Data Scientist

Company Overview

By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide.


Cole Engineering Services (CESI), a By Light company, is recognized as a premier provider of modeling and simulation (M&S) training solutions to the Federal Government and industry. Since 2004, CESI has been at the forefront of developing, maintaining, and integrating simulation-based training, serious gaming, technical services, training and other support in live, virtual, constructive, and gaming (LVCG) domains. CESI also designs, builds and runs infrastructure, platforms, applications and processes that enable cyber training for the integrated multi-domain force. Our vision is to become a worldwide full spectrum LVCG and cyber training/analysis developer, integrator and services provider.

Position Overview

This position is full time on site in Annapolis Junction, MD.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of advanced data science models to extract actionable insights from complex, high-volume datasets across cyber and multi-domain training environments.
• Implements solutions to collect, analyze and interpret extremely large data sets.
• Tracks emerging data analytics tools, processes, and solutions and recommends approaches to maintain mission relevance.
• Supports the evaluation of customer requirements to understand the desired outcomes of the data analytics process.
• Architect and refine machine learning and statistical modeling strategies that directly support mission-critical decision-making and readiness assessment.
• Translate operational goals and mission needs into scalable data science solutions by leveraging expertise in mathematics, AI, and computer science.
• Drive innovation by evaluating and integrating emerging technologies (e.g., neural networks, NLP, anomaly detection) into existing data workflows and architectures.
• Partner cross-functionally with engineering, IT, and cyber operations to embed data-driven practices and ensure analytics align with evolving system capabilities.
• Mentor analysts and data professionals in best practices for feature engineering, model validation, data governance, and performance monitoring.
• Lead end-to-end ownership of data projects-from concept through deployment-ensuring deliverables meet technical and strategic requirements.
• Develop clear, compelling data visualizations and narratives to communicate insights to technical and non-technical stakeholders, including senior leadership.
• Champion a culture of data excellence, supporting AGILE synchronization efforts and contributing to enterprise-level knowledge management frameworks.
• Actively contribute to proposal development, talent acquisition strategy, and cross-domain integration to strengthen the organization's data science capabilities.

Required Experience/Qualifications

• A Bachelor's Degree in a Computer Science/Mathematics related field.
• IAT Level 2 certification in accordance with DoDI 8570.01.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in machine learning, data science, programming, or statistical analysis.
• Exceptional knowledge of computer applications (SAP, Optiva, SQL server, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, MS Project, Visio, etc.)
• Demonstrated understanding and applications of Agile planning tools such as Jira and Confluence
• Proactively anticipate and business requirements and issues by having a strong pulse on the documentation, synchronization and embolden AGILE across the organization
• Strong project management skills with ability to proactively prioritize and coordinate complex projects.
• An ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic workplace with unique TTPs.
• Exceptional communication and organizational skills with strong ability to translate business needs into IT execution.
• Exceptional willingness and propensity for collaboration, relationship & team building.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to travel up to 10% both CONUS and OCONUS.

Preferred Experience/Qualifications

• A Masters or PhD degree in a Computer Science/Mathematics related field.
• 3+ years of management or technical supervision desired but not required.
• IAT Level 3 certification.
• Current CI polygraph.

Special Requirements/Security Clearance

Please note that pursuant to a government contract, this specific position requires U. S. Citizenship status and a TS/SCI security clearance with the ability to pass a CI polygraph. Security Clearance requirements will be specified in the Government's Task Order.


This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. The above is intended to describe the general contents of and requirements for the performance of this job.


Salary Range

Based on the roles, responsibilities, and requirements, the projected pay range for this position is: $170,000 - $230,000.

The annual base salary provided is a guideline for this position and is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. When extending an offer, CESI also considers other variables such as (but not limited to) work experience, education, training, skill set, internal peer equity, clearance level, and market conditions. In addition, CESI provides an extensive selection of benefits and offerings to our employees.

Benefits Overview

CESI recognizes that our strength is our people. We support every employee as an individual to build strong teams across the enterprise. Our benefit package includes:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage
• Wellness Program
• 401(k) Matching
• Disability (Short Term & Long Term)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life Insurance
• Education & Training
• Generous Leave Policy (11 Federal Holidays, PTO, Military Leave, Bereavement and Jury Duty)

Cole Engineering Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, veteran status, membership in an employee organization, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local laws.