Lead Data Scientist

Nyla Technology Solutions; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top-of-market compensation

Nyla FLEX benefits program

Fully covered health care (medical, 4D

11 holidays + generous paid leave

Job summary

Nyla Technology Solutions seeks a Lead Data Scientist who will own end-to-end AI/ML model development, from training to production prep, for the War Data Platform. You will collaborate with ML engineers to design data science workflows and deliver high-impact intelligence tools for critical missions.

The role requires 10+ years in ML, a Bachelor's in CS/DS/IT, and an active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility. Arlington County, VA is the hybrid work location for this senior position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.
• 10+ years of experience delivering ML models and statistical solutions.
• Hybrid work location in Arlington County, VA.
• Proficiency in Python or R with Databricks Notebooks and MLflow.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end development of AI/ML models from training to deployment readiness.
• Collaborate with ML Engineers to structure data science workflows.
• Build enterprise analytics capabilities for DoW War Data Platform.

Skills

Python

R

Machine Learning

Modeling

Feature engineering

Data visualization

Governance & validation

Top Secret clearance

Education

Bachelor's Degree in CS/DS/IT

Tools

Databricks Notebooks

MLflow

Job description

Job Description

We are looking for a passionate Lead Data Scientist to join our team! In this role, you will apply advanced scientific methodology, statistical modeling, and machine learning techniques to extract actionable insights and build predictive capabilities from complex enterprise datasets.

As a Data Science Lead, you will own the end-to-end development of AI/ML models—from training and fine-tuning to advanced feature engineering, benchmarking, and production deployment preparation. You will be building "enterprise capabilities" within the Department of War's authoritative data analytics platform (War Data Platform) for the Chief Digital and AI Officer (DoW CDAO). You will partner closely with ML Engineers to structure data science workflows and deliver high-consequence intelligence tools that solve critical mission challenges!

The annual base salary range for this role is $170,000-$200,000 (USD), which does not include discretionary bonus compensation or our comprehensive benefits package. Actual compensation offered to the successful candidate may vary from posted hiring range based upon geographic location, work experience, education, and/or skill level, among other things.

Required Skills

• Programming & Data Science Tools: Proficiency in Python or R, alongside hands‑on experience with Databricks Notebooks and MLflow
  
  
  
  • Machine Learning & Modeling: Foundational experience in training, testing, and implementing machine learning algorithms and statistical frameworks.
  
  
  • Feature Engineering & Optimization: Core skills in hyperparameter tuning, basic model validation, and feature engineering.
  
  
  • Data Visualization & Analytics: Ability to design clear data visualizations and dashboards to communicate model outputs and statistical insights.
  
  
  • Governance & Model Validation: Familiarity with testing procedures, model verification, and basic explainability standards.
  
  
  
  


• Clearance: Active Top Secret, SCI Eligible


• Experience: 10+ years of experience delivering machine learning models and statistical solutions
  
  
  
  • Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
  
  
  • Work Location: Arlington County, VA (Hybrid)
  
  
  
  

Desired Skills

• Experience collaborating with Data Engineers to establish automated execution pipelines and feature stores within isolated sandboxes.


• Demonstrated history of delivering high-consequence intelligence tools and solving complex operational mission blocks.


• Passion for data governance best practices and driving cross-functional technical excellence.

About Nyla Technology Solutions

Nyla Technology Solutions delivers exceptional Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, and Software Engineering services for the U.S. Government. Nyla embraces a forward-thinking and bold approach at every turn, earning us a solid reputation of technical trendsetters within the industry. We have a passion for developing solutions that have a quick and immediate impact on mission. Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, our customers love how we tackle their most challenging problems and get things done.

If you have the unique experience and expertise we are seeking, along with the desire and determination to invest your time and energy as a part of Nyla’s team,

Taking Care of All of You

Benefits

• Nyla provides a top-of-market compensation and benefits package.


• Through our unique Nyla FLEX program, we custom tailor these benefits to best fit your lifestyle.


• The Nyla FLEX benefit program is designed to offer you flexibility in the 3 biggest areas of your life: your pay, your leave, and your schedule.


• PAY: Nyla starts with 4 weeks of Annual Leave plus 11 holidays and an additional day of Annual Leave for each year you’re at the company. You have the flexibility to cash out your annual leave hours, opt out of other Nyla benefits, and/or arrange for additional hours on contract* (over 40 hrs/week). There’s even an option to earn 1.3 times your hourly rate once you work over 1880 hours on contract!


• LEAVE: Want to spend more time with the family? Want more time to travel the world? You can BUY additional annual leave for a total of 6 weeks of annual leave. That’s up to 240 hours of leave plus 11 holidays! That’s not even including paid anniversary leave!


• SCHEDULE: Does the traditional 40-hour workweek no longer fit your lifestyle? With Nyla FLEX, you have the freedom to scale down to 30-32 hours while still enjoying the top-notch Nyla benefits you know and love. It's flexibility that works for you without compromising the perks!


• WHAT ABOUT OTHER BENEFITS? Nyla’s health care (medical, dental, and vision) is 100% covered by the company. We provide 10% 401k matching - with full vesting day 1! Our Professional Development offers $5,000 per year to be used towards fees, tuition, or time off for your continued growth. We even have a student loan repayment program and we provide 8 hours of volunteering annually so you can support your community, making your world a better place.

To learn more about Nyla's culture and our exceptional benefit packages click here.

Nyla is an equal opportunity employer.