AI & Data Exploitation Deputy Practice Lead

Steampunk•McLean, VA

13d•$195,000 - $220,000•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a Deputy Practice Lead to partner directly with the Practice Lead in leading, scaling, and maturing the AI & Data Exploitation Practice. This role serves as the Practice Lead’s primary operational, technical, and strategic counterpart, helping ensure delivery excellence, workforce development, and sustained business growth across a broad portfolio of AI, data science, analytics, and data platforms programs. The Deputy Practice Lead must be deeply conversant across the full spectrum of modern data and AI capabilities, including data engineering, data architecture, analytics, data science, MLOps/LLMOps, AI application development, governance, visualization, geospatial, and automation, and able to translate that understanding into effective delivery oversight, people leadership, and client engagement.

Requirements

Ability to hold a position of public trust (or higher clearance as required).
Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Data Engineering, Data Science, Information Systems, AI/ML, or a related technical field.
10+ years of experience delivering complex data, analytics, and AI solutions, with demonstrated leadership at the portfolio or practice level.
Broad, working knowledge across modern data and AI domains, including:
Data engineering and cloud data platforms
Data architecture and modeling
Analytics, visualization, and decision-support systems
Data science, ML, and generative AI
MLOps/LLMOps and AI operations
Data and AI governance, security, and compliance
Automation and workflow technologies
Proven experience leading multi-team, multi-program delivery in complex environments (preferably federal or regulated industries).
Strong client-facing presence with experience facilitating workshops, presenting to executives, and supporting capture efforts.
Demonstrated ability to mentor senior technical leaders and managers.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including proposal writing and executive storytelling.
Experience balancing hands-on technical understanding with strategic leadership responsibilities.
Local to DMV with a requirement to be in the office 3 days per week

Responsibilities

Delivery Oversight & Technical Leadership
Provide portfolio-level oversight for AI, data science, analytics, and data platforms delivery, ensuring consistency, quality, and alignment with practice standards and architectural best practices.
Serve as a senior escalation point for complex delivery challenges spanning data platforms, AI systems, governance, performance, and integration.
Partner with technical leaders (architects, SMEs, team leads, managers) to ensure delivery approaches align with modern architectures, security requirements, and client mission needs.
Support and participate in architecture and design reviews for major data and AI initiatives, helping teams make sound technical and delivery decisions.
Help standardize delivery playbooks, accelerators, and quality expectations across programs to improve repeatability and predictability.
Business Growth & Client Engagement
Actively support business development efforts, including participation in client workshops, discovery sessions, solutioning discussions, and executive briefings.
Contribute to and review RFI and RFP responses, ensuring technical approaches are sound, differentiated, and aligned with practice capabilities.
Assist with code challenges, technical demonstrations, and proof-of-concept development to support capture and proposal efforts.
Help shape and communicate the practice’s value proposition, reference architectures, and capability narratives to clients and partners.
Build trusted relationships with client stakeholders, serving as a senior advisor on data and AI modernization strategies.
Identify emerging opportunities for growth, such as new services, accelerators, or offerings, based on client demand and industry trends.
People Leadership & Career Development
Partner with the Practice Lead to build, mentor, and retain high-performing talent across all AI & Data Exploitation career tracks.
Support career pathing, role clarity, and skills development for engineers, data scientists, architects, analysts, and governance specialists.
Serve as a coach and mentor to managers, team leads, and senior technical staff, helping them grow into broader leadership roles.
Assist with workforce planning, staffing strategies, succession planning, and capability gap identification across the practice.
Promote a strong culture of technical excellence, collaboration, learning, and mission-driven delivery.
Practice Strategy & Operations
Support the Practice Lead in defining and executing practice strategy, including capability investments, tooling decisions, and operating models.
Help track and communicate practice health metrics related to delivery performance, talent development, and growth.
Represent the practice internally and externally as a senior leader and thought partner.
Stay current on industry trends in AI, data platforms, governance, and automation to inform practice direction and client guidance.