Associate / Staff Mission Data Analyst (Clearance Required)
The Associate/Staff Mission Data Analyst at Confidential Client supports national defense programs by analyzing and interpreting complex remote sensing data from OPIR sensors to enhance missile warning and defense capabilities. This role involves developing analysis tools, testing mission-critical software, and providing actionable insights to improve algorithm performance within a fast-paced, security-cleared environment.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Defense and Space Manufacturing.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role Overview
Confidential Client is hiring an early-career Associate / Staff Mission Data Analyst to support mission-critical software that processes Overhead Persistent InfraRed (OPIR) sensor data for missile warning, missile defense, battlespace awareness, and technical intelligence. This role requires an active secret clearance and U.S. citizenship (see security requirements below). You'll analyze algorithm outputs, produce actionable recommendations, and develop analysis tools to improve system performance.
What You’ll Do
- Interpret raw and graphical algorithm performance data and translate findings into actionable recommendations for software teams.
- Present analysis results and recommendations to team leads and stakeholders.
- Produce formal analysis reports and participate in peer review cycles.
- Test prototype, development, and sustainment software builds to support performance analysis.
- Develop analysis tools in Python (and/or MATLAB) including data readers and interactive multivariate visualizations.
- Design new metrics to improve algorithm and system performance assessment.
- Support other analysis and engineering tasks as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- A bachelor's degree in the physical sciences, mathematics, engineering, or computer science.
- Active secret clearance.
- U.S. citizenship (required to obtain/maintain clearance and to work on client contracts).
- Experience analyzing large datasets.
- Experience with remote sensing data analysis.
- Comfortable working on Linux operating systems.
- Experience using Python and/or MATLAB for data analysis.
- Ability to follow logic in other languages (C++, shell scripts).
- Strong attention to detail and good verbal and written communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with OPIR data exploitation and analysis.
- Experience with Python visualization and analysis packages (for example, matplotlib, pandas, seaborn, plotly).
- Fluency with object-oriented software design principles.
- Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in physical sciences, mathematics, engineering, or computer science.
- Experience working in an Agile software development environment.
Security & Eligibility Notice
Important: This role supports U.S. government contracts. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Confidential Client cannot sponsor work visas. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain and maintain a security clearance; applicants who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.
Benefits & Compensation
- 4% Safe Harbor 401(k) match
- 100% company-paid HSA medical insurance (with two buy-up options)
- 80% company-paid dental insurance
- 100% company-paid vision insurance
- 100% company-paid life insurance
- 100% company-paid long-term disability insurance
- Short-term disability insurance
- Annual profit-sharing plan
- Discretionary performance bonus
- Paid parental leave
- Generous paid time off (holiday, vacation, sick)
- Flexible work hours
The pay range for this position is $88,000 - $127,000 per year. Confidential Client considers multiple factors when extending an offer, including role responsibilities, experience, education/training, and skills. This is not a guarantee of compensation.
Colorado Applicants
If you live in Colorado, you may redact or remove age-identifying information (such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance/graduation) from application materials. You will not be penalized for doing so.
Application Notes
- Resumes, cover letters, or applications generated by AI will not be considered.
- This is an early-career role; applicable industry or academic research experience with remote sensing data is beneficial.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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