier questions

TS/SCI clearance

PhD in STEM

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, or a STEM field

Doctorate degree in a related STEM field

Tools

Python

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Cloud-based analytic environments

Job description

Join a culture of emplowerment and connectivity.

Develop your craft

Learn the skills you need to accelerate your career.

Discover benefits that your life and work.

Innovate with intention

Build mission-ready tech that protects the nation.

As an analytics professional, you’re excited by breakthrough ideas and the chance to shape what comes next in emerging technology. In this role, you won’t just build models — you’ll help define new, high-impact government research programs from the ground up. If you thrive at the intersection of advanced data science and mission driven innovation, this is the opportunity to lead.

We’re looking for an advanced data scientist with deep technical expertise and experience e nga ging directly with U.S. government research and development sponsors such as DARPA. You will serve as a technical business development lead focused on shaping opportunities with similar innovation ecosystem agencies. You’ll develop bold, testable technical concepts, refine them through discussions with government program managers, and guide the production of compelling, competitive proposal submissions. Your work will directly support the creation of new cutting‑edge research programs, including those led by agencies known for high‑risk, high‑reward innovation.

As an advanced data scientist and researcher on our Defense Technology Group team, you’ll introduce innovative AI / ML, data science, and emerging technology met hodologies to accelerate the formation of next‑generation research initiatives. You will lead early‑stage concept development, sponsor e nga gement, and technical storytelling that shapes breakthrough program ideas. Following award, you will transition into program leadership, guiding technical execution, milestone delivery, and rigorous analytic evaluation of scientific progress.

You’ll share your expertise through peer-reviewed papers, patents, major conference presentations, and open‑source contributions while staying sharp through access to the latest tools, met hods, and professional development opportunities. Whether you’re advancing national decision advantage, spearheading disruptive technologies, or enabling new mission capabilities, you will lead a team shaping high‑impact research programs from concept through execution.

Join us. The world can’t wait.

You Have:

• Experience shaping and capturing competitive R & D programs with federal government agencies such as DARPA, including concept development and proposal leadership
• Experience delivering advanced AI / ML or data science solutions in complex mission, research, or experimental environments
• Experience leading cross‑functional technical teams through early‑stage research design, modeling, experimentation, and technical writing
• Knowledge of the BAA lifecycle, including abstracts, white papers, full proposals, and asso cia ted technical evaluation pathways
• Knowledge of modern AI / ML tools and architectures, including Python, PyTorch or TensorFlow, and cloud‑based analytic environments
• Ability to e nga ge government program managers to refine early technical ideas and translate them into testable, milestone‑oriented research concepts
• Ability to develop innovative technical narratives aligned to high‑risk, high‑reward research priorities and communicate them clearly to stakeholders
• Ability to guide internal teams through capture, proposal development, and verbal presentations, ensuring technical excellence and alignment with sponsor goals
• Ability to obtain a Secret clearance
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, or a STEM field

Nice If You Have:

• Experience working at DARPA or as a performer on DARPA research programs or similar high‑risk, high‑reward R & D initiatives
• Knowledge of the Heilmeier questions and their use in crafting groundbreaking program concepts
• TS/SCI clearance
• Doctorate degree in a related STEM field

Clearance:
Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information .

Compensation

At Booz Allen, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen’s benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site and reviewing Our Employee Benefits page.

Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract‑specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $112,800.00 to $257,000.00 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Booz Allen’s total compensation package for employees. This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.

AI Business Development Lead

The Opportunity:

As an analytics professional, you’re excited by breakthrough ideas and the chance to shape what comes next in emerging technology. In this role, you won’t just build models — you’ll help define new, high-impact government research programs from the ground up. If you thrive at the intersection of advanced data science and mission driven innovation, this is the opportunity to lead.

We’re looking for an advanced data scientist with deep technical expertise and experience e nga ging directly with U.S. government research and development sponsors such as DARPA. You will serve as a technical business development lead focused on shaping opportunities with similar innovation ecosystem agencies. You’ll develop bold, testable technical concepts, refine them through discussions with government program managers, and guide the production of compelling, competitive proposal submissions. Your work will directly support the creation of new cutting‑edge research programs, including those led by agencies known for high‑risk, high‑reward innovation.

As an advanced data scientist and researcher on our Defense Technology Group team, you’ll introduce innovative AI / ML, data science, and emerging technology met hodologies to accelerate the formation of next‑generation research initiatives. You will lead early‑stage concept development, sponsor e nga gement, and technical storytelling that shapes breakthrough program ideas. Following award, you will transition into program leadership, guiding technical execution, milestone delivery, and rigorous analytic evaluation of scientific progress.

You’ll share your expertise through peer-reviewed papers, patents, major conference presentations, and open‑source contributions while staying sharp through access to the latest tools, met hods, and professional development opportunities. Whether you’re advancing national decision advantage, spearheading disruptive technologies, or enabling new mission capabilities, you will lead a team shaping high‑impact research programs from concept through execution.

Join us. The world can’t wait.

You Have:

• Experience shaping and capturing competitive R & D programs with federal government agencies such as DARPA, including concept development and proposal leadership
• Experience delivering advanced AI / ML or data science solutions in complex mission, research, or experimental environments
• Experience leading cross‑functional technical teams through early‑stage research design, modeling, experimentation, and technical writing
• Knowledge of the BAA lifecycle, including abstracts, white papers, full proposals, and asso cia ted technical evaluation pathways
• Knowledge of modern AI / ML tools and architectures, including Python, PyTorch or TensorFlow, and cloud‑based analytic environments
• Ability to e nga ge government program managers to refine early technical ideas and translate them into testable, milestone‑oriented research concepts
• Ability to develop innovative technical narratives aligned to high‑risk, high‑reward research priorities and communicate them clearly to stakeholders
• Ability to guide internal teams through capture, proposal development, and verbal presentations, ensuring technical excellence and alignment with sponsor goals
• Ability to obtain a Secret clearance
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, or a STEM field

Nice If You Have:

• Experience working at DARPA or as a performer on DARPA research programs or similar high‑risk, high‑reward R & D initiatives
• Knowledge of the Heilmeier questions and their use in crafting groundbreaking program concepts
• TS/SCI clearance
• Doctorate degree in a related STEM field

Clearance:
Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information .

Compensation

At Booz Allen, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen’s benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site and reviewing Our Employee Benefits page.

Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract‑specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $112,800.00 to $257,000.00 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Booz Allen’s total compensation package for employees. This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.

Identity Statement

As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

AI is a part of our daily work at Booz Allen, and we are committed to the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. However, we want to ensure a fair candidate process based on your own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in‑person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly provided.

Work Model
Our people‑first culture prioritizes the benefits of collaboration, whether it occurs in person or virtually. To support engagement and effective communication, employees working virtually are generally expected to have their cameras on during meetings.

• Remote: If this position is listed as remote, there may still be occasions when you are required to work in person at a Booz Allen or customer facility.
• Hybrid: If this position is listed as hybrid, you will be expected to work from a Booz Allen facility frequently, in alignment with leadership expectations and the needs of the role. You may also be required to work from or visit a customer facility.
• Onsite: If this position is listed as onsite, work will primarily be performed at a Booz Allen office or customer facility, where employees will collaborate directly with colleagues and customers as required by the role.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.