Washington, DC, USA | Full Time
Data Scientist - AI/ML & Generative AI
Location: The Pentagon, DC (Hybrid) - candidate must be within commuting distance for regular on-site engagements.
Clearance Requirement: Must have at least a Secret security clearance. Top-Secret clearance eligibility may be required as the company transitions to higher-level classified programs.
Teksouth is a recognized leader in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics solutions for the federal government. With a reputation for excellence and innovation, Teksouth is a trusted partner across the defense sector, dedicated to being the indispensable architect of intelligent enterprise. We are committed to fundamentally transforming how organizations operate, make decisions, and innovate across every critical function, moving beyond traditional data reporting to deliver strategic, predictive, and actionable insights.
Position Overview - Teksouth is seeking a Data Scientist for a foundational "hands-on" role at the forefront of our innovation agenda, responsible for implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Generative AI (GenAI) activities for our customers. The successful candidate will drive the maturation of our core data analytics offerings by identifying, validating, and scaling new, revenue-generating opportunities across our defense, federal, and commercial client base. This role reports directly to Teksouth's CTO team and Principal Data Scientist and will serve as a senior technical contributor to client engagements with significant autonomy in executing AI/ML solutions within established strategic and technical scope.
Key Responsibilities and Impact
Strategy, Vision, and Client Engagement
End-to-End Solution Development: Proactively identify and scope high-impact GenAI/ML applications (e.g., text generation, code synthesis, predictive maintenance, anomaly detection) for client engagements, working with the Principal Data Scientist to prioritize opportunities relevant to client business requirements and pain points.
Proposal Development: Translate complex technical concepts into clear, concise, and compelling business cases for executive leadership, contributing to and collaborating on the technical sections of proposals (RFPs, RFIs) that outline AI/ML solutions.
B. Solution Architecture and Deployment
Solution Architecture and Implementation: Design and architect end-to-end GenAI/ML solutions for client engagements, including selecting and customizing appropriate models (LLMs, transformers, etc.) and defining scalable integration strategies for embedding AI into existing enterprise client systems (ERP, CRM), and ensuring scalable, maintainable solutions.
MLOps and Implementation: Implement the required Teksouth technology stack, tools, and best practices for MLOps (Machine Learning Operations) , ensuring models are scalable, reliable, and compliant. Provide recommendations to Teksouth's CTO team for stack improvements for client engagements.
Technical Ownership and Deployment: Own complete technical lifecycle for assigned AL/ML engagements, from initial scoping to production deployment and sustainment. Balance technical tasks such as architectural decisions with project tasks such as schedule, risks, and stakeholder management.
C. Governance, Compliance, and Client Engagement
Compliance and Documentation: Ensure all AL/ML solutions adhere to responsible AI principles, maintain documentation, and provide audit trails in accordance with Teksouth's established standards.
Client Engagement: Serve as primary technical POC for client engagement, leading technical work, requirements gathering, and client-facing deliverables. Present technical approaches and results to stakeholders, including government program managers, SMEs, and leadership. Support the Teksouth CTO team in executive-level briefings and planning sessions.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Technical & Foundational Requirements
Experience: 7+ years of progressive experience delivering machine learning or AI solutions, with at least 3 years in a project or workstream ownership role focused on architecture, development, and delivery.
Education: Master's degree (or equivalent experience) in Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related quantitative field. A PhD is preferred.
Languages & Tools: Expert proficiency in Python (PyTorch, TensorFlow, HuggingFace) and SQL .
AI/ML Expertise: Deep understanding of a wide range of ML models (deep learning, NLP, time-series, clustering) and demonstrated accomplishments in GenAI models and approaches (LLMs, transformers, prompt engineering).
Deployment: Expert proficiency in ML pipelines and cloud-based deployment (AWS SageMaker, Azure ML, Google AI Platform), with experience integrating AI into enterprise applications via APIs.
Strategic & Leadership Requirements
B2G/Defense Experience (Strongly Preferred): Proven experience successfully applying data science solutions within the Department of Defense (DoD) or large Federal Civilian agencies.
Compliance Knowledge: Understanding of the unique data privacy, security, and compliance requirements (e.g., FedRAMP, CUI, DoD ILs ) and mapping technology to business goals under these regulations.
Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with proven ability to create and deliver high-quality executive reports, dashboards, and training.
Work Style: Independent thinker who can create the vision and execute on transforming data into high-end client products.
Benefits
Competitive salary with comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Professional development and career advancement opportunities.
401k w/Match
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) participation
PTO & Paid Holidays
Reasonable Accommodations: Accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.
Teksouth values and engages in the diversity of its teammates, customers, and business partners.
EOE race/color/sex/sexual orientation/gender identity/disability/vet
www.teksouth.com
We are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers, committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under state or local law.
