Lead Data Scientist

Bigbear.ai; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

BigBear.ai in Norfolk, VA is seeking a Lead Data Scientist to design, develop, and implement advanced analytical models on massive datasets to support DoW operations. You will lead the data science lifecycle and mentor junior team members while shaping scalable analytics solutions.

You’ll collaborate with data engineers and analysts to integrate models into operational workflows, communicate results clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences, and stay current with ML and AI trends.

Qualifications

• Active SECRET Security Clearance with eligibility for TS/SCI.
• Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, or related field with 8-10 years of experience; OR Master’s degree with 6-8 years of experience; OR PhD with 3-5 years of experience.
• Strong experience in designing and implementing machine learning models and statistical techniques.
• Expertise in Python, R, or equivalent programming languages for data analysis and modeling.
• Proficiency in SQL and working with relational/non-relational databases.
• Experience with distributed computing frameworks such as Spark or Databricks.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms such as AWS (SageMaker, Redshift, Glue) or Azure equivalents.
• Strong knowledge of data visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, or equivalent.
• Experience with version control practices (Git).
• Ability to work with structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data sources.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced analytical models and techniques to solve complex problems using massive datasets.
• Collaborate with data engineers and analysts to ensure seamless integration of analytical solutions into operational workflows.
• Communicate results in a manner that is broadly understandable to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior data scientists and analysts.

Skills

Python

R

SQL

Data Visualization

Git

Spark

Databricks

AWS

Tableau

Power BI

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Data Science/CS/Applied Math/Statistics

Master’s degree

PhD

Tools

Spark

Databricks

SageMaker

Redshift

Glue

Job description

Residency

All applicants must currently reside in the United States

Overview

BigBear.AI has an exciting opportunity for a Lead Data Scientist to join our talented and agile team of forward-thinking data scientists, data engineers, analysts, mission technologists, and domain experts.

BigBear.AI is one of the fastest-growing AI/ML companies in the industry and operates at the nexus of technology-driven decision support and enterprise data modernization in support of the Department of War (DoW). Our team relies on deep subject matter expertise (SME), active user community engagement, operational awareness, and disciplined data science practices to deliver secure, scalable, and mission-aligned analytical solutions.

Due to the requirement for active, on-site customer engagement and the sensitive nature of our data and applications, the work location for this role is in Norfolk, Virginia.

What you will do

As a Lead Data Scientist at BigBear.AI, you will lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced analytical models and techniques to solve complex problems using massive datasets. You will creatively explore, mine, analyze, and manipulate data to uncover actionable insights, develop innovative solutions, and enable decision-making across mission-critical DoW operations.

You will collaborate with stakeholders, data engineers, and analysts to ensure seamless integration of analytical solutions into operational workflows. You will also communicate results in a manner that is broadly understandable, enabling stakeholders to act on insights effectively.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and perform the determination of appropriate methods to creatively explore, mine, analyze, and manipulate extremely massive datasets.
• Develop and analyze modeling and measuring techniques using mathematics, machine learning, statistical methods, and engineering approaches to discover multiple solutions to complex problems.
• Design and implement advanced predictive, prescriptive, and descriptive models to support mission-critical decision-making.
• Create user-friendly reports and dashboards using various databases, analyses, programs, and scripts.
• Collaborate with data engineers to ensure connectivity and integration between various databases, programs, and systems.
• Work closely with stakeholders to understand analytical problems and develop tailored solutions.
• Communicate results and insights in a clear, concise, and broadly understandable manner to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Stay current with emerging trends and technologies in data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior data scientists and analysts.

What you need to have

• Security Clearance: Active SECRET Security Clearance with eligibility for TS/SCI.
• Education & Experience (Gate Requirements - No Substitution):
  • Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, or related field with 8-10 years of experience; OR
  • Master’s degree with 6-8 years of experience; OR
  • PhD with 3-5 years of experience.
• Strong experience in designing and implementing machine learning models and statistical techniques.
• Expertise in Python, R, or equivalent programming languages for data analysis and modeling.
• Proficiency in SQL and working with relational/non-relational databases.
• Experience with distributed computing frameworks such as Spark or Databricks.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms such as AWS (SageMaker, Redshift, Glue) or Azure equivalents.
• Strong knowledge of data visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, or equivalent.
• Experience with version control practices (Git).
• Ability to work with structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data sources.

What we'd like you to have

• Experience supporting DoW enterprise data platforms.
• Familiarity with RMF, NIST 800-53, and DoD IL-level cloud environments.
• Experience with natural language processing (NLP) and computer vision techniques.
• Knowledge of metadata management, data cataloging, and governance tools.
• Experience operating within Agile or DevSecOps environments in government programs.

Pay transparency

Please note the targeted compensation range is provided as an estimate, and any actual compensation offer may vary depending on the needs of the company, or an applicant's skillset, competencies, experience, education, certifications, location, or other factors. The estimated range does not include the value of any benefits offered.

About BigBear.ai

BigBear.ai is a leading provider of AI-powered decision intelligence solutions for national security, supply chain management, and digital identity. Customers and partners rely on Bigbear.ai’s predictive analytics capabilities in highly complex, distributed, mission-based operating environments. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, BigBear.ai is a public company traded on the NYSE under the symbol BBAI. For more information, visit https://bigbear.ai/ and follow BigBear.ai on LinkedIn: @BigBear.ai and X: @BigBearai.

BigBear.ai is an Equal opportunity employer all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.