Data Scientist - AI/mL Specialist

CACI International Inc; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 94,400 - 198,200; Full time

Job summary

CACI International Inc seeks a Senior Data Scientist to support DHS/C3 in developing advanced AI/ML solutions for critical investigations. You will design and deploy production-grade AI systems, build scalable data pipelines, and develop explainable models with human-in-the-loop oversight.

Collaborate with engineers and cybersecurity experts while ensuring data provenance and compliance with federal standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, AI, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, or related technical field.
• 5+ years of demonstrated AI/ML experience with production AI systems.
• Advanced proficiency with machine learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn) and deep learning architectures.
• Expert-level Python programming with Pandas, NumPy, and Spark.
• Experience deploying and maintaining production AI systems at scale.
• Experience with on-premise infrastructure and data centers.
• Deep knowledge of explainable AI techniques and interpretability methods (SHAP, LIME).
• Proven experience developing AI systems that comply with federal governance and ethical standards.
• Proficiency with MLOps, model versioning, CI/CD pipelines, and workflow orchestration.
• Strong communication skills; ability to convey complex concepts to diverse audiences.
• Active Public Trust clearance or ability to obtain and maintain clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement production AI/ML systems compliant with federal, DHS, and ICE governance requirements.
• Develop explainable and auditable AI solutions with integrated human-in-the-loop oversight mechanisms.
• Build machine learning models for investigative analytics including entity resolution, network analysis, and anomaly detection.
• Develop scalable data pipelines and ETL processes using Apache Airflow, Spark, and on-premise infrastructure.
• Design database solutions optimized for AI training, fine-tuning, and real-time inference on investigative data and implement continuous monitoring systems to detect bias, performance degradation, and security vulnerabilities.
• Support AI Use Case approval processes, Security Authorization (ATO), and risk management protocols.
• Document system architecture, data flows, and model explanations for audit and transparency requirements.
• Integrate AI capabilities with existing investigative systems through APIs and microservices.
• Ensure data provenance documentation and lawful data acquisition per federal requirements.
• Collaborate with software engineers, infrastructure architects, and cybersecurity specialists on cross-functional projects.
• Communicate technical concepts and model decisions to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Maintain compliance with AI Security Control Baseline and federal governance frameworks.
• Contribute technical expertise to team initiatives and share knowledge and best practices with team members.

Skills

ML frameworks

Python & data libs

Data Science

AI/ML Production

Public Trust clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

scikit-learn

Python

Pandas

NumPy

Spark

Job description

The Opportunity

CACi is seeking a Senior Data Scientist to support the Department of Homeland Security's Cyber Crimes Center (C3) in developing advanced AI and machine learning solutions for critical law enforcement investigations. In this role, you will:

• Design and deploy production-grade AI/ML systems that enable investigators to combat cybercrime and dismantle criminal networks.
• Work within a collaborative technical team to deliver AI solutions that meet rigorous federal compliance standards.
• Contribute to mission-critical national security operations while advancing responsible AI practices.
• Apply cutting‑edge machine learning techniques to solve complex investigative challenges.

This position requires U.S. citizenship and eligibility to obtain a DHS Public Trust clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement production AI/ML systems compliant with federal, DHS, and ICE governance requirements.
• Develop explainable and auditable AI solutions with integrated human‑in‑the‑loop oversight mechanisms.
• Build machine learning models for investigative analytics including entity resolution, network analysis, and anomaly detection.
• Develop scalable data pipelines and ETL processes using Apache Airflow, Spark, and on‑premise infrastructure.
• Design database solutions optimized for AI training, fine‑tuning, and real‑time inference on investigative data and implement continuous monitoring systems to detect bias, performance degradation, and security vulnerabilities.
• Support AI Use Case approval processes, Security Authorization (ATO), and risk management protocols.
• Document system architecture, data flows, and model explanations for audit and transparency requirements.
• Integrate AI capabilities with existing investigative systems through APIs and microservices.
• Ensure data provenance documentation and lawful data acquisition per federal requirements.
• Collaborate with software engineers, infrastructure architects, and cybersecurity specialists on cross‑functional projects.
• Communicate technical concepts and model decisions to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Maintain compliance with AI Security Control Baseline and federal governance frameworks.
• Contribute technical expertise to team initiatives and share knowledge and best practices with team members.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, or related technical field.
• 5+ years of demonstrated AI/ML experience with a proven track record of delivering production AI systems.
• Advanced proficiency with machine learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit‑learn) and deep learning architectures.
• Expert‑level Python programming with extensive experience in Pandas, NumPy, and Spark.
• Demonstrated experience deploying and maintaining production AI systems at scale.
• Experience with on‑premise infrastructure, data centers, and physical server environments.
• Deep knowledge of explainable AI techniques and model interpretability methods (SHAP, LIME).
• Proven experience developing AI systems that comply with federal governance and ethical standards.
• Proficiency with MLOps practices, model versioning, CI/CD pipelines, and workflow orchestration.
• Strong communication skills with ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Active Public Trust clearance or ability to obtain and maintain clearance.

Desired

• Master's degree or PhD in a related technical field.
• Experience with Generative AI, large language models, prompt engineering, and fine‑tuning techniques.
• Knowledge of AI security, bias detection and mitigation, and adversarial machine learning.
• Background in federal law enforcement or intelligence community AI applications.
• Expertise in Open‑Source Intelligence (OSINT) analysis and cyber threat intelligence.
• Proficiency with Elasticsearch, Kibana, graph databases, and investigative analytics platforms.
• Familiarity with federal AI policies including Executive Orders 13960/14110, OMB guidance, and DHS/ICE directives.
• Experience with real‑time streaming analytics and Change Data Capture (CDC).

This position is contingent on funding and may not be filled immediately. However, this position is representative of positions within CACI that are consistently available. Individuals who apply may also be considered for other positions at CACI.

Pay Range

There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families.

The Proposed Salary Range For This Position Is: $94,400 - $198,200.

CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.