Data Science Director Jobs in Maryland
Data Science Director jobs in Maryland concentrate in federal contracting, healthcare analytics, cybersecurity intelligence, and financial services, with the Baltimore-Washington corridor ranking among the most active markets in the country for senior data leadership. Most hiring is in and around Bethesda, Baltimore, and Columbia, where organizations like Leidos, Johns Hopkins Health System, and T. Rowe Price maintain large data and analytics teams. Demand is strongest for directors who specialize in machine learning engineering, health data strategy, and government analytics programs. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Senior Applied AI Engineer – Data Science & Analytics
An active TS//SCI clearance with polygraph is required for this role
Hey!
Bitwise is a leading provider of mission-focused intelligence solutions that advance national security for the Intelligence Community and Department of Defense. We're a small and growing company, so you can expect to hop in on the ground floor with us and be a consequential member of the team. You'll be more than a contract performer for us — you'll also be asked for ideas to improve our company and improve your career, and you'll contribute to our team culture. We value growth and community above almost all else, so we gather regularly for game nights, happy hours, tech talks, and plenty more. We think you'll like it here!
Remember, Bitwise is not a cult.
What We Look For
Bitwise hires talented engineers who are driven by purpose and who value a culture of technical excellence, growth, and overall wellness. We deliver new and innovative intelligence solutions to our customers at the very forefront of our country's national security missions. And we do it every single day. Our work matters, and so will you.
We ask that every new hire be able to:
- Contribute meaningful thought leadership — if not right away, over time
- Interact with our customers and earn their confidence in your abilities
- Be detailed, even if that means taking a little more time to get it right
- Contribute their ideas and ideals to improve all aspects of our company
- Allow us to invest in their education so we both grow together
- Know and live our core values every single day
About this Role
We're looking for a Senior Applied AI Engineer with a strong data science and analytics background to join a fast-moving AI team delivering mission-critical capabilities to analysts and operators who need to make better, faster decisions. This is not a back-office research role — you'll work directly with mission customers, dig into real operational problems, and rapidly prototype AI solutions that create tangible impact.
You'll combine data science, machine learning, and software engineering to transform large, complex datasets into actionable mission insights. The team moves fast, values customer collaboration, and favors practical AI solutions over lengthy development cycles. If you're energized by the idea of seeing your work matter in a high-stakes environment, you'll fit right in here.
In this role, you will:
- Design and develop AI-enabled analytics applications using Python and modern software engineering practices
- Perform exploratory data analysis, feature engineering, statistical analysis, and machine learning on mission datasets
- Develop pattern-of-life, anomaly detection, clustering, and predictive analytics capabilities
- Build retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and LLM-powered workflows that enhance analytical processes
- Collaborate directly with mission customers to understand their datasets and develop AI-driven analytical solutions
- Integrate structured and unstructured data into scalable AI applications
- Evaluate emerging AI and machine learning techniques for mission applicability
- Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical direction across the team
Requirements
- 12 years of relevant experience, or 16 years in lieu of a B.S. in a technical discipline
- Experience developing production software using Python
- Experience with data science, machine learning, or statistical analysis
- Hands-on experience with libraries such as Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn, or similar
- Experience building AI or machine learning applications
- Experience working with SQL, Elasticsearch, or other large-scale data platforms
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Experience collaborating directly with customers to solve analytical problems
- Active TS//SCI clearance with polygraph
Preferred Skills
- Experience with LLMs, prompt engineering, or retrieval-augmented generation (RAG)
- Experience with geospatial analysis, pattern-of-life analytics, or time-series analysis
- Experience with data visualization tools and dashboard development
- Experience deploying machine learning models into production environments
- Experience supporting classified mission environments
️ Benefits at Bitwise
- Top salaries because we're top performers
- Pick your PTO — Everyone values time and money differently, so we give you the flexibility to choose between 3 and 5 weeks of PTO with a corresponding adjustment to your pay. Your choice, your balance.
- All 11 federal holidays, paid!
- Up to 2 snow days, paid! We'll quadruple (4x!) the first 6% you contribute to your 401(k), giving you up to a 24% company match. Contributing less than 6%? Unclaimed matches come right back to you as extra income, giving you a guaranteed 24% that goes to your retirement, to your paycheck, or both. C'mon now!
- 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances. That's a lot. Already covered on health insurance? No problem — we'll trade you this benefit for a boost to your salary instead.
- $5,250 annual education assistance for training, certifications, tuition, and even student loan repayments. Spot bonuses for obtained certifications, customer recognition, and just about anything else that makes us go "Hot damn!". We hope to say that many times about you.
Salary Range
$282,000 – $332,000
This range includes our flex income and depends upon your annual work hours.
Salary is determined on an individual basis following the interview process and considering various factors such as years of experience, skills, education, and certifications.
️ What to Expect After Applying
You'll get an email from us right away to acknowledge your application. After that, we'll:
- Send over additional company materials for you to review
- Schedule a video call to talk about you, our company, and your place in it
- Craft a delightful offer package for you and record a video walkthrough
- Work closely with you through onboarding. We'll keep it joyful and easy.
ℹ️ Disclaimers
Bitwise is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.
Compensation for this position, including all compensation options, will be determined on an individual basis following the interview process.
If you require accommodations at any stage of the application or interview process, please reach out to us.
Last updated: 8/10/26
See All 30 Data Science Director Jobs in Maryland
Find roles in Maryland that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Data Science Director JobsData Science Director Jobs by City in Maryland
Where Maryland roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Data Science Director Job Market in Maryland
A snapshot from current Maryland openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Government & Public Sector
- Science & Research
- Aerospace & Defense
What Maryland Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in data science director jobs across Maryland.
- Advanced degree in data science, statistics, computer science, or a related quantitative field required
- Seven or more years of experience in data science with at least three in a leadership role
- Demonstrated ability to build and manage data science teams of five or more analysts
- Proficiency in Python, R, SQL, and cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud
- Experience translating data science outputs into business strategy for executive stakeholders
- Background in federal contracting, healthcare data, or financial analytics strongly preferred in Maryland
Data Science Director Jobs in Maryland: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a data science director in Maryland?
Most data science directors in Maryland follow a path that starts with a master's or doctoral degree in data science, applied mathematics, statistics, or computer science, then progresses through individual contributor and team lead roles in analytics-heavy sectors. Maryland does not require a state-issued license for this role, but employers in the federal contracting space often require a security clearance. Building domain expertise in healthcare, defense, or financial services significantly strengthens candidacy at Maryland's largest employers.
How much do data science directors make in Maryland?
Data science directors in Maryland earn a median of about $136,370 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $77,930 for the lowest 10% to over $213,270 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire data science directors in Maryland?
Employers hiring data science directors in Maryland right now include Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, and Staffed4U, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Maryland's concentration of federal agencies, defense contractors, and major health systems makes it one of the more consistent states for senior data science leadership openings.
Which Maryland cities have the most data science director jobs?
The cities with the most data science director openings in Maryland are Laurel, Baltimore, and Annapolis Junction. Bethesda and the broader Washington suburbs drive volume through federal contracting and NIH-adjacent work, while Baltimore's concentration of health systems, financial institutions, and university medical centers anchors demand there, and Columbia's mid-corridor tech campuses contribute a steady share of openings.
Are there remote data science director jobs in Maryland?
Yes, and more than most fields. Data science director work is largely desk-based and output-driven, which makes it well suited to remote arrangements. About 71% of data science director openings tied to Maryland are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting broad employer acceptance of distributed leadership in analytics. Strategic oversight, stakeholder presentations, and pipeline reviews are the functions most commonly performed fully remotely.
How can I get hired as a data science director in Maryland with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving into a senior data scientist or principal analyst role first, then building cross-functional leadership experience before targeting director titles. Maryland employers such as Johns Hopkins, Leidos, and CareFirst run internal development programs and frequently promote from senior individual contributor roles into team lead positions. Contributing to high-visibility projects in healthcare analytics or defense data, earning a cloud certification, and building a portfolio of end-to-end model deployments are the credentials that carry the most weight in Maryland hiring decisions.
Where can I find and apply to data science director jobs in Maryland?
You can find and apply to data science director jobs in Maryland on Migrate Mate, which lists current Maryland openings across industries including federal contracting, healthcare, and financial services. Search the listings, find roles that match your background and target location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 30 Data Science Director Jobs in Maryland
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