Data Scientist

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) is a well-established and progressive defense contracting company in the DC Metro area. We are a professional services firm established in 1972 that has a long-standing reputation for unrivaled technical and analytical support to some of the top decision makers in the Federal Sector. We do state-of-the-art work and have a cadre of outstanding professionals on our team.

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division (JOID) provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

JOID assists the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) in developing leading edge technologies to counter WMD in support of Combatant Commands (CCMDs) and transitioning these technologies to military services and Combatant Commanders (COCOMs). SPA provides expertise across the full range of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosives (CBRNE) WMD, Counter Improvised Threat and Countering Threat Network technologies to support understanding, detection, identification, characterization, denial, control, disabling, defeating, disposing, safeguarding the force, managing consequences, and test and evaluation in support of military and civilian operations.

We have a near-term need for a Data Scientist to provide onsite support in Lorton, VA.

The candidate will assist the Nuclear Technologies Detection (NTD) Division in providing a data science services capable of supporting scalable, highly available application solutions that leverage cloud native services; supporting the transformation of monolithic, legacy applications to a more modular, micro-services architecture; providing artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) pipeline architecture design, development, and test knowledge and expertise with respect to AI/ML areas including natural language processing, computer vision, machine learning, and large language modeling; providing data architecture design, development and test knowledge and expertise with respect to cloud architecture, design patterns, and data analysis requirements; and defining data architectures that support both the enterprise and application-level capabilities with systems and network security, scalability, fault tolerance and optimal performance. Apply strong expertise in analyzing, interpreting, and applying modeling tools and an understanding of DoD initiatives aimed at closing knowledge gaps by supporting foundational research, hazard modeling, and data/computer science to support the warfighter. Stay abreast of current novel science and technology (S&T) in the field while exhibiting programmatic skills to trace capabilities to stakeholder requirements. The position is for in-person work at the DTRA HQ in Lorton, VA, at least 2 days a week and additional days as the government requires to complete mission objectives.

Required:

• BS in Data Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of experience in application of scientific principles for scientific research, analysis, and modeling involving data/software.
• Experience in the following areas:
  • Analyzing and recommending approaches for making heterogeneous data sources broadly available for discoverability and access to support a wide consumer-base, analytic needs, and use by diverse applications, services, and systems.
  • Aiding in optimizing the management of data across nodes and the performance of distribution, search, and retrieval.
  • Executing analytical experiments and prototyping to help solve problems across various domains and industries.
  • Identifying relevant data sources and sets to mine for client business needs, and collect large structured and unstructured datasets and variables.
• Ability to accomplish tasks with minimal supervision and a demonstrated proactive work approach, with a strong sense of accountability, work ethic, and punctuality.
• Self-starter, self-motivated, problem solver, with demonstrated critical and analytical thinking and multi-tasking skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Agility with computer software and Microsoft Office products.
• Active DoD Secret clearance with the abiltiy to obtain a Top Secret clearance.
• Broad understanding of DTRA and DTRA RD's mission and organization.
• Able to travel of 10-20% to support program goals and deliver reports or presentations.

Desired:

• MS in a STEM or related field and 5+ years of related experience in that field.
• Experience within or working with the CBDP enterprise (JPEO, JSTO, JRO, National Labs, DoD Service Labs, DHS, DARPA, BARDA).
• An understanding of database management, data trends analysis, data structures, databases, and data warehousing.
• Experience working with national strategy and doctrine development or implementation.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.
• Knowledge of/experience in Federal/DoD acquisition.
• Experience with AR/VR/XR, and TAK products.
• Experience analyzing data to produce reports and improve processes for U.S. Military Projects.