Chief Data Scientist

Job ID: 2600204

Location: ROCK ISLAND, IL, US

Date Posted: 2026-01-08

Category: Information Technology

Subcategory: Data Scientist

Schedule: Full-time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: No

Minimum Clearance Required: None

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Secret

Potential for Remote Work: No

Description

SAIC is seeking a Chief Data Scientist located at Rock Island Arsenal, IL to help lead our Operational Data Team utilizing the Army Vantage Data Analytics System to build/implement models, use/create algorithms, and create/run simulations. The Chief Data Scientist will provide strategic leadership and technical direction for data science initiatives supporting the Operational Data Team and Army Vantage Data Analytics System. This role involves spearheading the design, development, and deployment of advanced data science solutions, mentoring cross-functional teams, and driving innovation to solve complex, mission-critical challenges.

The Chief Data Scientist would be responsible for but not limited to the following:

• Set the vision, roadmap, and goals for the data science team while aligning initiatives with mission needs and organizational objectives.
• Serve as the subject matter expert on advanced analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence methodologies to guide decision-making and ensure program success.
• Identify cutting-edge advancements in data science, analytics, and MLOps technologies; lead the integration of these innovations into Army Vantage operations.
• Lead, mentor, and build a high-performing team of data scientists, providing technical guidance and fostering professional growth.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders, including government clients and leadership, to define requirements, communicate progress, and deliver impactful solutions.
• Oversee multiple projects, ensuring deliverables meet technical, fiscal, and schedule constraints while adhering to quality standards.
• Advocate for responsible practices in the use of data analytics, including adherence to standards for security, privacy, and ethical AI usage.
• Oversee the creation, evaluation, and deployment of complex models and algorithms to address mission challenges, such as predictive modeling, simulations, and optimization problems.
• Build and maintain scalable, production-grade data science platforms, emphasizing MLOps frameworks, reproducibility, and collaboration across teams.
• Stay abreast of advancements in data science technologies and forecast their impact on the organization's strategic objectives.

Qualifications

Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree and eighteen (18) years' experience; additional four (4) years' experience can be considered in lieu of degree.

Required Clearance:

• Must be able to obtain and maintain an active Secret security clearance; ship required.

Required Skills:

• Extensive experience designing, developing, and deploying complex models, algorithms, and analytics solutions within federal or defense environments.
• Proven expertise in data analysis pipelines and supporting MLOps frameworks for machine learning deployment in production environments.
• Demonstrated track record of leading advanced analytics teams in technically demanding and highly collaborative environments.
• Expertise in coding languages such as Python, R, SQL, or similar, and machine learning/AI toolkits like TensorFlow, PyTorch, or scikit-learn.
• Strong interpersonal skills to communicate technical details to non-technical stakeholders and build relationships with government partners.
• Experience working within or alongside government agencies, preferably the Dept. of Defense or Army.

Desired Skills:

• A robust understanding of military operations, data workflows, and relevant systems like Army Vantage.
• Proficiency in cloud-based solutions, containerization, and deployment tools such as Kubernetes or Docker.
• Familiarity with certifications and concepts like DoD Data Strategies, AI/ML Principles, or ethical AI frameworks.

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.