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, IT.

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.

---

Position Overview

Confidential Client is hiring Data Scientists across levels (Entry → SME) to support mission-focused analytics in Arlington, VA. Roles span foundational data preparation and visualization up to advanced ML/AI architecture (including LLMs, NLP, and edge-optimized models). This position requires an active TS/SCI with Polygraph. Hybrid work is accepted.

---

Key Responsibilities

• Entry Level

  • Use SQL to extract data; use Python or R to clean and format datasets.
  • Perform exploratory data analysis (EDA) to identify trends and anomalies.
  • Create basic visualizations and dashboards (Tableau, Power BI, matplotlib, etc.).
  • Support senior staff with model training, testing, and evaluation.

• Junior Level

  • Clean, process, and validate structured and unstructured data.
  • Conduct EDA and assist in developing/testing basic ML models.
  • Build and present dashboards and findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Collaborate on pipeline maintenance with data engineers and senior data scientists.

• Mid-Level

  • Design, train, evaluate, and deploy robust machine learning and deep learning models.
  • Apply advanced statistical techniques (A/B testing, regression, clustering).
  • Extract and manipulate datasets across distributed systems; improve pipelines.
  • Translate business goals into technical requirements and mentor junior staff.

• Senior Level

  • Architect and deploy DL, NLP, and LLM-based solutions.
  • Build scalable distributed data processing (e.g., Spark) and automate reproducible workflows.
  • Lead end-to-end projects and provide technical leadership and mentoring.

• SME Level

  • Design and operationalize Agentic AI systems and custom RAG frameworks.
  • Optimize models for constrained/edge environments and large-scale production.
  • Automate CI/CD for data pipelines and transition prototypes into enterprise production.
  • Apply rigorous statistical modeling, hypothesis testing, and probabilistic forecasting.

---

Qualifications

• Clearance: Active TS/SCI with Polygraph is required for all applicants.
• Education & Experience (varies by level):
  • Entry: HS/GED + 4 yrs relevant experience OR Associate + 2 yrs OR Bachelor’s + 0 yrs.
  • Junior: HS/GED + 6 yrs OR Associate + 4 yrs OR Bachelor’s + 2 yrs OR Master’s + 0 yrs.
  • Mid: HS/GED + 8 yrs OR Associate + 6 yrs OR Bachelor’s + 4 yrs OR Master’s + 2 yrs OR PhD + 0 yrs.
  • Senior: HS/GED + 10 yrs … up to PhD + 2 yrs (see level specifics).
  • SME: HS/GED + 12 yrs … up to PhD + 4 yrs (see level specifics).
• Technical skills (examples; level-dependent):
  • Python and/or R; advanced use of pandas, NumPy.
  • Strong SQL for extraction and manipulation.
  • Experience with ML frameworks (scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, XGBoost).
  • Familiarity with BI tools (Tableau, Power BI) and visualization libraries.
  • Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) and big data tooling (Spark) for senior roles.
  • Deep math/stats background for advanced roles (multivariable calculus, linear algebra, probability).
• Preferred (mid/senior/SME): LLMs/NLP, distributed data systems, CI/CD for ML, and experience with unstructured data.

---

Location & Work Model

• Job location: Arlington, VA (on-site with hybrid option).
• Applicants must hold the required clearance and be eligible to work in the U.S. as required for the role.

---

Compensation & Benefits

• Pay range (U.S.): $89,600 — $204,000 (range reflects role level, experience, and other factors).
• Benefits: competitive compensation, comprehensive insurance, 401(k) matching and share purchase plan, PTO, paid parental leave, tuition assistance, wellness programs, and more. Benefits eligibility and specifics will be provided by our client.

---

What You Can Expect

• Work on mission-critical analytics projects with cross-functional teams.
• A workplace that supports ownership, career growth, and mentorship.
• Background investigations and other checks may be required as part of employment and security clearance processes.
• Confidential Client provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities.

---

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.