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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Data Scientist Thought Leader - **Company:** Leidos, Inc. - **Location:** Gaithersburg, MD, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $154,050.0 - $278,475.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Geographic Information Systems, Artificial Intelligence, Amazon Web Services, Data Analysis, ArcGIS (Software), Computer Vision, Microsoft Azure, Big Data, Image Analysis, Geospatial Intelligence, R (Programming Language), Apache Hadoop, Python (Programming Language), Machine Learning, Tensorflow, Spatial Data Infrastructures, Reinforcement Learning, Google Cloud, Pytorch, Apache Spark, Deep Learning, Keras, Geospatial Data Abstraction Library (GDAL), Operational Systems - **Published:** September 2, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9142233/data-scientist-thought-leader ## About the Role Active Top Secret/SCI with the ability to successfully pass a Polygraph examination., * US citizenship is required per contract. * Master's degree in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Geospatial Science or related field and 15-20 years of prior relevant experience or Doctorate with 13-16 years of prior relevant experience. * 12+ years of experience in data science, AI, and GEOINT. * Extensive experience in leading high-profile data science and AI projects, particularly within the Intelligence Community (IC). * Proven expertise in machine learning, deep learning, geospatial analytics, and AI/ML model development. * Demonstrated experience in leading innovation in both technical and strategic capacities. * Mastery of Python, R, and data science libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras). * Expertise in geospatial analytics tools (e.g., GeoPandas, GDAL, ArcGIS), and familiarity with geospatial data formats (e.g., GeoTIFF, Shapefiles). * Experience in deploying machine learning models at scale and integrating them into operational systems. * Strong knowledge of cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop). * Expertise in applying computer vision and image analysis techniques to satellite imagery and geospatial datasets. * Proven ability to shape strategy and influence senior decision-makers within the IC. * Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. * Strong track record of thought leadership, including publications, speaking engagements, and contributions to the broader data science and geospatial intelligence community., * Advanced certifications in AL/ML, or data science. * Experience working directly with our customer or other members of the IC. * Advanced knowledge of satellite-based geospatial data, remote sensing, and data analysis. * Experience with automated model deployment, CI/CD pipelines, and model monitoring. * Published papers in peer-reviewed journals, contributions to industry conferences, or active involvement in open-source projects. ## Description * Lead the strategic direction for the development and deployment of innovative data science and AI solutions with the customer mission space, and advocate for advanced techniques in machine learning, computer vision, and deep learning. * Champion the application of emerging technologies, such as AI, reinforcement learning, computer vision, and geospatial AI, to drive mission success. Develop and refine state-of-the-art models to solve highly complex geospatial intelligence problems. * Stay ahead of industry trends, emerging tools, and new methods in data science, AI, and geospatial intelligence. Publish research, deliver keynote presentations, and contribute to academic and industry forums to establish Leidos and the customer as leaders in the field. * Serve as a senior advisor to customer leadership, collaborating with senior analysts, engineers, and subject matter experts to ensure the alignment of technical capabilities with mission requirements. Translate high-level mission needs into actionable data science strategies. * Lead and mentor cross-functional teams, helping develop the next generation of data scientist with the organization. Provide thought leadership and guidance to junior and mid-level scientists to foster innovation and professional growth. * Oversee the design and development of complex AI/ML models and algorithms, particularly for geospatial data, including satellite imagery, remote sensing data, and spatial data analysis. * Drive the transformation of the customer's geospatial intelligence workflows by recommending cutting-edge solutions and technologies. Ensure that analytical products provide actionable intelligence for decision-makers at the highest levels of government. * Represent Leidos and the customer at key industry conferences, briefings, and working groups. Evangelize the potential of data science and AI to transform intelligence operations and national security. ## Related Videos - [Alibaba Big Data and Machine Learning Technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/37-alibaba-big-data-and-machine-learning-technology) - [Data Science, ML & AI in the Oil and Gas Industry at NDT Global - Dr. Katja Träumner](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1308-data-science-ml-ai-in-the-oil-and-gas-industry-at-ndt-global-dr-katja-traumner) - [Photonic Computing: Programming a New Class of AI Accelerators (incl. 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