Chief Data Scientist

Chief Data Scientist

Job ID: 2616976

Location: Bethesda, MD, United States

Date Posted: Sep 18, 2026

Category: Information Technology

Subcategory: Data Scientist

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: TS/SCI with Poly

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None

Potential for Remote Work: On-Site

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Job Description

Description

SAIC is seeking a Chief Data Scientist to serve as the senior technical authority for all Data Science and Analytics activities performed under an Intelligence Community program.

Work is performed on site in: Bethesda, MD, with CONUS/OCONUS travel as required.

The Chief Data Scientist will be responsible for:

• Providing technical leadership, task assignment, and performance management for all contractor data science and analytics personnel supporting program requirements.
• Architecting and overseeing the development and deployment of AI/ML models, large-scale data processing pipelines, and advanced analytics capabilities in support of intelligence production.
• Leading the application of predictive analytics, pattern recognition, anomaly detection, and natural language processing (NLP) techniques to multi-source intelligence data sets.
• Directing the integration of data science capabilities across program functional areas to maximize intelligence value from complex, multi-disciplinary requirements.
• Establishing and enforcing data science standards, model validation methodologies, and quality assurance procedures to ensure the accuracy, reproducibility, and defensibility of all analytical outputs.
• Identifying, evaluating, and integrating emerging commercial and open-source AI/ML tools and technologies to continuously advance the program''s analytical capabilities.

Qualifications

Required Education and Years of Experience:

• Active TS/SCI with polygraph is required to be considered for this role.
• Willing and able to obtain a Polygraph.
• Master''s degree or higher in Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related quantitative field. Equivalent combination of education and directly relevant experience may be considered.
• Ten (10) years of experience in data science, machine learning, or advanced analytics, with demonstrated progression to senior technical leadership roles.
• Seven (7) years of experience designing, developing, and deploying AI/ML models and large-scale data processing solutions in operational environments.
• Five (5) years of experience leading or supervising data science teams, including responsibility for managing project scope, resources, risk, and schedule.
• Demonstrated experience integrating AI/ML capabilities into multi-source data fusion workflows, including the correlation of structured and unstructured data from diverse sources.

Desired:

• Experience developing AI/ML solutions for multimedia intelligence applications, including deepfake detection, voice biometrics, geospatial analysis, or imagery exploitation.
• Experience applying data science techniques to digital forensics, malware analysis, or cyber threat intelligence use cases.
• Familiarity with IC-specific data standards, ontologies, and intelligence production frameworks (e.g., ICD 203, ICD 206).
• AWS Certified Machine Learning - Specialty, Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer, Certified Analytics Professional (CAP), or GIAC Machine Learning Engineer (GMLE).

Target salary range: $200,001 - $240,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

Overview

SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.

SAIC is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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