AI/ML Subject Matter Expert (SME) / Analytics Team Lead

AI/ML Subject Matter Expert (SME) / Analytics Team Lead

Nationwide IT Services, NIS, is seeking an AI/ML Subject Matter Expert (SME) / Analytics Team Lead to provide technical leadership for the design, development, and implementation of advanced analytics, machine learning, and natural language processing solutions. This position leads the analytic team and serves as the primary expert in applying statistical, analytical, and AI/ML techniques to structured and unstructured data. The AI/ML SME works closely with stakeholders, developers, and data teams to deliver scalable, mission-focused analytical solutions that support operational and business objectives.
Active Secret clearance required.
100% on-site

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the Analytics Team Lead and provide technical leadership for analytics, machine learning, and AI initiatives.
• Design, develop, train, test, and support custom machine learning and AI models, including supervised and unsupervised approaches.
• Apply natural language processing (NLP) techniques to analyze and derive insight from unstructured data.
• Use analytical and statistical programming languages such as Python, R, and SQL to perform data analysis, model development, and data manipulation.
• Manipulate, transform, and analyze large and complex structured and unstructured datasets to support analytic objectives.
• Develop data visualizations and analytical outputs that clearly communicate findings, trends, and recommendations to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborate with developers, database teams, and other technical staff to integrate AI/ML capabilities into enterprise applications and data environments.
• Support data exploration, feature engineering, model evaluation, and performance improvement efforts.
• Recommend and apply best practices for analytics, AI/ML development, and data handling.
• Ensure analytic solutions are scalable, maintainable, and aligned with mission and enterprise needs.

Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ years of in-depth knowledge of at least one analytical or statistical language, such as Python, R, or SQL .
• At least 2 years of experience in custom machine learning and AI model training , including supervised and unsupervised learning , and Natural Language Processing (NLP) expertise focused on unstructured data .
• 3+ years of experience with SQL database development and coding .
• 2+ years of experience with data visualization tools .
• 2+ years of experience manipulating unstructured data .

Preferred Qualifications

• Educational background in Data Science or a related field is a plus.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the analytic team in the development and delivery of AI/ML and advanced analytics solutions.
• Provide direction on model development, analytic methodologies, data usage, and technical best practices.
• Coordinate analytic efforts with application, database, and infrastructure teams to support successful solution delivery.

Clearance Requirement

• Active Secret clearance required.

Work Location
Work will be performed at DEA offices in Merrifield, VA; DEA Headquarters in Arlington, VA; and other offices deemed appropriate by the Government .

Why Join Nationwide IT Services?
Nationwide IT Services is a trusted government contractor supporting Department of Defense customers. We offer the opportunity to work on high-impact cybersecurity missions alongside experienced professionals in a collaborative and growth-focused environment.