Data Scientist

OverviewSystems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted. The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division (JOID) provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.The Critical Infrastructure Group (CIG) within JOID provides technical, programmatic and analytical support to customers with missions in national security to include the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Group brings technical and operational expertise in fields of countering weapons of mass destruction, critical infrastructure protection, emergency response, nuclear non-proliferation, weapons deployment programs, and transportation safety. In addition to management and advisory services, CIG staff collaborate closely with our clients to provide high-quality modeling, simulation, software, and analytical products to meet the most demanding government standards and timelines. We have an immediate need for a Data Scientist to assist with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Modeling and Simulation (M&S) effort. The primary place of performance will be at SPA Headquarters in Alexandria, VA with regular visits to customer sites in VA and DC.ResponsibilitiesThe Data Scientist/Analyst will apply advanced analytical, programming, data collection, and data cleaning skills to help solve complex warfighting problems in support of the USCG. This role develops the sets used with open-source tools and computer-based simulations to meet design requirements and support engagement- and mission-level analyses, wargames, exercises, and experiments across a range of defense problem sets. The Data Scientist/Analyst will collect, clean, and organize data to inform analytical models and the model validation process. Will support analytic studies leveraging datasets managed as well as outputs from analytic models. Closely coordinate with team members to maintain databases for asset attributes that shape system design, functionality, and analytical approaches, and includes developing mission-level representations of U.S., allied, and adversary forces executing warfighting concepts of operation.QualificationsRequired:Bachelor's degree in Operations Research, Data Science, or equivalent.3+ years of relevant experience.1+ years of experience with USCG, DoW, or other agencies in National Security or Homeland Defense requiring data management or operations research.Proven ability to communicate effectively, in both written and verbal formats, with diverse stakeholders.Experience with PowerBI, SQL, R or Python Programming.Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).Active Secret clearance; eligible for TS/SCI.Able to work fully onsite based on client needs.Desired:Data Science experience supporting USCG.Experience with one or more of the following tools: STORM, SWIFT, NSS, AFSIM. Active TS/SCI clearance.Pay Range InformationAt SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $115,000.00/Yr. - USD $145,000.00/Yr.Job SummaryID: 2026-23500Category: Software, Data Science, Analytics & ModelingSecurity Clearance Requirement: SecretType: Regular Full-TimeLevel: Mid-level