AI Business Development Lead

About the Role

As an analytics professional, you’re excited by breakthrough ideas and the chance to shape what comes next in emerging technology. In this role, you won’t just build models — you’ll help define new, high-impact government research programs from the ground up. You will serve as a technical business development lead focused on shaping opportunities with U.S. government research and development sponsors such as DARPA. You’ll develop bold, testable technical concepts, refine them through discussions with government program managers, and guide the production of compelling, competitive proposal submissions. Your work will directly support the creation of new cutting-edge research programs, including those led by agencies known for high-risk, high-reward innovation.

As an advanced data scientist and researcher on our Defense Technology Group team, you’ll introduce innovative AI/ML, data science, and emerging technology methodologies to accelerate the formation of next-generation research initiatives. You will lead early-stage concept development, sponsor engagement, and technical storytelling that shapes breakthrough program ideas. Following award, you will transition into program leadership, guiding technical execution, milestone delivery, and rigorous analytic evaluation of scientific progress. You’ll share your expertise through peer-reviewed papers, patents, major conference presentations, and open-source contributions while staying sharp through access to the latest tools, methods, and professional development opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Shape and capture competitive R&D programs with federal government agencies such as DARPA, including concept development and proposal leadership.
• Deliver advanced AI/ML or data science solutions in complex mission, research, or experimental environments.
• Lead cross-functional technical teams through early-stage research design, modeling, experimentation, and technical writing.
• Engage government program managers to refine early technical ideas and translate them into testable, milestone-oriented research concepts.
• Develop innovative technical narratives aligned to high-risk, high-reward research priorities and communicate them clearly to stakeholders.
• Guide internal teams through capture, proposal development, and verbal presentations, ensuring technical excellence and alignment with sponsor goals.
• Transition into program leadership following award, overseeing technical execution, milestone delivery, and analytic evaluation of scientific progress.

Requirements

• Experience shaping and capturing competitive R&D programs with federal government agencies such as DARPA.
• Experience delivering advanced AI/ML or data science solutions in complex mission, research, or experimental environments.
• Experience leading cross-functional technical teams through early-stage research design, modeling, experimentation, and technical writing.
• Knowledge of the BAA lifecycle, including abstracts, white papers, full proposals, and associated technical evaluation pathways.
• Knowledge of modern AI/ML tools and architectures, including Python, PyTorch or TensorFlow, and cloud-based analytic environments.
• Ability to obtain a Secret clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, or a STEM field.

Nice to Have

• Experience working at DARPA or as a performer on DARPA research programs or similar high-risk, high-reward R&D initiatives.
• Knowledge of the Heilmeier questions and their use in crafting groundbreaking program concepts.
• TS/SCI clearance.
• Doctorate degree in a related STEM field.

Benefits

At Booz Allen, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values.

Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen’s benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits.

Pay

Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $112,800.00 to $257,000.00 (annualized USD).

Schedule

This posting will close within 90 days from the posting date.

Work Model:

• Remote: If this position is listed as remote, there may still be occasions when you are required to work in person at a Booz Allen or customer facility.
• Hybrid: If this position is listed as hybrid, you will be expected to work from a Booz Allen facility frequently, in alignment with leadership expectations and the needs of the role. You may also be required to work from or visit a customer facility.
• Onsite: If this position is listed as onsite, work will primarily be performed at a Booz Allen office or customer facility, where employees will collaborate directly with colleagues and customers as required by the role.