Data Scientist - Expert

Overview

Leidos is actively interviewing for a Data Scientist - Expert to join our team in Springfield, VA.

Senior-most technical position responsible for leading the design, development, deployment, and optimization of advanced data science solutions in support of government mission objectives. The Expert Level Data Scientist serves as a recognized subject matter expert in statistical modeling, machine learning, artificial intelligence, data exploitation, and analytic tradecraft. This role requires on-site support at a government facility and close collaboration with mission operators, analysts, engineers, program leadership, and government stakeholders in secure environments.

• Lead the development and operationalization of advanced data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence solutions for mission applications.
• Design and implement statistical models, predictive analytics, forecasting methods, optimization models, and decision-support tools.
• Extract, transform, integrate, and analyze structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data from multiple government and mission-relevant sources.
• Develop and validate machine learning models for classification, regression, clustering, anomaly detection, ranking, recommendation, and pattern discovery.
• Architect end-to-end analytic workflows, including data ingestion, feature engineering, model training, testing, deployment, monitoring, and lifecycle management.
• Apply advanced quantitative methods to derive actionable insights from large, complex, and high-value datasets.
• Collaborate with domain experts, mission analysts, software engineers, and government personnel to translate mission needs into technical solutions.
• Evaluate model performance, quantify uncertainty, and ensure analytic validity, repeatability, and interpretability.
• Support data governance, security, compliance, and responsible AI practices within government mission environments.
• Prepare technical documentation, briefings, reports, white papers, and stakeholder presentations.
• Advise leadership on data science strategy, analytic methodology, capability gaps, and technology insertion opportunities.

• Statistical modeling and inference
• Machine learning and artificial intelligence
• Predictive analytics and forecasting
• Data mining and pattern analysis
• Feature engineering and model evaluation
• Data wrangling, integration, and transformation
• Python, R, SQL, and scientific computing libraries
• Visualization and dashboarding tools
• Model deployment, monitoring, and lifecycle support
• Documentation, briefing development, and technical communication

• Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 12-15 years of relevant professional combined experience in data science, advanced analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or statistical modeling.
• Demonstrated experience developing and deploying production-grade analytic or machine learning solutions in government, defense, intelligence, or other highly regulated environments.
• Deep knowledge of statistical inference, probability, experimental design, predictive modeling, and machine learning methods.
• Strong programming experience in Python, R, SQL, or similar analytic languages.
• Experience working with large, complex, and potentially disparate datasets in enterprise environments.
• Familiarity with model validation, explainability, bias assessment, and performance evaluation techniques.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical findings to diverse audiences.
• Active TS/SCI with ability to be approved for a Poly.

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in a relevant quantitative or technical discipline.
• Experience supporting DoD, IC, DHS, civilian federal agencies, or other government mission environments.
• Experience with deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, graph analytics, time series analysis, or reinforcement learning.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms, MLOps, Dev Sec Ops , and containerized deployment…