Data Scientist

Senior Data Scientist (Rapid Developer) - Springfield, VA (Top Secret Required)

In the high-stakes intelligence ecosystem of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), the ability to deliver functional code at the speed of the mission is the only metric that matters. We are seeking a technical lead who thrives as a "sole performer" in a high-tempo, "fast-fail" environment. This is not a role for those seeking the bureaucratic comfort of traditional Agile or Scrum-based cycles; it is a rapid development mission designed for a high-impact engineer who can build, break, and deploy solutions in real time.

While the formal title on the contract is "Data Scientist," make no mistake: this is a Developer role at its core. We need a professional capable of deep coding who views data not just as a set of numbers, but as a resource to be harnessed through custom tools and sophisticated scripts. If you are an elite coder tired of cleaning spreadsheets and ready to build the engines that drive intelligence insights, this mission is for your immediate attention.

Position At-a-Glance:

• Location: Springfield, VA (On-site; strategic relocation assistance considered for the right candidate).
• Compensation: Competitive salary available upon request.
• Clearance: Active TS with SCI eligible (Must have the ability to obtain a CI Poly).

Benefit Summary:

• Retirement: 401k with a robust company match.
• Time Off: 4 weeks of PTO to ensure sustainable, peak performance.
• Healthcare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.

Beyond the competitive package, the true value of this role lies in the total technical autonomy of the mission and the immediate availability of the position.

Core Responsibilities: Beyond the Data

As the primary technical authority on the ground, you will act as the bridge between high-level customer roadmaps and tangible intelligence solutions. You will work directly alongside Program Managers and Customer Stakeholders to translate strategic features into functional components, identifying technical risks before they can impact the mission.

Your impact is centered on three primary pillars:

• Rapid Development & Deployment: You will own the full development lifecycle—whether that means tweaking existing software, refactoring legacy code for modern performance, or engineering entirely new solutions from the ground up to close critical intelligence gaps.
• Modeling & Analytical Insight: By applying big data tools and applied mathematics to massive, diverse datasets, you will create streamlined processes that turn structured and unstructured data into actionable intelligence.
• Technical Mentorship: This is a leadership role, but not an administrative one. You will serve as the technical North Star for the team, conducting rigorous peer reviews and providing methodological guidance to junior members to sharpen the team's collective technical edge.

Success in this autonomous environment requires a specific, non-negotiable technical pedigree.

Mandatory Qualifications: The Technical Bar

The Springfield intelligence community demands precision. To meet the rigorous standards of this role, candidates must demonstrate mastery in the following areas:

• Python Proficiency: This is an absolute requirement. You must have significant experience in deep coding and script development; we are looking for a developer who speaks Python as a first language.
• Geospatial Expertise (ESRI): Our technical stack is built exclusively on the ESRI suite of tools. Your Python mastery must be proven in its application to geospatial data and ESRI-based environments.
• Intelligence Pedigree: You must have a strong background within the Intelligence Community (IC). We prioritize veterans of the intelligence community or those with direct experience supporting agencies such as the NGA or DIA.
• Experience & Education (The Scoring Sheet): We utilize a 10-point scoring logic to evaluate seniority. A Bachelor's degree provides 4 points toward this requirement, and a Master's degree provides an additional 3 points. Simply subtract your degree points from the 10-year baseline to assess your eligibility (e.g., a candidate with a Bachelor's needs 6 years of experience; a Master's holder needs only 3 years).
• Analytical Toolsets: Proven experience using COTS statistical software (e.g., Map Large, Tableau, or MATLAB) for advanced statistical analysis and data visualization.

These core skills ensure you can navigate the complex data landscapes inherent in high-level national security work.

Advanced Competencies & Desired Expertise

Candidates who bring the following "bonus" skills will be prioritized, as these competencies drive the long-term technological evolution of our program:

• AI/ML: Experience developing and deploying Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning models.
• Full-Stack & Database Dev: Proficiency in HTML 5, JavaScript, C++, or Java for web interface and geodatabase development.
• Data Integration: Experience building and maintaining specialized databases for GEOINT, SIGINT, or OSINT data.
• Advanced Analytics: Expertise in Matrix Analytics or Network Analytics to generate common operational pictures for the workforce.

Commitment to Diversity & Final Call to Action

We are looking for a developer who can code with precision under pressure and who thrives in a high-autonomy environment. If you are ready to move past traditional development cycles and make an immediate impact on missions of national importance, we invite you to apply.

Equal Opportunity Employer: SG2 Recruiting and her clients are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, any other non-merit factor, or any other characteristic protected by law.