What are the responsibilities and job description for the Forward Deployed Senior Data Scientist position at iO Associates?
Forward Deployed Data Scientist
Are you passionate about leveraging cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence to solve complex national security challenges? Our Client, a leader in transforming defence acquisition through innovative software solutions, is seeking an aspiring and talented Data Scientist to join their growing team. This is a unique opportunity to impact defence strategies by developing impactful AI-driven systems that support critical decision-making for the United States.
As part of a forward-thinking organisation operating at the forefront of defence technology, you will be instrumental in designing, deploying, and refining AI solutions that directly influence national security. Working across diverse locations including Arlington, VA, Pittsburgh, PA, or remotely, you will collaborate with expert teams and government clients to bring sophisticated AI models from prototypes to operational systems. If you're a highly motivated problem solver with a knack for translating complex challenges into concrete technical solutions, this role is tailored for you.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design and develop innovative AI methods to address intricate defence and security issues.
- Rapidly prototype AI models, heuristics, and agentic solutions, then deploy them into operational environments.
- Engage directly with government clients to deeply understand their challenges and translate these into technical AI requirements.
- Create end-to-end AI systems, ensuring seamless deployment and integration into production environments.
- Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams-including AI platform, agentic AI, and data engineering-to build scalable, reusable solutions.
- Validate and tune AI solutions based on real-world effectiveness, continuously improving system performance.
- Document solutions thoroughly to support deployment, maintenance, and future optimisation.
- Communicate complex AI concepts clearly to both technical teams and non-technical stakeholders.
Essential Skills & Experience:
- U.S. citizenship is mandatory.
- Proven ability to translate complex client needs into detailed AI requirements and technical documentation.
- Extensive experience in developing, prototyping, and deploying AI models, heuristics, and agentic systems.
- Skilled at transforming vague problem statements into concrete AI workflows and scalable solutions.
- Hands-on experience deploying production-grade AI code and managing the entire solution lifecycle.
- Strong collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
- Excellent communication skills, capable of explaining technical solutions to diverse audiences.
Desirable Attributes:
- A strong publication record in top AI, ML, NLP, or decision science conferences.
- Deep expertise in Large Language Models (LLMs), agentic systems evaluation, and building evaluation frameworks.
- Knowledge of specialised decision science domains, such as Operations Research and Optimization.
- Experience transitioning AI prototypes into enterprise-ready solutions.
- A passion for security and a drive to utilise AI for meaningful national impact.
Join Our Client's innovative environment where your skills will directly contribute to safeguarding global security and advancing defence capabilities. If you thrive on solving complex problems, are motivated by mission-critical projects, and are eager to deploy AI solutions that make a difference, we want to hear from you.
How to Apply:
Please submit your CV demonstrating your relevant experience and technical expertise. We look forward to exploring how you can bring your talents to this impactful role.
Our Client is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Salary : $200,000 - $250,000