Lead, Data Scientist

JOB IS 5 DAYS ONSITE

BETHESDA MD or BOCA RATON FL
CONTRACT TO HIRE

PYTHON /SQL TOP SKILLS

Position Summary

We are looking for a highly skilled Lead Data Scientist to join our expanding Data Services team at our Bethesda, MD office. In this role, you will be instrumental in designing, developing, and deploying machine learning and AI solutions that support strategic decision-making and enhance operational efficiency. You will manage the full lifecycle of machine learning projects-from conceptualization and problem framing to model deployment and ongoing performance monitoring. This position requires a strong foundation in data science, enthusiasm for production-grade ML systems, and a proactive approach to translating business needs into effective technical solutions. You will work independently to deliver high-impact results, mentor junior team members, and provide leadership on how to leverage data science to advance business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop machine learning and AI models by framing business issues, engineering features, and selecting suitable algorithms and architectures. Create flexible and scalable processes that address complex, multi-dimensional business problems.


• Prepare data, fit algorithms, tune hyperparameters, and validate model robustness through cross-validation techniques. Clearly articulate trade-offs among different modeling approaches and their business implications before development.


• Evaluate model performance using statistical metrics, conduct fairness and bias assessments, and perform error analysis to improve model quality. Develop evaluation metrics tied to business outcomes and explain how performance gains translate into value.


• Deploy models into production environments by packaging appropriately, integrating with existing systems, automating deployment workflows, and documenting for maintainability. Incorporate error handling and logging mechanisms.


• Continuously monitor deployed models by tracking performance over time, detecting data drift, triggering retraining when needed, and setting up alerting systems for long-term health.


• Collaborate with junior team members to discuss trade-offs and technical solutions for their business problems. Offer thought leadership on innovative ways to utilize machine learning and AI for business growth.


• Communicate model results, performance trade-offs, and strategic insights effectively to leadership and key stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.


• Professional proficiency in English (written and spoken).


• 5-8 years of experience in data science, predictive analytics, software engineering, or related fields.


• Strong expertise in designing and architecting advanced machine learning and AI solutions, including framing complex problems, scalable feature engineering, and selecting optimal algorithms.


• Proven experience in model training, hyperparameter tuning, and scalable training pipelines, including distributed training strategies.


• Deep understanding of model validation, fairness, bias mitigation, and governance, with capabilities in error analysis and benchmarking.


• Hands-on experience deploying ML systems with CI/CD pipelines, containerization (e.g., Docker), orchestration (e.g., Kubernetes), and cloud environment standards.


• Track record of building automated model monitoring, drift detection, retraining workflows, and maintaining long-term model health.


• Expert-level programming skills in Python and SQL, with experience developing production-quality code, query optimization, and mentoring team members on best practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or related fields.


• Experience leading enterprise-scale machine learning projects, defining feature engineering strategies, and selecting architectures.


• Knowledge of advanced hyperparameter optimization, distributed training, and scalable pipeline development.


• Familiarity with cloud-based deployment, container orchestration, and security standards across cloud environments.


• Experience establishing robust model governance frameworks, fairness audits, and bias mitigation workflows.


• Ability to communicate technical insights effectively to various audiences, including leadership and non-technical stakeholders.

Why This Opportunity May Be Appealing

Join a company that values its team members as its greatest asset and actively invests in their growth and wellbeing. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including generous time off, health care plans, retirement accounts, professional development opportunities, and various insurance options. Our environment fosters continuous learning through career development and training programs, empowering you to make a meaningful impact with innovative data science solutions. With a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and a supportive workplace culture, this role provides a platform to advance your expertise while contributing to a dynamic organization dedicated to leveraging data-driven insights for success.

Dexian stands at the forefront of Talent + Technology solutions with a presence spanning more than 70 locations worldwide and a team exceeding 10,000 professionals. As one of the largest technology and professional staffing companies and one of the largest minority-owned staffing companies in the United States, Dexian combines over 30 years of industry expertise with cutting-edge technologies to deliver comprehensive global services and support.

Dexian connects the right talent and the right technology with the right organizations to deliver trajectory-changing results that help everyone achieve their ambitions and goals. To learn more, please visit .

Dexian is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.