Fractional data science lead for the defense industry
AI and data projects are multiplying, but senior data science experience to steer them is limited inside the organization.
▶ The solution
If you have no data team, or are just building one, I act as a part-time senior data lead: setting priorities, running projects and helping you build the team when it's needed.
▶ Use case
I set project priorities, review teams' technical approaches and back engineers' data science skills with training.
▶ Data you need
To start, the project list and goals the organization approves for sharing.
The industry's data landscape
In the defense industry, programs are long, documentation-heavy and the supply chain has many tiers. Data accumulates in project management systems, technical documents, and test and quality records. Confidentiality requirements decide from the start which data can be processed where.
A fractional data science lead takes on the senior data leadership role in your company on set days of the week. They own the data and AI roadmap, prioritize and run projects, and guide the existing team if there is one.
The math behind it
Priority score (RICE) = Reach × Impact × Confidence / Effort
- Reach: people or transactions affected per period
- Impact: benefit to each (scaled score)
- Confidence: how sure you are of the estimates (%)
- Effort: work required (person-months)
How I work
- First month
Situation and priorities.
Data, systems, teams and ongoing projects are reviewed. The work that contributes most to business results is identified and a written roadmap comes out.
- Following months
Running the projects.
Prioritized projects get delivered, and where needed I do part of the work myself. Management gets regular, readable progress reports.
- When needed
Team and hiring.
If a team is to be built, role definitions are written, candidates are assessed technically, and new joiners are supported as they start.
- At the end
Handover.
The goal is not to stay forever. When a team or a full-time lead is ready, responsibility is handed over with the roadmap, processes and documentation.
▶ Questions and answers
Fractional data science lead for the defense industry — what data do you need?
To start, the project list and goals the organization approves for sharing.
When is this the wrong choice?
You want to finish one project. A fixed-scope pilot or project is the better frame. A monthly leadership role isn't needed. You already have a strong data lead. A second lead creates confusion. If you need support on a specific topic, working per project is better.
How does this work start?
With a short intro call. I listen to what you need and tell you plainly whether your data is enough for the job and what the first step should be. I reply to every message within 24 hours.
▶ Concepts
Linked to Wikipedia and Wikidata.
▶ Sources
- [1]Intercom, RICE: Simple prioritization for product managers, 2016. www.intercom.com/blog/rice-simple-prioritization-for-product-managers/
- [2]Wikipedia, Chief data officer, 2026-10. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chief_data_officer
▶ Intro call
Let's talk about your situation.
In a 30-minute call I listen to what you need and tell you plainly how I can help.
Book an intro call▶ In other industries