Data Scientist Experienced to Expert Level (Maryland)

Summary

Newly hired experienced Data Scientists will be assigned to a mission office by aligning their data science skills with mission needs. Due to the challenging and evolving nature of NSA data science problems Data Scientists are expected to continue broadening and deepening their expertise throughout their career. For more information please visit: science at the National Security Agency (NSA) is a multi-disciplinary field that uses elements of mathematics statistics computer science and application-specific knowledge to gather make and communicate principled conclusions from data. Data Science is a broad field and a team effort spanning all the expertise needed to derive value from data. It encompasses AI Engineering Data Engineering ML Ops Engineering and Human Perception and Cognition Engineering in addition to the traditional applications of data science.

Data science is present in every aspect of the mission. NSA Data Scientists tackle challenging real-world problems leveraging big data high-performance computing machine learning and a breadth of other methodologies. We are looking for critical thinkers problem solvers and motivated individuals who are enthusiastic about data and believe that answers to hard questions lie in the yet-to-be-told story of diverse complicated data sets. You will employ your mathematical science computer science and quantitative analysis skills to develop solutions to complex data problems and take full advantage of NSAs capabilities to tackle the highest priority foreign intelligence and cybersecurity challenges.

Responsibilities may include:

- Exploring data analysis and model-fitting to reveal data features of interest
- Using the machine-learned predictive modeling
- Constructing usable data sets from multiple sources to meet customer needs
- Identifying and analyzing anomalous data (including metadata)
- Developing conceptual design and models to address mission requirements
- Developing qualitative and quantitative methods for characterizing datasets in various states
- Performing analytic modeling scripting and/or programming
- Working collaboratively and iteratively throughout the data-science lifecycle
- Designing and developing analytics and techniques for analysis
- Analyzing data using mathematical and statistical methods
- Evaluating documenting and communicating research processes analyses and results to customers peers and leadership
- Creating interpretable visualizations

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph.

Qualifications

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.

Applicants will be asked to complete the Data Science Examination (DSE) which evaluates their knowledge of statistics mathematics and computer science topics that pertain to data science work. Passing this examination at a local testing site is a requirement in order to be considered for selection into a data scientist position. Upon passing the examination applicants will be evaluated for the minimum qualifications outlined in this ad. Transcripts for each academic institution are required prior to being invited to interview with Agency data science professionals and should be submitted as part of the online application. Unofficial transcripts are fine at this stage.

Note that different degree fields have different requirements as described below.

Degrees in Mathematics Applied Mathematics Statistics Applied Statistics Data Science Operations Research Quantitative/Computational Finance Econometrics/Quantitative Economics Computer Science or Computer Engineering qualify without additional coursework or a Data Science certificate.

Degrees in Engineering Physical Sciences Mathematical Biology/Bioinformatics Life Sciences Environmental Science Data Analytics or Information Science/Systems/Technology must include either a Data Science certificate from an accredited college/university OR 5 or more courses in advanced mathematics (for example calculus differential equations discrete mathematics linear algebra and calculus-based statistics) and/or advanced computer science (for example algorithms programming data structures data mining artificial intelligence).

Other degrees must be accompanied by a Data Science certificate from an accredited college/university and must include a total of 5 or more courses in advanced mathematics AND advanced computer science. At least one course must be from advanced mathematics (for example calculus differential equations discrete mathematics linear algebra and calculus-based statistics). At least one course must be from advanced computer science (for example algorithms programming data structures computer architecture data mining artificial intelligence).

Experience must include both programming and one or more of the following: designing/implementing machine learning data mining statistical analysis statistical consulting artificial intelligence development computational science software engineering technical writing data visualization or data engineering. Experience must also include formal or informal leadership.

SENIOR
Entry is with an Associates degree plus 8 years of relevant experience or a Bachelors degree plus 6 years of relevant experience or a Masters degree plus 4 years of relevant experience or a Doctoral degree plus 2 years of relevant experience.

EXPERT
Entry is with an Associates degree plus 11 years of relevant experience or a Bachelors degree plus 9 years of relevant experience or a Masters degree plus 7 years of relevant experience or a Doctoral degree plus 5 years of relevant experience.

Education

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.

Note that different degree fields have different requirements as described below.

Degrees in Mathematics Applied Mathematics Statistics Applied Statistics Data Science Operations Research Quantitative/Computational Finance Econometrics/Quantitative Economics Computer Science or Computer Engineering qualify without additional coursework or a Data Science certificate.

Degrees in Engineering Physical Sciences Mathematical Biology/Bioinformatics Life Sciences Environmental Science Data Analytics or Information Science/Systems/Technology must include either a Data Science certificate from an accredited college/university OR 5 or more courses in advanced mathematics (for example calculus differential equations discrete mathematics linear algebra and calculus-based statistics) and/or advanced computer science (for example algorithms programming data structures data mining artificial intelligence).

Other degrees must be accompanied by a Data Science certificate from an accredited college/university and must include a total of 5 or more courses in advanced mathematics AND advanced computer science. At least one course must be from advanced mathematics (for example calculus differential equations discrete mathematics linear algebra and calculus-based statistics). At least one course must be from advanced computer science (for example algorithms programming data structures computer architecture data mining artificial intelligence).

Additional information

Pay: Salary offers are based on candidates education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position.

Salary Range: $132751 - $197200 (Senior Expert)
Salary range varies by location work level and relevant experience to the position.

Training will be provided based on the selectees needs and experience.

Benefits: NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time position Monday - Friday with basic 8hr/day work requirement between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible).

DCIPS Trial Period:
If selected for this position you will be required to serve a two-year DCIPS trial period unless you are a veterans preference-eligible employee in which case you are required to serve a one-year trial period. This trial period runs concurrently with your commitment to the position if applicable. Before finalizing your appointment at the conclusion of your trial period NSA will determine whether your continued employment advances the public interest. This decision will be based on factors such as your performance and conduct; the Agencys needs and interests; whether your continued employment would advance the Agencys organizational goals; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification in writing that your continued employment advances the public interest.

If you do not receive certification for continued employment you should receive written notice prior to the end of your trial period that your employment will be terminated and the effective date of such termination.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government passionate about the ideals of our American republic and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Required Experience:

Senior IC