Senior Data Scientist at The Aerospace Corporation in Chantilly, VA

Senior Data Scientist Location: El Segundo, CA The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space. Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) staff couple the latest in information system technologies, such as elastic compute clouds, containerization, microservices, real-time operating systems, and visualization frameworks, with expertise in cyber security, software architecture, software engineering, data science, Artificial Intelligence, process improvement, and software development to deliver responsive, resilient, high-performance software intensive systems to our Intelligence Community, DoD, and civilian customers. The Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Department (DSAID) provides expertise and delivers customer solutions. DSAID seeks a creative and enthusiastic Data Scientist to join a diverse team of engineers, data scientists, and programmers with a passion for researching, prototyping, understanding, building AI and data enabled tools across the space enterprise. The Senior Data Scientist position focuses on transforming complex business challenges into practical analytical solutions using statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms, simulation techniques, and optimization strategies for clients in the national defense and civil space sectors. The role involves partnering with engineering teams to deploy scalable solutions that power customer-facing applications. Key responsibilities include developing sophisticated analytical models by leveraging expertise in databases, cloud infrastructure, MLOps practices, and programming. The position also contributes to the broader data science team by enhancing internal tools and expanding the shared library of packages and applications. Additionally, the role requires collaboration with model risk management teams to ensure thorough validation of model accuracy and reliability before production deployment. Work Model This is a full-time position based in Colorado Springs, CO, El Segundo, CA, or Chantilly, VA What You’ll Be Doing Advising, prototyping, and integrating data science and AI technologies. Establishing and maintaining strategic partnerships with key stakeholders Working on teams spanning various disciplines, experience levels, and organizational boundaries. Spearheading cutting-edge applied research and development efforts Helping to shape AI strategy, roadmaps, research priorities, and investment decisions Evaluating technologies and data science models for use in scalable and resilient mission-critical applications Building and leading innovative teams to develop ML algorithms and application prototypes Presenting written and verbal results to customer stakeholders and the larger aerospace community Reinforcing an environment of learning and progress with team members and colleagues Mentoring team members Committing to ongoing learning Maintaining current working knowledge in data science and AI as well as foundational skills in relevant domains, such as physics, math, and/or software engineering Developing a deep understanding of government systems and government missions. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed What You Need to be Successful Minimum Requirements for Engineering Specialist: Bachelor of Science degree in STEM or a technical field 6 or more years of professional experience as a data scientist, machine learning engineer, or AI/ML researcher in any domain Experience Demonstrated ability with applied AI to Defense or Intelligence Community domains Software development skills including familiarity with machine learning and deep learning libraries in Python Experience with and understanding of Demonstrated  ability in software engineering concepts (algorithms, data structures, DevOps, version control, coding standards, etc.) Experience with and understanding of machine learning and artificial intelligence, software engineering, and statistics Proven ability to take Proven track record of taking  initiative and successfully completing  tasks, leading  complex technical projects, and collaborating  effectively. This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for a Senior Engineering Specialist include: Bachelor of Science degree in a technical field, or a bachelor’s degree and equivalent technical experience 10 or more years of professional experience as a data scientist, machine learning engineer, or AI/ML researcher in any domain Demonstrated ability with technical development and leading development teams in applied AI to Defense or Intelligence Community domains of Demonstrated  ability in software engineering concepts (algorithms, data structures, DevOps, version control, coding standards, etc.) Experience with and understanding of machine learning and artificial intelligence, software engineering, and statistics Proven ability to take Proven track record of taking  initiative and successfully completing  tasks, leading  complex technical projects, and collaborating  effectively. This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance Demonstrated ability in working with customers and translating non-technical functionality into technical requirements How You Can Stand Out It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: Advanced degree in computer science, data analytics, information systems or closely related field Experience in leading large sets of diverse teams to accomplish difficult applied AI goals in the DoD enterprise Demonstrated ability to efficiently deliver analysis and insights using compelling data visualizations to broad audiences from data that is often large, unstructured, or unprocessed Experience in software engineering and machine learning development best practices (e.g. code, model, and data set version control, experiment tracking and reproduction) Demonstrated contributions to open-source software repositories (github, kaggle, etc.) Experience with containerization platforms (Docker, Kubernetes) and deploying ML models within applications or on cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, etc.) Active security clearance We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills. (Min - Max) $117,300.00 - $175,900.00 Pay Basis: Annual Leadership Competencies Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who: Operate Strategically Lead Change Engage with Impact Foster Innovation Deliver Results Ways We Reward Our Employees During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits. Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include: Comprehensive health care and wellness plans Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire Flexible spending accounts Variable pay program for exceptional contributions Relocation assistance Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career Education assistance programs An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation. Equal Opportunity Commitment The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. Additional Locations: Chantilly, VA, Colorado Springs, CO