Teksouth is seeking a Principal Data Scientist to establish and lead their Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Generative AI (GenAI) practice, driving the maturation of their core data analytics offerings and identifying new revenue-generating opportunities across their defense, federal, and commercial client base.
Requirements
- Experience: 7+ years of progressive experience delivering machine learning or AI solutions, with at least 3 years in a leadership or principal-level role focused on strategy, architecture, and mentorship.
- 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.
- Education: Master's degree (or equivalent experience) in Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related quantitative field. A PhD is preferred.
- 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.
Responsibilities
- Opportunity Identification: Proactively identify, prioritize, and scope high-impact GenAI/ML applications (e.g., text generation, code synthesis, predictive maintenance, anomaly detection) specifically relevant to client business requirements and pain points.
- Roadmap Development: Develop and maintain a clear, pragmatic AI/ML technology roadmap that aligns with the company's annual revenue targets and long-term strategic growth goals.
- Holistic Solution Architecture: Design and architect holistic GenAI/ML solutions, including selecting and customizing appropriate models (LLMs, transformers, etc.) and defining scalable integration strategies for embedding AI into existing enterprise client systems (ERP, CRM).
- MLOps and Stack Standardization: Define and standardize the required technology stack, tools, and best practices for MLOps (Machine Learning Operations), ensuring models are scalable, reliable, and compliant.
- Pilot Program Leadership: Develop and lead end-to-end development of initial proof-of-concept (POC) and pilot models, driving thorough validation, testing, and iteration to ensure quality, and managing the solution rollout, including cloud setup (Azure, AWS, GCP) and production deployment.
- Development & Customization: Develop and lead model fine-tuning and prompt engineering for client-specific needs, overseeing the development of GenAI-powered applications and user-friendly interfaces.
- Governance, Mentorship, and Compliance: Lead efforts in responsible AI, establishing rigorous standards for documentation, monitoring, and auditing processes to ensure safeguards against bias, privacy breaches, and ethical outcomes.
Other
- Must be able to obtain and maintain at least a Secret security clearance. Top-Secret clearance eligibility will be required as the company transitions to higher-level classified programs.
- Clearance Requirement: Must be able to obtain and maintain at least a Secret security clearance.
- Location: Hybrid - candidate must be within commuting distance of Teksouth's Gardendale, AL headquarters for regular on-site engagements.
- 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.
