Lead Data Scientist - SME
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 10, 2026. First seen by Alion on Sep 24, 2026.
2 Openings
Location: Suitland, MD | Hybrid
Proposal Opportunity: This position is being recruited in support of an active federal proposal. Employment is contingent upon contract award, final customer requirements, and position availability. Candidates selected during the proposal phase may be asked to provide an updated resume and other information required for proposal submission.
About the Role
Essnova Solutions is seeking experienced Lead Data Scientists - SME to support a large-scale federal data and technology modernization initiative supporting the U.S. Census Bureau.
This senior-level role will support advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data modernization initiatives involving complex and large-scale data environments.
We are seeking highly experienced data science professionals with deep expertise in machine learning and deep learning, with particular interest in candidates experienced in Large Language Models (LLMs), MLOps/LLMOps, and Census data analytics.
What You’ll Do
- Lead development of advanced data science and analytics solutions.
- Develop and apply machine learning and deep learning techniques to complex datasets.
- Support development and operationalization of advanced AI/ML models.
- Support Large Language Model initiatives and related analytical capabilities.
- Develop scalable approaches for deploying, managing, and maintaining machine-learning models.
- Work with complex, large-scale data environments.
- Collaborate with data architects, application teams, engineers, cloud professionals, and program stakeholders.
- Develop analytical models, technical documentation, and recommendations.
- Support modernization of enterprise analytics and AI/ML capabilities.
Requirements
Required Qualifications
- PhD - required.
- 15+ years of relevant experience - required.
- Senior/SME-level data science experience.
- Demonstrated advanced experience with:
- Machine Learning
- Deep Learning
- Advanced data analytics
Target Technical Experience
Experience in the following areas is highly desirable:
- Large Language Models (LLMs)
- MLOps
- LLMOps
- Census Data Analytics
Please note: Candidates must meet both the PhD and 15+ years of relevant experience requirements to be considered for this position.
Work Location
This position supports the U.S. Census Bureau Headquarters in Suitland, Maryland under a hybrid work model. Candidates must be located in the DC/MD/VA area or be willing to commute to Suitland.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Essnova Solutions, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Essnova Solutions is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process.