Data Scientist - Experienced to Expert Level; Maryland

Responsibilities

Data science at the National Security Agency (NSA) is a multi‑disciplinary field that uses elements of mathematics, statistics, computer science, and application‑specific knowledge to gather, make, and communicate principled conclusions from data. Data science is a broad field and a team effort, spanning all the expertise needed to derive value from data. It encompasses AI Engineering, Data Engineering, ML Ops Engineering, and Human Perception and Cognition Engineering in addition to the traditional applications of data science.

NSA Data Scientists tackle challenging real‑world problems leveraging big data, high‑performance computing, machine learning, and a breadth of other methodologies.

• Exploring data analysis and model‑fitting to reveal data features of interest
• Using machine‑learned predictive modeling
• Constructing usable data sets from multiple sources to meet customer needs
• Identifying and analyzing anomalous data (including metadata)
• Developing conceptual design and models to address mission requirements
• Developing qualitative and quantitative methods for characterizing datasets in various states
• Performing analytic modeling, scripting, and/or programming
• Working collaboratively and iteratively throughout the data‑science lifecycle
• Designing and developing analytics and techniques for analysis
• Analyzing data using mathematical and statistical methods
• Evaluating, documenting, and communicating research processes, analyses, and results to customers, peers, and leadership
• Creating interpretable visualizations

Newly hired experienced Data Scientists will be assigned to a mission office by aligning their data science skills with mission needs. Due to the challenging and evolving nature of NSA data science problems, Data Scientists are expected to continue broadening and deepening their expertise throughout their career. NSA data science is collaborative and you are expected to work with NSA experts in data science, related technical domains, and specialized subject areas.

You will have opportunities to participate in internal technical round tables and to attend technical conferences with experts from industry and academia. There is potential for some candidates to be enrolled in the three‑year Data Science Development Program (DSDP), a rotational program to strengthen their basic skills.

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. Applicants will be asked to complete the Data Science Examination (DSE) which evaluates their knowledge of statistics, mathematics, and computer science topics that pertain to data science work. Passing this examination at a local testing site is a requirement in order to be considered for selection into a data scientist position.

Upon passing the examination, applicants will be evaluated for the minimum qualifications outlined in this ad.

Degrees in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Applied Statistics, Data Science, Operations Research, Quantitative/Computational Finance, Econometrics/Quantitative Economics, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering qualify without additional coursework or a Data Science certificate. Degrees in Engineering, Physical Sciences, Mathematical Biology/Bioinformatics, Life Sciences, Environmental Science, Data Analytics, or Information Science/Systems/Technology must include either a Data Science certificate from an accredited college/university OR 5 or more courses in advanced mathematics (for example, calculus, differential equations, discrete mathematics, linear algebra, and calculus‑based statistics) and/or advanced computer science (for example, algorithms, programming, data structures, data mining, artificial intelligence).

Other degrees must be accompanied by a Data Science certificate from an accredited college/university, and must include a total of 5 or more courses in advanced mathematics AND advanced computer science. At least one course must be from advanced mathematics (for example, calculus, differential equations, discrete mathematics, linear algebra, and calculus‑based statistics). At least one course must be from advanced computer…