Data Scientist
The Data Scientist at Confidential Client conducts advanced research-level data analytics to support national security and mission-focused big data projects. This role involves collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to design and optimize data science platforms, analyze diverse datasets, and deliver actionable intelligence insights to both technical and non-technical audiences. The position requires expertise in machine learning, natural language processing, and data fusion, with a focus on innovative problem solving and impactful research outcomes in a secure, on-site 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.
Overview
Confidential client is seeking a Data Scientist to join a research-focused team supporting mission-driven big-data analytics in Bethesda, MD. The role advances machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), and data fusion solutions for national-security and cybersecurity objectives. The position requires an active Top Secret/SCI clearance and U.S. citizenship.
What You’ll Do
- Perform research-level data analytics and model development to support mission-focused programs.
- Design, build, and optimize data science components of an integrated analytics platform alongside engineers and analysts.
- Apply machine learning, NLP, and data-fusion techniques to large-scale, possibly out-of-memory datasets.
- Prototype, test, and deploy algorithms and pipelines using containers and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes, OpenShift).
- Use information-retrieval and search technologies (Elasticsearch/Kibana) and relational databases (SQL) to support analytics.
- Identify and integrate novel data sources to improve model performance and operational value.
- Prepare technical findings for non-technical audiences; support publications and briefings with actionable intelligence insights.
- Collaborate with hybrid teams (analysts, software developers, network engineers, program managers) to transition research into operational capability.
Required Qualifications
- B.S. in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, Physics, Economics, Computational Social Science, or a related quantitative field with 2+ years of relevant experience — OR — Master’s degree (or equivalent) with less than 2 years of experience.
- Experience in data science, analytics, or quantitative intelligence analysis with demonstrable technical outcomes.
- Proficiency in one or more scripting languages (Python preferred).
- Experience deploying data science applications with Docker and Kubernetes and/or OpenShift.
- Familiarity with information retrieval/search tools (Elastic Stack/Elasticsearch and Kibana) and SQL.
- Experience working on large-scale/big-data problems that do not fit in memory.
- Familiarity with version control (git) and software development best practices.
- Strong analytical problem-solving, research-design skills, and the ability to work independently.
- U.S. citizenship and an active Top Secret/SCI clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting military or intelligence-community customers on analytics programs.
- Experience with data classes such as DOMEX, PAI (open-source), MASINT, or cybersecurity/forensics.
- Experience with Knowledge Graphs (neo4j) or graph ML, and with predictive algorithms, image classifiers, or object detectors.
- Familiarity with social network analysis, pattern-of-life analysis, NLP, social-media analytics, and image processing.
- Experience blending COTS/GOTS/OS tools creatively in operational analytics.
- Experience operating in on-premises air-gapped environments and/or AWS (including C2S environments).
- Knowledge of hardware acceleration platforms (CPUs, GPUs, FPGAs).
Clearance & Eligibility
- Active Top Secret/SCI clearance is required.
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
Compensation & Benefits Highlights
- Competitive pay based on experience, skills, and location.
- Employee referral bonuses (up to $10,000 for qualified referrals).
- Performance-based bonus opportunities (role-dependent).
- Comprehensive health benefits — company-paid medical, dental, and vision premiums for employees and eligible dependents.
- 100% company-paid short- and long-term disability, AD&D, and life insurance (up to specified limits).
- 401(k) with immediate vesting: 4% match + 4% non-elective contribution (8% total); pre-tax and Roth options.
- Up to 20 days of flexible PTO and 11 paid floating holidays.
- Flexible work schedules (role/contract dependent).
Location & Employment Type
- Location: Bethesda, MD (On-site)
- Employment type: Full-time
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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