AI​/Data Solutions Engineer TS​/SCI; FSP

Introduction

At IBM, the work is about building things that matter. You will be working on real problems in a mission environment where the output of your work is used, not just presented.

We are looking for a hands‑on data and engineering professional who can take messy, incomplete information and turn it into something useful and clear. This role is about going from raw data to real understanding and doing it in a way that people can act on immediately, with confidence.

You will work across the full lifecycle of work. That includes getting data, shaping it, building models where needed, and delivering outputs that help people make decisions. This is not a role where someone hands you a clean dataset or defined problem.

You will also work closely with junior team members. Part of your responsibility is helping them grow into strong, independent contributors by working alongside them, giving them ownership, and holding a high bar for quality.

Candidate is required to have US Citizenship for this role without exception. Candidates must also have an approved, active US Government Top Secret/SCI security clearance with Full Scope Polygraph and be able to sit onsite in the Washington DC Metro area.

The Data Solutions Engineer is a hands‑on technologist and problem solver who works across data, systems, and analysis to deliver outcomes that are usable in real mission conditions.

This role is responsible for contributing to solutions that take raw, fragmented data and turn it into something clear, reliable, and actionable. The focus is on building work that holds up in operational use, not just in controlled environments.

You will contribute across the workflow, from how data is handled through how it is used, making practical decisions that balance technical quality with mission needs.

You will:

• Work directly with raw and incomplete data, determining how to structure, process, and use it effectively.
• Develop and apply models and analytical methods to identify meaningful patterns, behaviors, and signals.
• Build and support data pipelines that enable consistent, repeatable processing across datasets.
• Integrate internal and external models into working systems and adjust them as conditions or data changes.
• Operate effectively in secure and constrained environments where tradeoffs are required.

• Work directly with junior data engineers and data scientists as part of day‑to‑day delivery.
• Help them take ownership of defined components and hold them accountable for outcomes.
• Provide direct feedback through code review and working sessions.
• Break down complex problems so others can contribute and build confidence.
• Support a team environment where responsibility is shared and expectations are clear.

Clearance & Logistics: US Citizenship is required. Candidates must possess an active Top Secret/SCI (TS/SCI) clearance with a Full Scope Polygraph on Day 1 and be able to work onsite in the Washington, DC Metro Area (Chantilly, VA). Work is performed in a secure environment with limited remote flexibility.

Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or related technical field, or equivalent practical experience, with 5 or more years of experience in data science, machine learning, or applied data roles, with a track record of applying skills to real‑world problems.

Programming & Data Fundamentals: Strong proficiency in Python and working knowledge of SQL. Demonstrated ability to work directly with raw data to explore, transform, and analyze datasets without relying on pre‑built tooling.

Data Processing & Systems: Experience contributing to data pipelines and processing workflows, including ingestion and transformation, and handling of large or complex datasets.

Applied Modeling and Analysis: Experience building and applying models or analytical approaches in real‑world settings, with an understanding of how to adapt to changing data and requirements.

Data Types & Complexity: Experience working with multiple forms of data such as text, imagery, video, or sensor data, and the ability…