Sr. Data Scientist

ECS; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 205,000; Full time

Job summary

Everforth ECS in Arlington, VA seeks a Sr. Data Scientist to join our team on a contract award basis. Design and optimize intelligent search and retrieval systems, applying GenAI, RAG, and vector search to enterprise data.

This role emphasizes search relevance, embeddings, and LLM integration while collaborating with customers and internal teams. U.S. citizenship and active Secret clearance are required; some travel may be needed.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience applying Elasticsearch to search, analytics, or data science use cases.
• Strong understanding of search concepts including relevance tuning, indexing strategies, and query optimization.
• Experience with AI-driven solutions in enterprise environments.
• U.S. Citizenship and active Secret clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and optimize intelligent search solutions using Elasticsearch, including lexical, semantic, and vector-based search techniques.
• Apply Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) patterns to enhance LLM-driven applications with accurate, relevant, and contextual enterprise data.
• Consult with customers to understand business objectives, data landscapes, and search challenges, translating requirements into effective AI-powered search strategies.
• Build and refine embedding strategies, indexing approaches, and query workflows to improve relevance, precision, and recall.
• Evaluate and integrate LLMs and GenAI capabilities into enterprise search and analytics use cases.
• Collaborate with data, AI, and platform teams to align GenAI solutions with existing systems and operational workflows.

Skills

Elasticsearch

Search relevance

GenAI/LLMs

Data science

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Data Science

Tools

Elastic Certified Engineer

AWS

Azure

GCP

Job description

Everforth ECS is seeking a Sr. Data Scientist to join our team in Arlington, VA. This position is contingent upon contract award.

Are you passionate about building intelligent search and retrieval systems and applying GenAI to solve real-world data challenges? Join ECS, a leading provider of cloud, AI, data, and enterprise transformation solutions. In this role, you will design and optimize next-generation search and retrieval experiences using Elasticsearch, Vector Search, and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) techniques to improve relevance, accuracy, and decision-making outcomes.

We are seeking a Data Scientist focused on Search, RAG, and GenAI to support ECS’s Professional Services. The ideal candidate enjoys working at the intersection of data science, search relevance, and large language models (LLMs), collaborating with customers and internal teams to deliver intelligent, high-impact solutions. You will play a key role in shaping search architectures, advising on best practices, and applying advanced AI techniques to enterprise-scale data sets.

This role offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge GenAI technologies while directly influencing customer success across diverse environments and use cases.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and optimize intelligent search solutions using Elasticsearch, including lexical, semantic, and vector-based search techniques.
• Apply Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) patterns to enhance LLM-driven applications with accurate, relevant, and contextual enterprise data.
• Consult with customers to understand business objectives, data landscapes, and search challenges, translating requirements into effective AI-powered search strategies.
• Build and refine embedding strategies, indexing approaches, and query workflows to improve relevance, precision, and recall.
• Evaluate and integrate LLMs and GenAI capabilities into enterprise search and analytics use cases.
• Collaborate with data, AI, and platform teams to align GenAI solutions with existing systems and operational workflows.
• Provide strategic recommendations to improve search performance, result explainability, and overall user experience.
• Lead knowledge-sharing sessions, technical workshops, and enablement activities related to GenAI, RAG, and advanced search techniques.
• Serve as a trusted advisor for customers and internal stakeholders on emerging trends in AI-powered search and retrieval.
• Stay current with advancements in Elasticsearch, GenAI, LLM tooling, and search relevance methodologies.

Salary Range: $175,000-$205,000

Benefits

General Description of Benefits

Required Skills

• Hands-on experience applying Elasticsearch to search, analytics, or data science use cases.
• Strong understanding of search concepts including relevance tuning, indexing strategies, and query optimization.
• Experience working with data science or AI-driven solutions in enterprise environments.
• Familiarity with large-scale data platforms and cloud environments (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear guidance for customers and stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel to customer sites as needed.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen and have an active Secret U.S. Security Clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

Desired Skills

• Master’s degree or PhD in Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field.
• Experience with Vector, Semantic, and Lexical Search techniques.
• Hands-on experience designing or implementing Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) solutions.
• Familiarity with RAG evaluation concepts and frameworks (RAGAS, faithfulness, context precision, etc.).
• Experience working with LLMs and GenAI frameworks and tooling.
• Familiarity with AgentAI Builder or agent-based AI architectures.
• Experience applying GenAI to enterprise search, observability, or security data.
• Elastic Certified Engineer or related Elastic certifications.
• Experience with Elasticsearch Enterprise Search use cases.
• Familiarity with complementary search technologies (OpenSearch, Solr, Lucene).
• Understanding of cybersecurity, observability, or operational data domains.
• Experience working in consulting, professional services, or managed service environments.
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to mentor and guide team members.
• Exposure to Agile or project-based delivery models.

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!