Data Scientist - SME

Senior Data Scientist / Data Science Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Onsite | Rockville, MD | Public Trust Required

The Data Science Subject Matter Expert (SME) provides advanced technical leadership and strategic direction for enterprise data analytics, data science, machine learning, and business intelligence initiatives supporting federal government operations. This position requires an active or attainable Public Trust clearance and is performed onsite in Rockville, Maryland. The SME serves as the organization's leading authority on data-driven decision making, advanced analytics methodologies, predictive modeling, data governance, and emerging data technologies. The successful candidate will lead complex analytical efforts, mentor technical teams, and develop innovative solutions that transform large-scale structured and unstructured data into actionable intelligence supporting mission-critical objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the principal technical authority and trusted advisor for data science, advanced analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and business intelligence initiatives.
• Lead the design, development, implementation, and optimization of enterprise-wide data science strategies, analytical frameworks, predictive models, and decision-support solutions.
• Analyze large, complex datasets from multiple disparate sources to identify trends, patterns, correlations, risks, and opportunities that support strategic and operational decision-making.
• Provide expert guidance on the collection, management, governance, security, and utilization of organizational data assets.
• Develop advanced statistical models, forecasting methodologies, predictive analytics solutions, and machine learning algorithms to address complex business and mission challenges.
• Architect and oversee scalable data analytics environments, automated data pipelines, and data processing solutions supporting enterprise reporting and intelligence requirements.
• Design and implement innovative approaches for analyzing structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data from internal and external sources.
• Establish and maintain analytical methodologies, standards, best practices, and quality assurance processes to ensure data integrity, consistency, and accuracy.
• Lead the development of executive dashboards, visualization platforms, scorecards, reports, and business intelligence solutions that effectively communicate complex findings to senior leadership.
• Translate highly technical analytical concepts into clear, actionable recommendations for executives, stakeholders, and non-technical audiences.
• Collaborate with business leaders, program managers, technical teams, and government stakeholders to identify data requirements and align analytical efforts with organizational objectives.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, tools, methodologies, and industry best practices to continuously improve organizational data science capabilities.
• Lead root-cause analysis, trend analysis, risk assessment, and operational performance studies to improve business processes and mission outcomes.
• Develop and implement automated solutions for data collection, transformation, validation, quality monitoring, and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with federal policies, cybersecurity requirements, privacy regulations, data governance standards, and organizational procedures.
• Support strategic planning efforts by providing analytical insights, predictive forecasts, and evidence-based recommendations.
• Conduct peer reviews of analytical models, methodologies, and technical deliverables to ensure accuracy, reliability, and adherence to industry best practices.
• Present analytical findings, research results, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership, program stakeholders, and government officials.
• Serve as a mentor and technical leader for junior and mid-level data scientists, analysts, and business intelligence professionals.
• Lead cross-functional teams in the successful execution of complex data initiatives from concept through implementation and operational sustainment.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Analytics, Information Systems, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10+ years of experience in data science, advanced analytics, business intelligence, statistical modeling, or related technical disciplines.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and implementing machine learning models, predictive analytics solutions, and advanced statistical methodologies.
• Extensive experience working with large-scale structured and unstructured datasets in complex enterprise environments.
• Advanced proficiency with Python, R, SQL, and other data science programming languages and analytical tools.
• Extensive experience with data visualization and business intelligence platforms such as Power BI, Tableau, Qlik, or similar technologies.
• Strong understanding of data architecture, data warehousing, ETL processes, data governance, and enterprise data management principles.
• Experience leading complex analytical projects and advising executive leadership on data-driven strategies.
• Ability to communicate highly technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving, strategic thinking, and leadership capabilities.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance.
• Must be able to work onsite in Rockville, MD.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a related discipline.
• Experience supporting federal government agencies, healthcare organizations, research institutions, or other highly regulated environments.
• Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform.
• Expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Deep Learning, and advanced machine learning frameworks.
• Knowledge of federal data governance standards, cybersecurity frameworks, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Professional certifications in Data Science, Cloud Technologies, Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or Business Intelligence.

Core Competencies

• Data Science Leadership
• Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence
• Advanced Statistical Analysis
• Predictive Modeling & Forecasting
• Enterprise Data Strategy
• Data Governance & Quality Management
• Business Intelligence & Data Visualization
• Big Data Analytics
• Data Architecture & Engineering
• Research & Innovation
• Executive Advisory Services
• Strategic Planning & Decision Support
• Technical Leadership & Mentorship
• Federal Compliance & Risk Management

Position Summary

This role is ideal for a highly accomplished Data Science professional who can serve as the organization's recognized expert for advanced analytics and data-driven innovation. The Senior Data Scientist / SME will provide strategic leadership, technical expertise, and analytical vision to help drive mission success, operational efficiency, and informed decision-making across the enterprise.