Affordability Analyst/Acquisition Data Scientist

Description Are you seeking an opportunity to implement novel analytic process and methods that improve acquisition program cost and schedule execution? Are you motivated by taking disparate data sources and building structured analytic frameworks that support important resource allocation decisions? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL! We are seeking an Acquisition Data Scientist to help develop next‑generation project management cost and schedule control techniques across the full data science pipeline in support of DoW / US Government sponsors. Significant tasks will include the collection, pre‑processing, normalization, statistical analysis, and development operations (e.g., DevOps) of financial and parametric data to generate credible cost and schedule estimates. You'll be joining a hardworking team of analysts who incorporate affordability and cost considerations into the critical solutions to the critical challenges our nation faces. As a member of our team, you will contribute to network‑based schedule risk assessments, trade space studies (e.g., Analysis of Alternatives, Business Case Analyses, Economic Analyses), affordability studies (e.g., Life Cycle Cost Estimates, Total Ownership Costs), and earned value management (EVM) forecasting. As an Affordability Analyst/Acquisition Data Scientist, you will… Be responsible for aggregating cost and parametric data of government projects through both structured (DAMIR, CADE, VAMOSC, USASpending.gov) and unstructured (open-source web website, LLMs, domain expert interviews) research in order to improve upon existing or generate new and innovative cost estimating relationships. Contribute to studies that quantify best value assessments through affordability analysis, decision frameworks, data visualization, sensitivity analysis, and data management. Learn to build cost and schedule estimates integrating statistical analysis, network science, modeling & simulation (M&S), cost databases, and expert opinion in Excel, MATLAB, Python, R, and cost estimating software (e.g., ACEIT and Price Trueplanning). Design, implement, and operationalize data operations (DataOps) pipelines that support scalable and reliable data analytics across defense acquisition programs. Collaborate with APL staff from all sectors and departments on technical studies across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace domains. Qualifications You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you… Have a Bachelor's degree in data science, business analytics, statistics, economics, computer science, mathematics, engineering, operations research, or a related field. Have proven experience organizing data into flexible, scalable, and reusable structures, performing comprehensive data analysis, and establishing data management frameworks. Have proficient software programming capabilities in Python and SQL. Have knowledge of at least several statistical analysis and simulation packages (Python [SciPy, iGraph, Statsmodels, PyMC, NumPY], R, Stata, SAS, JMP, MATLAB, @Risk, etc.). Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship. You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you… Have a Master’s degree, or Ph.D., in data science, business analytics, statistics, economics, computer science, mathematics, engineering, or operations research. Have proficient software programming capabilities in Java, JavaScript, and/or C++. Have a certification related to cost analysis (DAWIA or CCEA) and/or earned value management (EVMP). Have domain expertise in creating data analysis dashboards through Shiny, Python, JavaScript, CSS, Visual Basic, Tableau, etc. About Us Why Work at APL? The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates. At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore‑Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign‑on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Minimum Rate $85,000 Annually Maximum Rate $195,000 Annually #J-18808-Ljbffr The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory