Senior AI/ML Data Scientist

Active security clearance at the TS/SCI polygraph level is required.

About the role

We are seeking a versatile Data Scientist / Machine Learning Engineer to join our team in Annapolis Junction, MD, leveraging artificial intelligence and advanced analytics to transform massive datasets into strategic mission insights. In this role, you will take full ownership of the AI/ML lifecycle—from designing mathematical models and writing automated Python workflows to deploying predictive models into cloud-native processing platforms. You will manipulate large-scale datasets using PySpark and SQL, build compelling data visualizations, and work side-by-side with cross-functional teams to tackle high-stakes data challenges.

Responsibilities

• Develop, train, validate, and deploy machine learning models in production environments.
• Utilize Apache Spark or cloud data platforms for distributed, large-scale dataset manipulation.
• Apply strong expertise in Python (including data science packages) and SQL for data modeling, extraction, and transformation.
• Apply advanced statistics, computational mathematics, and quantitative/qualitative analytical techniques.
• Create automated analytics workflows and build intuitive dashboards/visualizations using Tableau, Power BI, or Python libraries.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, or a related quantitative discipline, PLUS 7+ years of professional experience in data science, predictive modeling, and AI/ML engineering
• OR Master’s Degree in a quantitative discipline, PLUS 5+ years of specialized experience developing and deploying machine learning models on large datasets
• OR High School Diploma / GED, PLUS 11+ years of hands-on technical experience in data science, advanced analytics, and predictive modeling in lieu of a degree.

Desired Skills

• Target knowledge or direct experience with OCP (Operational Capability Packages / Operational Target Frameworks).
• Experience leveraging cloud-native analytics services (e.g., AWS SageMaker, EMR, Databricks) for distributed model training and data storage.
• Strong history of collaborative problem-solving within multi-disciplinary engineering and intelligence teams.

About Nyla Technology Solutions

Nyla Technology Solutions delivers exceptional Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, and Software Engineering services for the U.S. Government. Nyla embraces a forward-thinking and bold approach at every turn, earning us a solid reputation of technical trendsetters within the industry. We have a passion for developing solutions that have a quick and immediate impact on mission. Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, our customers love how we tackle their most challenging problems and get things done.

Pay

The annual base salary range for this role is $152,000-$180,000 (USD), which does not include discretionary bonus compensation.

Benefits

• 4 weeks of Annual Leave plus 11 holidays and an additional day of Annual Leave for each year at the company.
• Option to cash out annual leave hours, opt out of other benefits, or arrange for additional contract hours (over 40 hrs/week).
• Earn 1.3 times your hourly rate once you work over 1880 hours on contract.
• Option to buy additional annual leave for a total of 6 weeks (240 hours) plus 11 holidays.
• Freedom to scale down to 30-32 hours per week while retaining benefits.
• 100% company-covered health care (medical, dental, and vision).
• 10% 401k matching with full vesting from day one.
• $5,000 per year for professional development (fees, tuition, or time off).
• Student loan repayment program.
• 8 hours of paid volunteering annually.