Senior Data Scientist

Senior Data ScientistAnalytica Bethesda, MDAnalytica is seeking a Senior Data Scientist to support a defense health mission-critical program. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working directly with clients in a consulting and delivery capacity to develop innovative analytics, machine learning, and AI solutions that address complex business and operational challenges. This role will lead the development of data science and generative AI solutions while supporting advanced analytics, data processing, model development, and decision-support capabilities in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.The Senior Data Scientist will work across project workstreams to analyze complex data, develop predictive and prescriptive analytic solutions, and deliver actionable insights that support data-driven decision-making. The candidate must be a U.S. Citizen with a SECRET clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one. This role is remote, with hybrid opportunities in Falls Church, Virginia, and periodic travel as required.Analytica has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing private U.S. businesses and supports government customers across health, civilian, and national security missions. Analytica offers competitive compensation, bonus opportunities, employer-paid healthcare, professional development funding, and a 401(k) match.ResponsibilitiesDevelop and deploy advanced analytics, machine learning, NLP, and AI solutions supporting mission and client objectives.Develop and enhance generative AI and RAG solutions using large language models, embeddings, vector databases, retrieval strategies, prompt engineering techniques, and cloud-based AI services. Leverage modern data and AI platforms to accelerate solution delivery and operationalize machine learning capabilities.Perform data acquisition, ETL, exploratory data analysis, data preparation, and validation activities using Python, SQL, and related technologies to support analytics and AI initiatives.Apply statistical methods, predictive modeling, machine learning, and time-series analysis to solve complex business and operational challenges.Develop, test, evaluate, and monitor AI/ML solutions to ensure accuracy, reliability, scalability, security, and performance in production environments.Partner with stakeholders and clients to gather requirements, translate business needs into technical solutions, and communicate findings and recommendations to technical and non-technical audiences.Develop and troubleshoot APIs, data services, and AI-enabled applications while supporting integration with enterprise systems and cloud platforms.Contribute to collaborative software development using Git-based version control, code reviews, Agile methodologies, and established development best practices.Produce technical documentation, presentation materials, implementation guidance, and knowledge-transfer artifacts to support project delivery and long-term sustainment.Serve as an innovative technical contributor by evaluating emerging technologies, identifying opportunities to improve existing processes and solutions, and applying modern data science and AI capabilities to solve complex business problems. Collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.QualificationsBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related technical field; Master's degree preferred.Five or more years of experience developing data science, analytics, machine learning, or AI solutions, including experience leading technical tasks and contributing to complex projects.Strong proficiency in Python and SQL for data preparation, analytics, model development, testing, and deployment.Experience designing, developing, validating, and monitoring machine learning models, including feature engineering, model evaluation, and performance optimization.Working knowledge of modern AI and natural language processing concepts, including large language models, embeddings, vector databases, prompt engineering, retrieval approaches, and output evaluation.Experience developing API-based solutions and integrating data, machine learning, and AI services into enterprise environments. Experience with Databricks is preferred. Familiarity with AWS cloud services and AI platforms such as Amazon Bedrock is a plus.Familiarity with object-oriented structures and design (classes, inheritance, abstraction, etc).Experience collaborating in a team development environment using Git, code reviews, Agile workflows, and software development best practices.Strong communication and problem-solving skills with the ability to present technical concepts and recommendations to both technical and non-technical audiences.Demonstrated ability to work independently as a self-starter, learn new technologies quickly, manage competing priorities, and communicate effectively across technical and non-technical teams.Must be a U.S. Citizen and able to obtain and maintain a SECRET security clearance.Preferred QualificationsExperience with Databricks, including development of scalable analytics, machine learning, and AI workflows.Experience with AWS cloud services and related AI capabilities.Experience with large language models, RAG, generative AI applications, recommendation systems, and emerging AI technologies.Experience building client relationships and working directly with stakeholders in a consulting environment.Experience implementing automated testing, monitoring, and quality assurance processes for data science and AI solutions.Experience supporting Department of Defense, federal healthcare, or other public-sector clients.About Analytica: Analytica is a leading consulting and information technology solutions provider to public sector organizations supporting health, civilian, and national security missions. The company is an award-winning SBA certified small business that has been recognized by Inc. Magazine each of the past three years as one of the 250 fastest-growing companies in the U.S. Analytica specializes in providing software and systems engineering, information management, analytics & visualization, agile project management, and management consulting services. The company is appraised by the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) at CMMI® Maturity Level 3 and is an ISO 9001:2008 certified provider.