Data Scientist Lead

ECS; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS Federal LLC seeks a Data Scientist Lead to head a team delivering advanced analytics and AI/ML solutions for USCENTCOM J3. The role focuses on translating mission needs into full-stack AI-driven capabilities, from data ingestion to model deployment, while guiding data governance and architecture decisions.

The candidate will oversee data management, direct lifecycle activities, and present complex insights to senior leaders.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizen with Top Secret clearance and SCI eligibility.
• 10+ years leading data science or analytics teams.
• Experience delivering data science requirements for Military/Federal/IC stakeholders.
• Expertise applying AI/ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn).
• Strong Python and/or R for data eng, automation, and modeling.
• Experience building data pipelines, warehousing, and data lake architectures.
• Proven ability briefing senior leaders with clear results.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for data engineering, analytics, and predictive analytics teams.
• Develop and implement advanced analytics and statistical models.
• Apply AI/ML techniques to identify mission-critical insights.
• Oversee data pipelines for cleaning, tagging, and ingestion into data lakes/lakehouses.
• Direct the data science lifecycle from exploration to deployment.
• Coordinate with CDO, XDO, and mission counterparts to define data needs.
• Advise on SQL, Python, and R usage to enable data-driven decisions.
• Translate technical findings for non-technical senior leadership.
• Manage multiple projects in a dynamic environment.

Skills

Leadership

Python

R

Data science

AI/ML

Communication

Senior stakeholder briefing

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s in Data Science/Computer Science/IT

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Scikit-learn

SQL

Power BI

Tableau

Qlik

Palantir Foundry / MSS

Databricks

Apache Spark

Job description

Job Description

ECS Federal is seeking a Data Scientist Lead to support the USCENTCOM Operations Directorate (J3).

The successful candidate will be a senior subject matter expert in data science, leading a team of data professionals to enhance the command's data-driven decision-making capabilities. This role requires a demonstratable history of designing, developing, and operationalizing advanced analytical solutions within Military, Federal, or Intelligence organizations.

The Data Scientist Lead will provide oversight for the Data Management team and drive the implementation of strategic initiatives in data engineering, data science, and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML). You will be responsible for translating mission needs into high-impact technical solutions, from data ingestion and model development to the deployment of full-stack AI-driven capabilities that directly support military operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive leadership and oversight for the data engineering, analytics, and predictive analytics team, ensuring all services align with strategic operational objectives.
• Lead the development and implementation of advanced analytics, statistical model development, data governance, and the integration of innovative technologies to inform operational decisions.
• Apply advanced machine learning and AI techniques, including unsupervised, supervised, reinforcement learning, and generative AI (e.g., Large Language Models, multi-modal AI), to identify patterns and generate mission-critical insights.
• Oversee the development, deployment, and maintenance of high-quality, fault-tolerant data pipelines to clean, tag, and ingest structured and unstructured data into data lakes and lakehouses.
• Direct the data science lifecycle, from exploration and algorithm development to statistical validation and solution operationalization, ensuring deployed capabilities meet mission requirements.
• Coordinate with the USCENTCOM Chief Data Officer (CDO), the Operations Directorate Executive Data Officer (XDO), and participate in relevant forums to interpret mission needs and define operational data requirements.
• Serve as the senior technical advisor for the team, guiding the use of query languages (SQL), programming languages (Python, R), and analytics platforms to enable data-driven decisions.
• Translate highly technical information and findings into clear, actionable insights for a broad, non-technical operational audience and senior leadership.
• Manage and prioritize multiple projects and tasks simultaneously in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment.

Required Skills and Experience

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Active Top Secret clearance and SCI eligibility.
• BA/BS or MA/MS in Data Science, Analytics, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• More than 10 years of relevant work experience, with significant experience leading data science or analytics teams.
• Demonstrated experience capturing, implementing, and managing data science requirements for senior Military, Federal Government, or Intelligence Community stakeholders.
• Proven expertise in applying advanced AI/ML techniques and frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn) to solve complex problems.
• Highly proficient in Python and/or R for data engineering, automation, and model development.
• Experience with data engineering concepts, including building and maintaining data pipelines (ETL/ELT), data warehousing, and data lake/lakehouse architectures.
• Familiarity with data visualization and analytics platforms such as Power BI, Tableau, Qlik, or Palantir Foundry / Maven Smart System (MSS).
• Experience with data storage and processing tools (e.g., Apache Spark, Databricks, Hadoop) and databases (e.g., TSQL, MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience briefing senior leaders.
• Must be available for occasional travel to domestic and international locations.

Desired Skills And Experience

• MA/MS in a relevant technical field.
• Experience implementing data solutions on cloud platforms (e.g., Azure, AWS, Google Cloud).
• Deep understanding of DoD data strategies, security protocols, and data governance standards.
• Experience with ESRI ArcGIS technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.

ECS Federal LLC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis any characteristic protected by law. 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, or local jurisdiction law.

Everforth ECS is the federal segment of Everforth, a $4B global organization with over 10,000 employees. Our nearly 3,500 professionals deliver advanced technology solutions in data and AI, cybersecurity, and enterprise transformation, serving defense, intelligence, and federal civilian agencies.

Our work powers mission-critical outcomes, strengthens technology partnerships, and creates meaningful opportunities for our people. We are defined by a commitment to excellence in delivery, a culture of innovation, and an environment where talent can thrive and grow.

We Value

• Attracting and developing top talent and high-performing teams
• Fostering a culture that is engaging, accountable, and mission-driven

Meet the challenge. Make a difference with Everforth ECS!