Principal Data Scientist - Special Operations Analytics

Job ID: 2615335

Location: Tampa, FL, US

Date Posted: 2026-08-06

Category: Information Technology

Subcategory: Data Scientist

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE

Description

SAIC is seeking an experienced TS/SCI cleared Data Science & Analytics Technical Lead to drive the strategic integration of advanced analytics capabilities across the SOCOM Special Operations Forces (SOF) Enterprise. This leadership role focuses on applying cutting-edge scientific methods, algorithms, and systems to leverage vast quantities of structured and unstructured data. The ultimate goal is to transform complex data into actionable intelligence and critical knowledge for SOCOM Headquarters (HQ) staff, Service Components, and Theater Special Operations Commands (TSOCs).

Work is performed on site in: Tampa, FL.

The position primarily supports SOCOM Headquarters and associated SOF Service Components and TSOCs.

The ideal candidate will have a robust background in SOF analytical support and digital capabilities, coupled with leadership experience in managing distributed data support teams within a multi-echelon, high-paced operational environment.

The Data Science & Analytics Technical Lead will be responsible for:

• Driving the strategic integration of advanced analytics and data science solutions within the SOF Enterprise.
• Utilizing scientific methods, advanced algorithms, and analytical systems to develop actionable insights from structured and unstructured data.
• Providing critical data support to HQ staff, SOF Service Components, and TSOCs to enhance decision-making and situational awareness.
• Acting as the primary technical and strategic resource for implementing digital capabilities across the SOF Enterprise.
• Leading and overseeing geographically distributed data support teams, providing central management and synchronization with SOF operational priorities.

Collaborating with SOF HQ elements, Service Components, and TSOCs to analyze digital data and operational requirements.

Proven ability to lead and deliver transformative data science and analytics solutions in mission-critical environments.

Qualifications

Required Education and Years of experience

• Bachelors degree with fifteen (15) years of experience or Masters Degree with twelve (12) years of experience.

Required Special Operations Forces (SOF) Enterprise Knowledge & Experience:

• Five (5) years of experience working in SOF analytical support.
• Three (3) years experience centrally managing distributed data support teams in SOF organizations HQ echelon.
• Three (3) years experience with SOF digital capabilities.
• Three (3) experience with SOF HQ elements, SOF Service Components HQs, and SOF Theater Special Operations Commands.

Required Clearance

• Active TS/SCI clearance

Additional Required Skills and Attributes

• Expertise in applying advanced analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) methodologies to extract actionable insights from complex datasets.
• Strong understanding of SOF operational processes and mission-essential priorities.
• Proven track record in managing distributed teams and delivering results in dynamic mission environments.
• Experience implementing digital transformation strategies tailored for the SOF Enterprise.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Travel Requirements

• This role may require periodic travel to support coordination with SOF HQ elements, Service Components, and TSOCs.

Desired Qualifications

Experience in SOF Analytical Support

• Five (5) years of experience providing analytical support within the SOF enterprise environment.

Leadership Experience

• Three (3) years of experience managing and leading distributed data support teams in SOF organizations at the HQ echelon level.

SOF Digital Capabilities Experience

• Three (3) years of experience with SOF digital systems, data processing platforms, and advanced data-driven decision-making tools.

SOF Enterprise Expertise

• Three (3) years of experience working with SOF HQ elements, Service Component HQs, and Theater Special Operations Commands (TSOCs).
• PMP