AI & Government R&D Business 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

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.