Data Scientist - AI/ML Specialist

Description

The team supports the Department of Homeland Security's Cyber Crimes Center (C3) by building AI and machine learning tools for serious law enforcement investigations.

You will design and deploy production AI and ML systems that help investigators fight cybercrime and take apart criminal networks.

You will work in a collaborative technical group that delivers AI solutions under strict federal compliance standards, applying advanced machine learning to national security cases while pushing responsible AI practices forward.

Responsibilities

• Build and ship production AI and ML systems that satisfy federal, DHS and ICE governance rules.
• Create explainable, auditable AI with human-in-the-loop oversight built in.
• Develop models for investigative analytics, including entity resolution, network analysis and anomaly detection.
• Set up scalable data pipelines and ETL processes with Apache Airflow, Spark and on-premise infrastructure.
• Design databases for AI training, fine-tuning and real-time inference on investigative data.
• Put monitoring in place to catch bias, performance decline and security weaknesses.
• Support AI use case approvals, Security Authorization (ATO) and risk management work.
• Write up system architecture, data flows and model explanations for audits and transparency reviews.
• Connect AI capabilities to existing investigative systems through APIs and microservices.
• Document data provenance and confirm that data is acquired lawfully under federal rules.
• Work with software engineers, infrastructure architects and cybersecurity specialists on cross-functional projects.
• Explain technical work and model decisions to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Keep to the AI Security Control Baseline and federal governance frameworks.
• Share expertise and best practices, and contribute to team initiatives.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in data science, computer science, artificial intelligence, statistics, mathematics, engineering or a related technical field.
• At least 5 years of hands-on professional experience as a data scientist.
• At least 2 years of professional AI and ML experience, including AI systems you have delivered to production.
• Advanced skill with machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch and scikit-learn, plus deep learning architectures.
• Expert Python programming, with extensive use of Pandas, NumPy and Spark.
• A proven record of deploying and maintaining production AI systems at scale.
• Hands-on experience with on-premise infrastructure, data centers and physical servers.
• Deep knowledge of explainable AI and model interpretability methods such as SHAP and LIME.
• A proven track record building AI systems that meet federal governance and ethical standards.
• Proficiency with MLOps, including model versioning, CI/CD pipelines and workflow orchestration.
• Willing and able to work onsite in Fairfax, VA.
• Active Public Trust clearance, or the ability to obtain and maintain one.
• Desired: a master's degree or PhD in a related technical field.
• Desired: strong communication skills for explaining complex technical concepts to varied audiences.
• Desired: experience with generative AI, large language models, prompt engineering and fine-tuning techniques.
• Desired: knowledge of AI security, bias detection and mitigation, and adversarial machine learning.
• Desired: background in federal law enforcement or intelligence community AI applications.
• Desired: expertise in Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) analysis and cyber threat intelligence.
• Desired: proficiency with Elasticsearch, Kibana, graph databases and investigative analytics platforms.
• Desired: familiarity with federal AI policy, including Executive Orders 13960/14110 and OMB guidance.

Conditions

Full-time, regular position.

Up to 25% travel within the continental US.

No minimum clearance is required to start.

Onsite work in Fairfax, VA.

Proposed salary range: $94,400 - $198,200.

Final pay depends on factors such as location, Federal Government contract labor categories and wage rates, prior experience, specific skills, education and certifications.

Benefits

• Flexible time off, so you can take the time you need.
• Access to robust learning resources to support your career goals.
• Comprehensive benefits including healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education and time off.
• Competitive compensation and learning and development opportunities.