Chief Data and AI Officer

Company: Merlin International Inc
Location: Mc Lean
Posted on: February 20, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description About Merlin Group Merlin Group operates at the intersection of cyber innovation, national security, and technology-driven transformation. With a mission to accelerate the adoption of high-impact technologies across the U.S. public sector and regulated commercial markets, Merlin is uniquely structured around three core tenets – Invest, Enable, and Scale – each designed to address a specific stage of the technology lifecycle. Together, our affiliates – Merlin Ventures, CGC, and Merlin Cyber – form a flywheel that builds enduring capability for customers, partners, and the broader cyber ecosystem, operationalizing technological advancement into mission-ready, enterprise-grade solutions. At Merlin, we believe our strength lies in our people. Team members are encouraged to be creative, collaborative, and nimble, pursuing paths to deliver the cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions that our customers rely on. From next-generation cyber defense to secure cloud and AI, we are united by one purpose – transforming innovation into mission impact. The Opportunity The Chief Data and AI Officer (CDAO) is a mission-critical executive role responsible for establishing and leading Merlin Group’s enterprise-wide data, analytics, and artificial intelligence strategy. Reporting to the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), the CDAO will serve as the single accountable leader for data and AI governance, innovation, and value creation across Merlin’s operating companies and portfolio. This role blends strategic vision, business leadership, and deep understanding of data and AI capabilities. The CDAO will ensure that Merlin treats data as a strategic asset, builds trusted and secure AI-ready data foundations, and responsibly deploys analytics and AI to drive growth, operational excellence, and differentiated outcomes for government and regulated-market customers. This is a foundational role for Merlin Group and will materially shape the firm’s long-term competitive advantage, operating model, and market differentiation. Primary Duties & Responsibilities Enterprise Data, Analytics & AI Strategy Define and own Merlin Group’s enterprise data, analytics, and AI vision, strategy, and roadmap aligned with business objectives, mission priorities, and regulatory requirements. Establish and maintain a cohesive operating model for data and AI across Merlin’s affiliates, balancing enterprise consistency with business-specific needs. Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and executive leadership team on data- and AI-driven opportunities, investments, and risks. Identify and prioritize high-impact use cases where data, analytics, and AI can accelerate growth, improve decision-making, and enhance mission outcomes. Data Governance, Trust & Responsible AI Establish enterprisewide data governance frameworks covering data quality, ownership, stewardship, privacy, ethics, and lifecycle management. Ensure data and AI practices comply with applicable laws, regulations, and standards relevant to federal, defense, and highly regulated environments. Partner closely with cybersecurity, legal, risk, and compliance leaders to ensure secure, resilient, and trustworthy data and AI systems. Champion ethical, transparent, and responsible AI practices, including explainability, bias mitigation, and risk management. AI Enablement & Innovation Lead the responsible adoption and scaling of AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics capabilities across Merlin Group. Oversee data architecture, platforms, and tooling to ensure AI-ready data and scalable analytics capabilities. Collaborate with product, engineering, and delivery teams to embed data and AI capabilities into customer-facing offerings and internal operations. Monitor emerging data and AI technologies and assess their applicability to Merlin’s mission, customers, and markets. Business Impact & Value Realization Translate data and AI investments into measurable business outcomes and mission impact. Define success metrics and KPIs for data and AI initiatives, tracking value realization, adoption, and operational performance. Communicate the tangible business value of data and AI initiatives to executive leadership, boards, and key stakeholders. Organization, Talent & Culture Build, lead, and scale Merlin Group’s data and AI organization, including data engineering, analytics, and AI leadership. Develop data and AI talent, capabilities, and career paths across the enterprise. Champion a data-driven culture by advancing data literacy, AI fluency, and evidence-based decision-making. Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and operating rhythms for data and AI teams across the organization. Qualifications Required 15 years of progressive experience in data, analytics, technology, or business leadership roles, with recent experience at or near the executive level. Demonstrated success leading enterprise data, analytics, and/or AI transformations with measurable business impact. Strong business acumen with the ability to connect data and AI initiatives to strategic objectives and outcomes. Experience operating in complex, regulated, or mission-critical environments. Exceptional executive communication, stakeholder engagement, and influencing skills. Preferred Experience supporting or leading AI initiatives in cybersecurity, national security, government, or regulated markets. Background working in multi-entity, portfolio, or matrixed organizations. Experience partnering closely with CIO, CISO, legal, and compliance leaders. Advanced degree in business, STEM, data science, or a related field, or equivalent experience. Success Attributes Commitment to personal and professional integrity and respect for others. Roll-up-your-sleeves attitude and low-ego approach. Commitment to teamwork and professional relationship development. Passion for lifelong learning, growth, and development. Flexible and nimble; comfortable with ambiguity and rapid change. Strong communication and functional project management skills. Desire to innovate, try new things, and creatively explore novel solutions to challenges. Benefits & Perks We want to empower and inspire employees to be and do their best. Our workdays are dynamic, collegial, and fun. Our office features multiple places to work unconstrained by typical office barriers. Our wellness package provides access to an on-site gym and includes medical, dental, and vision insurance along with options for FSA and EAP. We offer 401(k) with employer match, unlimited PTO, and a culture respectful of the reality that not everything in one’s personal life is guaranteed to happen only after hours. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.

Keywords: Merlin International Inc, Arlington , Chief Data and AI Officer, IT / Software / Systems , Mc Lean, Virginia