Data Science & Machine Learning Manager

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) works to build on strengths of families and communities to keep children and vulnerable adults safe, so they thrive. We do this through investigations, services, and referrals.

What You Get Beyond Your Paycheck

When you join the State of Texas, your monthly paycheck is just one part of your real income. Our benefits provide extra value that many private employers simply don’t match—often adding hundreds of dollars each month to what you take home or save.

Here’s what you get as a full-time employee:

• 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members—saving you hundreds every month in out-of-pocket medical costs
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave so you can recharge and take care of life outside work (that’s time off you’re actually paid for)
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance —at rates much lower than most private plans
• Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
• Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment

You also might qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, which could help you pay off federal student loans faster.

You can see all the details here: ERS recruitment brochure

Functional Title: Data Science & Machine Learning Manager
Job Title: MRS DA Mgr V
Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc
Department: ANALYTICS FOR CHANGE ENHAN/ACE
Posting Number: 23201
Closing Date: 12/10/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Computer and Mathematical
Salary Range: $9,000.00- $10,785.83
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-26
Shift: Day
Additional Shift:
Telework: Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 15%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: ABILENE
Job Location Address: 3610 VINE ST
Other Locations: Austin; Abilene; Alamo; Alice; Alpine; Alvin; Amarillo; Anahuac; Andrews; Angleton; Anson; Aransas Pass; Archer City; Arlington; Athens; Atlanta; Bacliff; Ballinger; Bandera; Bastrop; Bay City; Baytown; Beaumont; Bedford; Beeville; Bellville; Big Spring; Boerne; Bonham; Borger; Bowie; Brady; Breckenridge; Brenham; Brownfield; Brownsville; Brownwood; Bryan; Burnet; Caldwell; Cameron; Canton; Canutillo; Carlsbad; Carrizo Springs; Carrollton; Carthage; Center; Centerville; Childress; Clarksville; Cleburne; Cleveland; Coldspring; Columbus; Conroe; Copperas Cove; Corpus Christi; Corsicana; Crockett; Crosby; Crystal City; Cuero; Cypress; Daingerfield; Dallas; Decatur; Del Rio; Denton; Dickinson; Dumas; Duncanville; Eagle Pass; Eastland; Edinburg; El Paso; Elgin; Elsa; Ennis; Fabens; Falfurrias; Floresville; Fort Stockton; Fort Worth; Fredericksburg; Gainesville; Galveston; Garland; Gatesville; Georgetown; Giddings; Gilmer; Goliad; Gonzales; Graham; Granbury; Grand Prairie; Grapevine; Greenville; Hallettsville; Hamilton; Harlingen; Haskell; Hearne; Hemphill; Hempstead; Henderson; Hereford; Hillsboro; Hondo; Houston; Humble; Huntsville; Hurst; Irving; Jacksonville; Jasper; Johnson City; Jourdanton; Karnes City; Katy; Kaufman; Kerrville; Killeen; Kingsville; Kingwood; Kirbyville; La Grange; Lake Jackson; Lake Worth; Lamesa; Lampasas; Lancaster; Laredo; Levelland; Lewisville; Liberty; Linden; Littlefield; Livingston; Llano; Lockhart; Longview; Lubbock; Lufkin; Lumberton; Madisonville; Marble Falls; Marfa; Marlin; Marshall; Mcallen; Mckinney; Mercedes; Meridian; Mesquite; Mexia; Midland; Mineola; Mineral Wells; Mission; Monahans; Mount Pleasant; Mount Vernon; Nacogdoches; Navasota; New Boston; New Braunfels; Odessa; Orange; Palestine; Pampa; Paris; Pasadena; Pearland; Pearsall; Pecos; Perryton; Pharr; Pittsburg; Plainview; Plano; Pollok; Port Arthur; Port Lavaca; Presidio; Quitman; Raymondville; Refugio; Richardson; Richmond; Rio Grande City; Robstown; Rockwall; Rosenberg; Round Rock; Rowlett; Rusk; San Angelo; San Antonio; San Benito; San Juan; San Marcos; San Saba; Schertz; Seguin; Seminole; Seymour; Sherman; Silsbee; Sinton; Snyder; Socorro; Sonora; South Houston; Stephenville; Sugar Land; Sulphur Springs; Sweetwater; Taylor; Temple; Terrell; Texarkana; Texas City; The Woodlands; Tomball; Trinity; Tyler; Uvalde; Van Horn; Vernon; Victoria; Waco; Washington; Watauga; Waxahachie; Weatherford; Webster; Weslaco; Wharton; Wichita Falls; Woodville; Zapata
MOS Codes: 0203,0207,0302,0520,0602,0802,1802,5502,6302,6502,7202,7208,7210,7220,111X,112X,113X,114X,16GX,41AX
611X,612X,631X,632X,641X,648X,86M0,86P0,8U000,9G100,SEI15

Brief Job Description:

We’re looking for a Manager V who will create and lead a data science, machine learning, and AI team at the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). You’re a technical leader who is energized by turning large, complex data into tools that help people make better decisions.

We want a big-picture thinker who can envision what’s possible with data science and AI, then work within real-world constraints to build a practical path forward. Those constraints include law, policy, privacy, security, technology, funding, and organizational readiness, and you’ll treat them as design inputs rather than roadblocks.

This position is within the Office of Data and Systems Improvement (ODSI)’s Analytics for Change and Enhancement (ACE) Division. ODSI ensures effective coordination, communication and consistency throughout the agency around data reporting and how data is used to understand and improve performance and outcomes. ACE uses data to help DFPS improve how it works, partnering with regional and state program leaders on quality improvement, case read support, applied research and evaluation, and analytical products for leadership.

This role will lead the data science team within ACE. This is a new role, and you’ll support developing the structure for data science, machine learning, and AI across our agency. You’ll report to ACE leadership and work closely with ODSI’s reporting and business intelligence teams, data engineering and platform teams, and data governance, security, and IT partners.

This is a great opportunity if you’re excited about the intersection of data science, AI, and public service, and you want to build something from the ground up.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

• Lead staff and manage team workload. Oversee workforce planning, hiring, supervision, performance, staff development, projects, priorities, deliverables, and resources. 30%

• Perform hands-on modeling and coding. Build, test, validate, and review predictive models and machine-learning solutions, including process automation. 15%

• Lead technical planning, partnerships, and governance. Establish technical frameworks and standards; translate operational needs into analytical solutions; evaluate AI approaches and safeguards; and communicate findings, limitations, risks, and recommendations. 50%

• Performs related work as assigned. 5%

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge in:

• Data science, analytics, and emerging technologies.
• Technical and operational practices related to data use and governance.

Skilled in:

• Leading technical staff and managing complex projects.
• Analyzing problems and developing practical solutions.
• Communicating technical information to varied audiences.

Ability to:

• Manage staff, priorities, workload, and resources.
• Plan and oversee technical work.
• Collaborate with technical and program staff.
• Balance organizational needs, risks, and constraints.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in data analytics, statistics, computer science, information systems, mathematics, public health, business analytics, or a related field. May substitute direct work experience in a technical field on a year-for-year basis in lieu of education for up to four years.
• Experience in data science, machine learning, or advanced analytics
• Experience as a team lead, technical mentor, supervisor, and/or manager

Additional Information:

N/A

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC .

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions. You may also contact the DFPS Military Liaison at View email address on aiapply.co with additional questions.

Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver’s record check.

State of Texas employees are required to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2), State of Texas Business and Commerce Code. Applicants selected for hire comply with this code by completing related training and abiding by agency cybersecurity and communications system usage policies.

As a state agency, DFPS is required by Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards. The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files.

DFPS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show their identity and authorization to work in the US. Please review the following link for authorized documents: .

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS/DFPS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS/DFPS Employee Service Center at View phone number on aiapply.co. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.