Home Jobs Senior Principal Data Science
Back to Jobs

Senior Principal Data Science - Job Opportunity at General Dynamics Information Technology

Remote, IE
Full-time
Senior
Posted: August 15, 2025
Remote
USD 170,000 - 230,000 per year

Benefits

Comprehensive health and wellness packages with multiple medical plan options including Health Savings Accounts, providing employees with flexibility to manage healthcare costs and build tax-advantaged savings for medical expenses
Dental and vision coverage ensuring complete healthcare protection beyond basic medical needs
401K retirement plan with company matching contributions, enabling employees to build long-term wealth while receiving additional compensation through employer contributions up to IRS limits
Full-flex work week policy allowing employees to balance work and personal priorities, demonstrating trust in employee autonomy and work-life integration
Generous paid time off package including 15 days annual leave, 10 paid holidays, plus sick time, personal time, parental leave, military leave, bereavement and jury duty leave
Paid Family Leave program offering up to 160 hours in a rolling 12-month period, supporting employees during major life transitions
Professional development investment through paid education and certification programs, directly enhancing career advancement opportunities
Comprehensive insurance portfolio including short and long-term disability, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, and business travel coverage
Internal mobility team dedicated to career progression support, providing structured pathways for advancement within the organization
Access to cutting-edge technology and learning opportunities in AI/ML and cloud services

Key Responsibilities

Lead statistical analysis and programming initiatives using Python to transform vast datasets into actionable business intelligence, directly impacting organizational decision-making and operational effectiveness across multiple client engagements
Drive AI and machine learning solution development to address complex mission-critical challenges, positioning the organization as a thought leader in data-driven problem solving
Create compelling executive-level briefings and proposal materials that translate technical insights into strategic business value, directly influencing multi-million dollar contract awards
Architect and execute prototyping initiatives that demonstrate technical feasibility and accelerate client adoption of innovative data solutions
Provide senior-level consultation to external clients and internal stakeholders, serving as the primary technical authority for data science initiatives
Lead proposal development efforts including technical volume creation and oral presentation delivery, directly contributing to business development success
Establish data science best practices and methodologies across the organization, influencing technical standards and approach for enterprise-wide implementations

Requirements

Education

Master's Degree in Computer Science

Experience

10+ years of related experience

Required Skills

Data Science Machine Learning Prototyping Cloud Services Data Science and data wrangling best practices, tools, and techniques AI/ML and Generative AI Cloud Services AI and Data Services Data integration, data migration, analysis and visualization Cloud-native data analytic solution architectures Client relationship management & requirements gathering Ability to translate technical requirements for client and internal stakeholders
Advertisement
Ad Space

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Government technology contracting is experiencing unprecedented demand for AI and machine learning capabilities as federal agencies accelerate digital transformation initiatives. The Biden administration's emphasis on modernizing government IT infrastructure and leveraging artificial intelligence for national security and operational efficiency has created a sustained growth market for senior data science professionals with security clearance potential. This trend is expected to continue through 2030 as agencies work to implement comprehensive data strategies. Generative AI adoption in enterprise environments has moved from experimental to production-ready implementations, with organizations requiring senior practitioners who can architect scalable solutions and navigate complex regulatory environments. The convergence of cloud computing and AI services has created demand for professionals who understand both technical implementation and business strategy, particularly in heavily regulated industries like defense and government services. Remote work policies have permanently altered the competitive landscape for senior data science talent, with organizations like GDIT competing nationally rather than regionally for top performers. This has driven compensation increases and enhanced benefits packages as companies adapt to a distributed workforce model while maintaining security and collaboration requirements essential for government contracting work.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of $170,000-$230,000 aligns well with market expectations for senior principal-level data scientists in government contracting. This represents approximately 85th-95th percentile compensation for the role level, reflecting GDIT's competitive positioning and the premium placed on professionals who can navigate both technical complexity and client relationship management in the federal sector.

Role Significance

Typically leads cross-functional teams of 5-12 professionals including data scientists, engineers, and analysts while collaborating with proposal teams, client relationship managers, and technical delivery staff. May serve as technical lead across multiple concurrent projects with matrix reporting relationships common in the government contracting environment.
This position represents a senior individual contributor role with significant influence over technical strategy and client relationships. The 'Principal' designation indicates subject matter expert status with responsibility for setting technical direction, mentoring junior staff, and serving as the primary interface between technical teams and executive stakeholders. The role combines deep technical expertise with business development responsibilities, typical of senior positions in professional services organizations.

Key Projects

Multi-year federal agency data modernization initiatives involving legacy system integration and cloud migration strategies AI/ML model development for mission-critical applications requiring high reliability and regulatory compliance Proof-of-concept development for emerging technologies including generative AI applications in government contexts Large-scale data analytics implementations supporting operational intelligence and decision support systems Technical proposal development for competitive government contracts ranging from $10M to $100M+ in total contract value

Success Factors

Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical concepts into executive-level business value propositions, essential for client relationship management and proposal success in the government contracting environment Deep expertise in both traditional statistical methods and cutting-edge AI/ML techniques, with particular emphasis on explainable AI and regulatory compliance requirements common in government applications Strong project leadership and stakeholder management capabilities, necessary for navigating complex organizational structures and competing priorities typical in large government contracts Proven track record in business development activities including proposal writing, client presentations, and technical solution architecture that directly contributes to revenue generation Adaptability and continuous learning mindset required to stay current with rapidly evolving AI/ML technologies while maintaining expertise in established enterprise data platforms and methodologies

Market Demand

Very high demand driven by federal digital transformation mandates, AI adoption acceleration, and limited supply of senior professionals with both technical expertise and government sector experience

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Python programming and statistical analysis capabilities form the foundation for all technical contributions, with government clients increasingly standardizing on Python-based data science workflows. Expertise must extend beyond basic scripting to include advanced libraries, performance optimization, and integration with enterprise systems common in government environments. AI/ML and Generative AI expertise represents the primary value driver for this role, with federal agencies seeking guidance on responsible AI implementation, bias mitigation, and regulatory compliance. Understanding both technical implementation and policy implications is essential for client advisory responsibilities. Cloud Services expertise, particularly in AI and data services, is critical as government agencies accelerate cloud adoption and seek to leverage managed services for scalable data analytics. Experience with FedRAMP-compliant platforms and government cloud environments provides significant competitive advantage. Client relationship management and requirements gathering skills are essential for success in the government contracting environment, where technical solutions must align with complex regulatory requirements, budget constraints, and multi-stakeholder approval processes.

Beneficial Skills

Security clearance eligibility, while not currently required, would significantly expand opportunity scope and competitive positioning for future government contracts requiring access to classified information and systems Experience with government-specific data standards, compliance frameworks, and procurement processes would accelerate effectiveness in the federal contracting environment Advanced presentation and communication skills for executive-level stakeholders, particularly important given the role's emphasis on briefing development and proposal support activities Understanding of federal budget cycles, contracting vehicles, and acquisition processes would enhance contribution to business development activities and strategic planning initiatives

Unique Aspects

This role uniquely combines deep technical data science expertise with business development responsibilities, offering direct exposure to multi-million dollar proposal processes and client relationship management typically reserved for business-focused positions
The position provides access to cutting-edge government AI/ML initiatives and classified projects that are often 2-3 years ahead of commercial implementations, offering unique technical learning opportunities
GDIT's OCTO (Office of the Chief Technology Officer) organization represents a center of excellence model that provides unusual autonomy and innovation focus within a large corporate structure
The role offers exposure to diverse federal agencies and mission areas, from healthcare and transportation to defense and intelligence, providing broad domain expertise valuable for long-term career development

Career Growth

Advancement to executive or practice leadership roles typically occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing principal-level professionals, particularly those who demonstrate strong business development capabilities and maintain current technical expertise

Potential Next Roles

Director of Data Science or Chief Data Officer positions within government contracting firms, leveraging technical expertise and client relationship experience Practice Lead or Principal Consultant roles with major consulting firms specializing in federal digital transformation Senior technical leadership positions with cloud providers or enterprise software companies serving the government market Entrepreneurial opportunities including founding specialized AI/ML consulting firms or joining early-stage companies developing government-focused technology solutions

Company Overview

General Dynamics Information Technology

General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) is a major player in the government technology services sector, operating as a subsidiary of General Dynamics Corporation. The company specializes in providing comprehensive IT solutions, consulting services, and mission-critical support to federal agencies, defense organizations, and intelligence communities. With a workforce exceeding 30,000 professionals globally, GDIT maintains significant contract vehicles and long-term relationships with virtually every major federal agency.

GDIT ranks among the top 10 government IT contractors with annual revenues exceeding $9 billion, competing directly with firms like Booz Allen Hamilton, CACI, and SAIC. The company's strong financial position and diverse contract portfolio provide stability and growth opportunities, while its focus on emerging technologies like AI/ML positions it well for future federal spending priorities.
While offering remote work flexibility, GDIT maintains strong presence in key government contracting hubs including Washington DC metropolitan area, Colorado Springs, San Antonio, and Huntsville. The company's global footprint spans over 50 countries, providing opportunities for international assignments and exposure to diverse technical challenges across different operational environments.
GDIT emphasizes professional development and technical innovation within a structured corporate environment typical of large defense contractors. The company culture balances entrepreneurial thinking with process discipline required for government contracting compliance, offering opportunities for technical leadership while maintaining focus on client service excellence and business development success.
Advertisement
Ad Space
Apply Now

Data Sources & Analysis Information

Job Listings Data

The job listings displayed on this platform are sourced through BrightData's comprehensive API, ensuring up-to-date and accurate job market information.

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Our advanced AI system analyzes each job listing to provide valuable insights including:

  • Industry trends and market dynamics
  • Salary estimates and market demand analysis
  • Role significance and career growth potential
  • Critical success factors and key skills
  • Unique aspects of each position

This integration of reliable job data with AI-powered analysis helps provide you with comprehensive insights for making informed career decisions.