Senior Data Scientist

Senior Data Scientist

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Senior Data Scientist to develop advanced analytics and AI solutions for national security and space missions. You will design and deploy machine learning and statistical models, lead end-to-end data science projects, and collaborate with domain experts to deliver decision-quality insights. In APL's mission-driven, research-focused culture, you'll explore cutting-edge methods, publish and prototype, mentor junior staff, and help shape ethical, high-impact AI systems that address critical national and global challenges.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and validate advanced machine learning and statistical models for defense and aerospace applications
• Lead end-to-end data science projects from problem framing through deployment and transition to sponsors
• Collaborate with engineers, analysts, and mission experts to translate complex operational needs into analytic solutions
• Mentor and guide junior data scientists, promoting best practices in coding, modeling, and documentation
• Prototype, evaluate, and communicate novel AI approaches through reports, briefings, and, when appropriate, publications
• Ensure models are robust, explainable, and aligned with ethical and responsible AI principles
• Work with software and systems engineers to operationalize models in real-world environments
• Engage with sponsors to define requirements, present results, and shape future research directions

Required Skills

• Machine learning (supervised, unsupervised, and deep learning)
• Statistical modeling and inference
• Python programming (NumPy, pandas, scikit-learn, PyTorch/TensorFlow)
• Data engineering and ETL for analytics
• MLOps and model deployment (CI/CD, containers, cloud)
• Bayesian methods and probabilistic modeling
• Experiment design and A/B testing
• Natural language processing or computer vision (preferred)
• Big data tools (Spark, distributed computing)
• Domain knowledge in defense, aerospace, or national security analytics