Data Scientist - Experienced to Expert Level; Maryland

Job Overview

Data science at the National Security Agency (NSA) is a multidisciplinary field that uses mathematics, statistics, computer science, and domain expertise to extract principled insights from data. The field spans AI Engineering, Data Engineering, ML Ops Engineering, Human Perception and Cognition Engineering, and traditional data science applications to support the NSA’s foreign intelligence and cybersecurity missions.

• Explore data analysis and model‑fitting to uncover data features of interest.
• Develop and apply machine‑learned predictive models.
• Construct usable data sets from multiple sources to meet customer needs.
• Identify and analyze anomalous data, including metadata.
• Develop conceptual designs and models to address mission requirements.
• Create qualitative and quantitative methods for characterizing datasets in various states.
• Perform analytic modeling, scripting, and programming.
• Collaborate and iterate throughout the data‑science lifecycle.
• Design and develop analytics techniques.
• Analyze data using mathematical and statistical methods.
• Document, evaluate, and communicate research processes, analyses, and results to customers, peers, and leadership.
• Create interpretable visualizations.

Minimum qualifications include:

• Passing the Data Science Examination (DSE) covering statistics, mathematics, and computer science.
• A degree in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, Operations Research, Quantitative Finance, Economics, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering, or an equivalent combination of coursework as described in the announcement.
• Relevant experience encompassing programming and one or more of: machine‑learning implementation, data mining, statistical analysis, statistical consulting, AI development, computational science, software engineering, technical writing, data visualization, or data engineering.
• Formal or informal leadership experience.
• Discretionary experience levels:
  Associate’s +8 years, Bachelor’s +6 years, Master’s +4 years, or Doctoral +2 years for entry (Senior); higher years for Expert level as outlined in the posting.

• Accountable, proactive, detail‑oriented.
• Capable of solving complex problems and applying critical thinking.
• Effective collaboration in a team environment.
• Ability to bridge technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Technical leadership in formal or informal roles.
• Proficiency in: designing/implementing machine learning, data mining, statistical analysis, statistical consulting, AI development, computational science, software engineering, technical writing, data visualization, and data engineering.

Salary Range: $132,751 - $197,200 (Senior, Expert).

Benefits: NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package and training based on individual needs.

Work Schedule:

Full‑time position, Monday–Friday with an 8‑hour/day commitment between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible).

Selected candidates will serve a two‑year DCIPS trial period, or one year for veterans’ preference‑eligible employees, contingent on performance and security clearance.

NSA is an equal opportunity employer and abides by all applicable employment laws. All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564 and employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph.

NSA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process.

NSA applies veterans’ preference as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5, U.S.C. Eligible veterans should provide acceptable documentation of eligibility during application.