Chief Data Scientist

We are seeking a Chief Data Scientist to provide technical leadership and strategic direction for a large‑scale digital, data, and artificial intelligence (AI) program supporting the DOW. This role is responsible for shaping, governing, and delivering advanced analytics and AI/ML capabilities that translate mission challenges into measurable operational advantage.

Maximus TCS (Technology and Consulting Services) Internal Job Profile Code: TCS071, T5, Band 8.

This role is onsite and requires an active TS/SCI security clearance.

Domestic and international travel may be required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior technical authority for data science, analytics, and AI/ML, setting strategy aligned with enterprise and Responsible AI policies.
• Establish standards and best practices for analytics, modeling, experimentation, validation, and AI operationalization.
• Lead development of descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive analytics using structured and unstructured data.
• Direct AI/ML modeling and experimentation, including machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), computer vision, large language models (LLMs), and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) with rigorous validation and performance measurement.
• Ensure analytics and AI solutions are explainable, actionable, and aligned with mission and end‑user decision needs.
• Work closely with engineering, product, cybersecurity, and DevSecOps teams to transition models into secure, accredited operational systems.
• Ensure compliance with data strategies, Responsible AI principles, security, privacy, and governance requirements, including Risk Management Framework (RMF)/ATO support.
• Act as a trusted technical advisor to Government leadership and mission stakeholders, supporting reviews, demonstrations, and decision briefings.
• Partner with product managers to ensure analytics and AI solutions deliver measurable mission value and enterprise‑wide impact.
• Provide technical oversight, mentorship, and leadership to data science teams, fostering rigor, innovation, documentation, and long‑term sustainability.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, or a related technical field (Master’s or PhD preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in data science, analytics, and 5 years of applied AI, including leadership of complex technical teams.
• 5+ years of experience working in SOF analytical support.
• 3+ years’ experience centrally managing distributed data support teams in SOF organizations at HQ echelon.
• 3+ years’ experience with SOF digital capabilities.
• 3+ years’ experience with SOF HQ elements, SOF Service Components HQs, and SOF Theater Special Operations Commands.
• Demonstrated experience designing and delivering advanced analytics and AI/ML solutions in operational or mission‑critical environments.
• Strong foundation in:
  • Statistical analysis and machine learning
  • Model evaluation and performance metrics
  • Data exploration, visualization, and storytelling
• Experience working with large, complex, and disparate datasets in secure or regulated environments.
• Familiarity with AI/ML development lifecycles, including experimentation, validation, deployment, and monitoring.
• Proven ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non‑technical senior leaders.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• PhD in Data Science, Computer Science, AI, Mathematics, Operations Research, or a related field.
• Prior experience supporting DOW or Intelligence Community customers.
• Experience operating in multi‑enclave environments.

EEO Statement

Maximus is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected characteristics.

Pay Transparency

Maximus compensation is based on various factors including but not limited to job location, a candidate’s education, training, experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value analysis including seniority and merit systems, as well as internal pay alignment. Annual salary is just one component of Maximus’s total compensation package. Other rewards may include short‑ and long‑term incentives as well as program‑specific awards. Additionally, Maximus provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays, and paid time off. Compensation ranges may differ based on contract value but will be commensurate with job duties and relevant work experience. An applicant’s salary history will not be used in determining compensation. Maximus will comply with regulatory minimum wage rates and exempt salary thresholds in all instances.

Accommodations

Maximus provides reasonable accommodations to individuals requiring assistance during any phase of the employment process due to a disability, medical condition, or physical or mental impairment. If you require assistance at any stage of the employment process—including accessing job postings, completing assessments, or participating in interviews—please contact People Operations at