Data Specialist

The Role

Drive the strategic integration of advanced analytics across the SOF Enterprise. Lead the data science team that transforms operational data into mission decision advantage.

About the Program

Intrepid Prosperity is staffing senior technical leadership roles on a major multi-year cleared program in support of a U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) customer. Work is based in Tampa, FL with hybrid flexibility, plus a distributed footprint across U.S. and OCONUS locations (Germany, Korea, and other comparable sites).

The mission: bring the data, analytics, and AI capabilities the SOF Enterprise needs to win in the digital warfare domain. This is foundational work for a customer that views digital talent as a strategic advantage.

Why This Role Matters

This is a senior, named-position technical leadership role on a multi-year program. You will be a founding member of a senior team building from day one, working in direct contact with senior mission owners.

The team is being built deliberately senior-heavy — you will work alongside peers at the top of their craft, not run meetings for juniors. The customer is mission-serious and the work has direct operational impact.

What You'll Do

• Own the data science and analytics strategy for the program — descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive analytics across HQ Staff, SOF Service Components, and Theater Special Operations Commands (TSOCs).
• Centrally manage distributed data support teams across SOF organizations at HQ echelon. Set technical bar, mentor analysts, define team operating rhythms.
• Serve as the primary technical interface between the contractor team and senior Government mission owners. Brief findings to GO/FO-level leadership.
• Translate operational mission questions into rigorous analytical work. Frame the problem, lead the analytical team, deliver the readout.
• Drive integration of data, analytics, and AI capabilities — partner with the Data Operations Technical Lead, AI/ML engineers, and AI Product Managers to move models from notebook to production.
• Support the SOF Enterprise's adoption of integrated governance standards. Align data and analytics products with applicable security and data strategies.
• Recruit, mentor, and retain a distributed analytics team across multiple SOF organizations.

Must Have

• Active TS/SCI clearance (held within last 5 years; no break >24 months in clearance eligibility).
• U.S. Citizenship.
• 5+ years working in SOF analytical support roles.
• 3+ years centrally managing distributed data support teams at SOF HQ echelon.
• 3+ years experience with SOF digital capabilities.
• 3+ years experience across SOF HQ elements, SOF Service Component HQs, AND SOF Theater Special Operations Commands (TSOCs).
• Strong Python and SQL fluency; comfortable with modern ML frameworks (PyTorch, scikit-learn, or equivalent).
• Demonstrable ability to communicate complex technical work to senior non-technical stakeholders.

Nice to Have

• CI Poly or FS Poly.
• Graduate degree in a quantitative field (Statistics, Operations Research, Computer Science, Applied Math, Data Science).
• Prior employment as a senior leader at a cleared defense data firm with SOF program experience.
• Government employment history at a SOF HQ J-code (J2/J5/J8) or as a uniformed senior SOF officer (O-4 to O-6 retired).
• Located in Tampa Bay area today (Greater Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater).
• Published or presented work in data science / operations research / mission analytics.

Not a Fit If

• Currently employed by the U.S. Government (Government civilians and active military are off-limits for this role).
• No active TS clearance, or clearance expired more than 24 months ago.
• Career exclusively in commercial sector with no defense / intelligence community work.
• Pure individual contributor track with no people management experience.

Compensation & Benefits

Base compensation: $190,000 – $240,000.

Plus: • Active CI Poly: +10% premium. Active FS Poly: +15-20% premium. • Full medical / dental / vision benefits. • 401(k) with employer match. • 15 days PTO + 11 federal holidays. • Professional development budget. • Relocation assistance to Tampa available where applicable.