Senior Data Scientist

Leidos is seeking a Senior AI/Data Scientist to drive advanced AI development for a strategic Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) contract, executed in direct partnership with the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). You will work within a multi-disciplinary team of engineers, scientists, and software developers to physically and functionally characterize hardened facilities and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) processes in order to create physics based models capable of supporting various simulations. This role supports customers operating in classified environments and requires close collaboration with subject matter experts, designers, engineers, analysts, and mission stakeholders to deliver innovative, operationally relevant data science and AI solutions. The Senior Data Scientist will lead complex analytics efforts across the full solution lifecycle—from problem definition and requirements development through design, implementation, deployment, and ongoing operations and maintenance (O&M). The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise, strong mission awareness, and the ability to communicate analytic insights to senior decision-makers..Key ResponsibilitiesServe as a senior technical contributor and analytic lead on complex, high-impact national security programsPartner with government customers and subject matter experts to define mission problems and analytic objectivesTranslate ambiguous operational challenges into actionable data science requirements and solution designsDesign, develop, and deploy advanced analytics, statistical models, and machine learning solutionsApply advanced data science techniques including exploratory data analysis, feature engineering, predictive modeling, hypothesis testing, and algorithm developmentArchitect and deploy advanced machine learning models (e.g., Physics-Informed Neural Networks, Generative AI) that fuse engineering data with first-principles physics.Translate and integrate structured and unstructured data from diverse sources across classified environments into physical and functional characteristic models for hardened facilities and WMD processes to support effects-based simulations.Communicate analytic findings, insights, and recommendations to senior technical and non-technical stakeholders. Bridge the gap between software engineers, intelligence analysts, and domain scientists to integrate data pipelines and transition proof-of-concepts into production.Support deployment, monitoring, and ongoing operations and maintenance (O&M) of analytic solutionsDesign, test, and deploy AI-driven software solutions to dramatically increase the efficiency, scale, and accuracy of engineering and scientific assessments.Architect, deploy, and maintain advanced AI/ML pipeline components across disparate security enclaves, transitioning models from low-side development environments to the High Side.Apply data science and AI algorithms to streamline overall program management, resource allocation, and mission execution metrics.Mentor and guide junior data scientists and contribute to analytic standards, best practices, and reusable frameworksMaintain awareness of emerging data science, AI, and big-data technologies relevant to national security missionsRequired QualificationsU.S. Citizenship is requiredActive TS/SCI w/ poly level clearanceMaster’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related quantitative field with 15+ years of relevant experience, or Bachelor’s degree with 18+ years of relevant experienceExtensive experience applying data science and advanced analytics to complex, mission-focused problemsExpert-level proficiency in Python and/or R, including advanced data science and machine learning librariesStrong experience working with large, complex datasets from multiple sourcesProven experience developing, testing, deploying, and maintaining software applications and AI models within a JWICS (Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System) network environment.Understanding of secure cross-domain solutions (CDS), data-transfer protocols, and the deployment of MLOps pipelines across air-gapped systemsDemonstrated ability to lead technical efforts and influence analytic direction on large or complex programsStrong written and verbal communication skills, including briefing senior leadersPreferred QualificationsExperience in engineering data solutions within AWS (Amazon Web Services) GovCloud or Commercial Cloud Services (C2S).Experience with Agile Scrum Development/Agile methodology.Experience supporting intelligence community, Department of Defense, or other national security customersExperience operating in classified computing environmentsExpertise in one or more advanced domains such as machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, graph analytics, or predictive modelingExperience with cloud-based or enterprise analytics platformsDemonstrated experience mentoring technical staff or serving as a technical leadDemonstrated experience providing instruction, instructional design, or curriculum development#ASBA#SnakeheadIf you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.Original Posting:August 21, 2026For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.Pay Range:Pay Range $154,050.00 - $278,475.00The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.SummaryLocation: Reston, VAType: Full time