Data Scientist

Job Title: Data Scientist (U.S. Intelligence Community)
Location: Ft. Meade, MD
Workplace: On-site (hands‑on access to high impact data systems needed)
Clearance Required: TS/SCI with Polygraph

• Mission‑Driven Work: Support the U.S. Intelligence Community by building secure, scalable data systems that enable real‑time insights.
• Career Stability: We hire for careers, not contracts—our work is growing.
• People‑Focused Culture: We value work‑life balance, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Ownership Mindset: Every employee is a shareholder through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• Competitive Pay & Benefits:
  • Typical salary range: $117k‑$196K, depending on experience and contract labor category.
  • 401(k) with employer contribution.
  • Health, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Paid parental leave and flexible PTO.

Ready to make an Impact? Message our recruiting team directly at:

We are seeking talented and motivated Data Scientists with expertise in machine learning, statistical analysis, and artificial intelligence to join our team. In these roles, you will be responsible for developing advanced algorithms and data‑driven solutions that address complex challenges. These positions will be part of our Defense and Intelligence Business unit serving the Intelligence Community as our primary customer.

• Develop and implement machine learning, data mining, statistical, and graph‑based algorithms to analyze large and complex datasets.
• Prototype and evaluate multiple algorithms, selecting the final model based on rigorous performance metrics.
• Design and execute experiments or create models to generate data when training datasets are unavailable.
• Generate reports and visualizations that provide actionable insights and summarize data findings for clients.
• Translate complex data analysis into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts to automate manual data analysis processes and integrate analytics into production frameworks.
• Conduct assessments of clients' preparedness to integrate data analytics into their operations, including technical, cultural, and workforce aspects.
• Apply expert knowledge in data science to deliver solutions that address clients' business needs.
• Stay current with emerging tools and techniques in machine learning, statistical modeling, and data analytics to continuously improve the quality of your work.
• This role requires a self‑driven individual capable of working under minimal supervision, with a strong ability to translate raw data into concise and actionable insights. You will work closely with clients, managers, and technical staff to understand business needs and deliver effective, data‑driven solutions that enhance decision‑making and operational effectiveness.

• A current TS/SCI with Polygraph is required for this role.
• BA/BS in Math, Statistics, Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• Proficiency with Python and R.
• Experience using large data sets to solve problems.
• Knowledge of and experience with machine learning, data wrangling, advanced statistical data analysis and modeling.
• AWS or Cloud experience.
• Ability to communicate complex models and concepts effectively in non‑technical language.

• Bachelor’s Degree with 4+ years of relevant experience.
• Master’s Degree with 2+ years of relevant experience.
• PhD with 1+ years of relevant experience.
• Familiarity with commercial and open‑source data science software.
• Familiarity with relational databases:
  Oracle, SQL, and ETL tools.

The likely salary range for this position is $117,000‑$196,000. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and contractual requirements, which could possibly fall outside of this range.

Elder Research values continuous learning, a supportive work environment, and a healthy work‑life balance. We provide family health, dental, and vision benefits, employer‑paid disability, paid‑time off, and paid parental leave. We offer a 401(k) plan with employer contribution as well as an Employee Stock Option Plan…