Lead Data Scientist

GFT is seeking a Lead Data Scientist to support a variety of projects in the Mid-Atlantic Region. This role follows a hybrid work model, or can be fully remote.

What you'll be challenged to do:

The successful candidate will spearhead the design and delivery of advanced AI and data-driven solutions. This role is ideal for an innovative and hands-on leader with a strong track record of building and deploying predictive models, large language model (LLM) agents, and other data science products. As a senior member of the team, you will guide the data science strategy, mentor junior team members, and work closely with business stakeholders to translate complex challenges into actionable AI solutions.

This is an excellent opportunity to join and enhance a diverse team that is currently working on a wide range of energizing IT and geospatially based data analytics, data visualization, asset management, and automated decision support-oriented projects across the country in several industries, including transportation, water, and energy.

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of AI/ML solutions, including predictive analytics, LLM agents, and decision-support systems.
• Drive end-to-end data science project lifecycles: from data ingestion and preparation to modeling, validation, and production deployment.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including product managers, data engineers, and domain experts to align AI initiatives with business objectives.
• Stay current with advancements in machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing (NLP), and generative AI, applying them to real-world problems.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior data scientists and analysts.
• Define best practices for model development, deployment, monitoring, and governance.
• Communicate findings and recommendations to technical and non-technical audiences, including senior leadership.
• Document procedures and maintain clear technical documentation.

What you bring to our firm:

• Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, or related field.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience designing and implementing AI and machine learning solutions.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and deploying predictive models and LLM-based agents.
• Proficiency in Python, R, or similar programming languages, with experience using frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Hugging Face.
• Strong understanding of cloud-based ML platforms (e.g., AWS SageMaker, Azure ML, GCP Vertex AI).
• Proven ability to lead projects, mentor teams, and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and customer service skills.

What we prefer you bring:

• Master's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, or related field.
• Experience creating ML/AI pipelines and implementing MLOps best practices.
• Experience in the transportation industry, water industry, energy industry, or similar industries.
• Strong background in applied statistics and optimization methods.
• Experience working in agile development environments.
• Experience leading and growing teams.
• Experience with the Esri product suite.
• Experience with business intelligence platforms such as MS Power BI, Tableau, Qlik, Logi Analytics and others.
• Knowledge and experience with SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL, Snowflake.

Compensation:

The Salary range for this position is $125,000-$155,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

Featured Benefits:

• Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships - that's why we're the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry's brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century's experience, together we're building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives. GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives

GFT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans' status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property of Gannett Fleming TranSystems.

Location: Remote

Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full-Time

Salary Range: $125,000-$155,000

Salary dependent upon experience and geographic location

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