Data Science & Analytics Technical Lead (SOCOM)

All hired employees are expected to have experience with Microsoft Copilot and / or an approved equivalent AI solution.

Overview

DSA is seeking a Data Science & Analytics Technical Lead to support SOCOM in advancing enterprise data, analytics, and AI capabilities. This role serves as the senior technical authority for data science and AI-enabled solution delivery, leading the design, transition, and sustainment of mission-focused capabilities across the SOF enterprise.
Location

Tampa, FL (MacDill AFB)
CONUS and OCONUS travel required
Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for the design, development, and delivery of data science, analytics, and AI capabilities across the SOF enterprise, supporting HQ Staff, Service Components, and Theater Special Operations Commands
• Lead the end-to-end lifecycle for analytics and AI capabilities, from problem framing and model development through deployment, user adoption, performance measurement, and sustainment
• Apply descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive analytics to structured and unstructured data to generate mission-relevant insight for operators and decision-makers
• Translate complex data and analytical outputs into actionable intelligence that supports operational planning, targeting, and decision advantage
• Lead development, testing, operational deployment, and sustainment of AI and analytics solutions, ensuring capabilities move from prototype to mission use in operational environments
• Lead advanced AI experimentation, modeling, and evaluation efforts to assess feasibility, mission utility, scalability, and transition potential for emerging analytic solutions
• Design and develop data visualization solutions that communicate analytic results clearly and effectively to technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Collaborate with engineering, platform, and mission teams to operationalize analytics and embed AI-enabled capabilities into production systems, mission workflows, and existing SOF analytic environments
• Lead and mentor cross functional teams spanning data science, engineering, platform, and mission stakeholders, providing technical direction and execution oversight across multiple efforts and locations
• Establish and enforce standards for model governance, reproducibility, documentation, and lifecycle management
• Support development of enterprise analytics capabilities aligned with SOCOM data strategies, governance frameworks, and security requirements
• Design and test analytics and AI-enabled solutions in collaboration with SOF stakeholders and end users, ensuring alignment with operational needs
• Account for operational constraints such as limited bandwidth, disconnected environments, and contested conditions when designing and deploying analytics solutions
• Conduct feasibility and suitability assessments for analytics and AI use cases, including performance expectations, scalability, and sustainment considerations
• Operate effectively across classified, distributed, and mission-critical environments
• Engage and brief senior government leadership on analytic outcomes, technical tradeoffs, risks, and mission impact, translating complex AI and analytics work into recommendations

Required Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, or a related technical field
• 10+ years of experience in data science, analytics, or AI/ML development
• 5+ years of experience leading data science or analytics teams within DoD, IC, or SOF environments
• 5+ years of experience providing analytical support to SOF mission environments
• Experience supporting SOF Enterprise organizations, including SOCOM HQ, TSOCs, and Service Component Commands
• Experience centrally managing or leading distributed technical teams across multiple organizations or locations
• Demonstrated experience delivering analytics and AI solutions from concept through operational deployment, user adoption, and sustained mission use
• Experience applying advanced analytics techniques, including predictive modeling, machine learning, and statistical analysis, to mission data
• Experience working with large, complex, multi-source data sets in operational or mission environments
• Strong programming experience in Python and/or R and experience with relevant machine learning frameworks
• Demonstrated ability to lead analytics and AI efforts in mission-critical environments with rapidly evolving priorities, compressed timelines, and changing operational requirements
• Proven ability to mentor technical teams, guide solution development in ambiguous environments, and raise the quality and consistency of analytics and AI delivery across multiple efforts

Desired Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience managing or supporting SOF digital capabilities or enterprise analytics initiatives
• 3+ years of experience supporting SOF HQ elements, Service Components, or Theater Special Operations Commands
• Experience supporting advanced AI experimentation or operational analytics capabilities in mission environments with constrained infrastructure, distributed users, or disconnected operations
• Experience leading AI/ML experimentation, modeling, and simulation efforts in support of mission use cases
• Experience integrating analytics and AI capabilities into operational systems and workflows
• Experience with data visualization tools and techniques for communicating complex insights to senior leaders
• Experience working in cloud, hybrid, or distributed computing environments supporting data and analytics platforms
• Familiarity with DevSecOps practices and collaboration with engineering teams to deploy analytics solutions
• Experience operating in high-tempo environments with rapidly evolving mission priorities

Many of DSA's positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. DSA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. DSA is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status. DSA requires background checks , where permitted , by law. DSA is an E-Verify Employer.