Lead Systems Engineer (data)

Position Summary

As a Lead Systems Engineer - Data at Bravo17, you will elevate data-driven decision-making for federal agencies. This role requires a deep understanding of agency missions, diverse user needs, and relevant policies. You will lead the implementation of advanced data modeling strategies, integrate AI and machine learning techniques into analytical workflows, and translate complex datasets into intuitive products that address critical organizational goals.

What You'll Do

Technical Strategy & Data Strategy

• Define and maintain technical standards for data architecture, modeling, and AI integration to ensure consistency, quality, and maintainability across all projects.
• Propose innovative solutions to enhance data processing, AI model performance, and analytical security.
• Collaborate with project managers and stakeholders to bridge the gap between business needs and technical data implementation.
• Develop comprehensive technical documentation, such as data models, schema designs, and AI pipeline specifications, to guide development and ensure team alignment.

Technical Delivery & AI Integration

• Architect and implement secure, high-performance data pipelines and analytical services.
• Integrate AI/ML models into data workflows, focusing on automated insight generation, predictive modeling, and the development of innovative user experiences.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define project requirements and technical specifications for data-intensive applications.
• Mentor junior analysts and engineers, fostering capabilities in AI-driven data tooling and analytical best practices.
• Conduct rigorous peer reviews to ensure code quality, data accuracy, and adherence to best practices.
• Troubleshoot and debug complex issues across the full data lifecycle

Collaboration & Professional Development

• Effectively communicate complex analytical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Collaborate closely with product managers and engineers to ensure that data-driven user needs are met throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Stay abreast of the latest trends in AI development, data engineering, and statistical modeling.
• Continuously improve skills through professional development and workshops.

What You Will Bring To The Table

• Experience: Minimum of 7–10 years of practical experience in data analysis or data engineering, with a proven track record of technical leadership.
• Technical Background: Strong background in data-intensive applications, with a specific focus on AI-integrated data modeling and cloud computing solutions.
• Architecture: Thorough understanding of data service design patterns, including REST APIs, microservices, and modern data warehouse architectures.
• Soft Skills: Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Leadership: Demonstrated capability to lead technology projects, operate autonomously, or collaborate effectively within a team environment.
• Problem Solving: Strong analytical skills with business acumen and the ability to turn data into strategic insights.
• Education: A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related field is preferred; however, deep experience can serve as a substitute.

Who You Are

You are a builder. You are comfortable operating without excessive structure and know how to create clarity where it doesn’t exist.

You thrive in environments where standards are high, teams are small, and impact is visible. You do not need hand-holding, but you are collaborative and generous with your expertise.

You are motivated by mission-driven work and understand the responsibility that comes with designing for federal and defense environments. You can balance user-centered design with regulatory constraints, policy requirements, and security realities.

You:

• Take ownership without waiting to be asked
• Are comfortable leading research and design with minimal oversight
• Communicate confidently with senior federal stakeholders
• Know how to defend design decisions with data and rationale
• Are adaptable when priorities shift
• Care deeply about quality and usability, even in complex systems
• See ambiguity as an opportunity, not a blocker
• You want to be part of building something, not just contributing to something already built.

Additional Information

Security Clearance Requirement: Secret Required (or willingness to apply for Secret)

Location:  Remote; however we are looking to grow our presence in Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, and Washington DC areas. Candidates in these hubs will have opportunity to engage with local team members.

Work Environment:  Bravo17 is a growing federal digital services firm. We operate with high accountability, lean teams, and a strong sense of ownership. This role requires comfort with ambiguity, initiative, and a bias toward action.

Benefits:  Bravo17 offers competitive compensation, health and welfare benefits, flexible ways of working, and generous time off policies including vacation/PTO, sick leave, and parental leave.

Equal Opportunity Employer:  Bravo17 LLC is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and business need without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.