Chief Data Scientist

  • SAIC
  • MD
  • Sep 23, 2026

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.