Model Validation Lead

About the role

Guidehouse is seeking a Model Validation Lead to provide technical and programmatic leadership for the independent validation, governance, and risk management of advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI models deployed in federal environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end model validation activities for ML, AI, and advanced analytical models
• Define and oversee validation frameworks covering conceptual soundness, data integrity, methodology, performance, bias, and stability
• Review and challenge model assumptions, feature engineering, training approaches, and performance metrics
• Audit and challenge model robustness, sensitivity, and limitations across operational scenarios
• Evaluate model explainability, transparency, and interpretability for technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Partner with MLOps and engineering teams to ensure models are production-ready and compliant with governance requirements
• Support audits, reviews, and governance forums related to AI/ML risk and compliance
• Advise clients on model risk management, AI governance, and responsible AI practices
• Mentor junior staff and serve as a technical authority within analytics and AI engagements

Requirements

• An ACTIVE and MAINTAINED "SECRET" Federal or DoD security clearance
• Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, Economics, or a related quantitative field
• FIVE (5) or more years of experience in model validation, model risk management, data science, quantitative analysis, or advanced analytics
• Experience validating ML, statistical, and predictive models in regulated or high-risk environments
• Experience in Python and analytics tooling used to assess, test, and challenge models
• Experience working with large-scale datasets and complex analytical pipelines
• Experience leading small teams or workstreams and interfacing directly with senior stakeholders

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of model risk management concepts, including governance, documentation, and independent review
• Experience supporting the Department of Defense, including exposure to Advana or enterprise analytics platforms
• Hands-on experience validating models using federal financial, budgetary, accounting, or audit data
• Experience validating models deployed on Databricks (e.g., Spark, MLflow)
• Ability to translate technical findings into clear, defensible conclusions for government and executive audiences
• Exposure to models developed or operationalized in Palantir Foundry
• Familiarity with MLOps practices and how validation integrates into CI/CD pipelines
• Experience in Azure Government, AWS GovCloud, or other regulated cloud environments
• Knowledge of Responsible AI, fairness, bias detection, and explainability techniques
• Experience supporting internal or external audits of AI/ML systems
• Master’s degree or PhD in a quantitative or technical discipline

Benefits

• Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays
• Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus
• Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Basic Life & Supplemental Life
• Health Savings Account, Dental/Vision & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Student Loan PayDown
• Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities
• Skills Development & Certifications
• Employee Referral Program
• Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach
• Emergency Back-Up Childcare Program
• Mobility Stipend

Pay

Competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.

Schedule

Travel up to 25% as required.