Data Lead

i3 is looking for a Data Lead to manage all data-related functions in support of the Missile Defense Agency Information Management and Software Services (AIMSS) contract. This senior-level position provides strategic leadership and operational oversight across multiple data disciplines including data governance, data engineering, data science, mission data management, and analytics.

• Lead all data-related functions under the contract, including governance, mission data management, analytics, and reporting.
• Manage and mentor a cross-functional team of Data Managers, Data Scientists, and Data Analysts to ensure high-quality performance and mission alignment.
• Serve as the senior data advisor to the Program Manager and government stakeholders, providing strategic guidance and operational oversight.
• Oversee the development and execution of Integrated Data Management Plans (IDMPs), Data Handling Plans (DHPs), and lifecycle data processes.
• Implement and enforce data governance policies aligned with DoD and MDA strategies, ensuring data quality, compliance, and secure handling.
• Integrate data initiatives across domains and disciplines to enable decision support, operational readiness, and advanced analytics capabilities.
• Ensure interoperability and consistency across authoritative data sources, metadata standards, and organizational data models.
• Collaborating with Service (IT), Cybersecurity, and Software leads to align data infrastructure and architecture with technical requirements.
• Support readiness for analytics, business intelligence, and AI/ML initiatives by ensuring data accessibility, reliability, and quality.
• Track data operations and metrics; resolve issues related to data quality, classification, delivery, or access.
• Represent the data function at planning events, working groups, and leadership briefings; communicate risks, dependencies, and performance insights.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Operations Research, Computer Science, Engineering, Data Management, or a related field is required.
• Master’s degree in a technical or management discipline preferred.
• 10+ years of experience managing complex data environments, with at least 5 years in a leadership role overseeing multidisciplinary data teams.
• Prior experience supporting DoD programs or government agencies in data-intensive environments is strongly preferred.
• Experience leading data teams in operational, test, or acquisition support for large-scale systems is highly desirable.
• Active Secret clearance required; ability to maintain clearance throughout employment.
• Must reside within a50-mile radius ofRedstone Arsenal in Huntsville AL or be willing to relocate prior to start date.
• Ability to reliably commute to the office as business needs dictate.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.

Knowledge/Skills

• Demonstrated technical depth in one or more relevant fields such as data science, data engineering, operations research, applied statistics, or computer science.
• Hands-on experience designing or overseeing the development of analytics solutions, including statistical modeling, algorithmic workflows, or decision support systems.
• Strong understanding of data governance frameworks, metadata management, and lifecycle data practices aligned with federal or DoD environments.
• Familiarity with mission data management, cross-domain data transfer, and secure data handling practices at multiple classification levels.
• Working knowledge of cloud data platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure), enterprise data architectures, and common analytics toolchains (e.g., Python, R, SQL, Power BI).
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional technical teams and interface with software engineers, system architects, cybersecurity specialists, and mission stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex data and technical concepts into actionable insights for senior leaders.
• Experience developing and enforcing policy, managing priorities, and resolving technical issues in dynamic, mission-driven environments.

Physical Demands

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Regular i3 hours are 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, however, additional hours may be required on occasion. Regular and punctual attendance is required