Data Scientist, Mid at Castalia Systems in Chantilly, VA

Job description

• Castalia Systems is seeking a Mid-level Data Scientist to support our client onsite in Chantilly, VA. The Data Scientist provides Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) support to our customer’s mission by evaluating, assessing, and improving advanced analytics capabilities used across intelligence operations.
• This role focuses on reviewing existing statistical models, machine learning algorithms, and analytic methodologies to ensure they meet mission requirements, performance objectives, and operational needs.
• The position analyzes complex structured and unstructured datasets to assess algorithm effectiveness, identify optimization opportunities, and recommend enhancements to government stakeholders.
• The Data Scientist works closely with government personnel, developers, engineers, and analysts to support model validation, performance evaluation, and analytic modernization efforts.
• This role operates within a classified environment and contributes to the advancement of data-driven intelligence capabilities supporting national security objectives.

Responsibilities

• A qualified candidate will perform the following duties and responsibilities, but are not limited to:
• Review, assess, and provide recommendations for improving existing statistical models, machine learning algorithms, and analytic workflows supporting Space and Counterspace missions.
• Evaluate algorithm performance, accuracy, scalability, and operational effectiveness against mission requirements and customer objectives.
• Analyze large, complex datasets from multiple intelligence and operational sources to identify trends, anomalies, and opportunities for analytic enhancement.
• Conduct validation and verification activities to ensure analytic models and algorithms produce reliable and reproducible results.
• Assess data quality, source integrity, and data management practices that impact algorithm performance and analytic outcomes.
• Develop technical assessments, recommendations, and briefing materials to support government decision-making and capability improvements.
• Support the integration and evaluation of new data sources, analytic techniques, and modeling approaches within existing mission systems.
• Collaborate with government stakeholders, engineers, and data science teams to prioritize improvements and implement approved changes.
• Document methodologies, evaluation criteria, findings, and recommendations to support governance, oversight, and mission continuity.
• Ensure compliance with security, data governance, and classified environment requirements throughout all analytical activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, Operations Research, or a related quantitative field.
• 6+ years of experience in data science, advanced analytics, machine learning, algorithm evaluation, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience evaluating, validating, testing, or improving statistical models, machine learning algorithms, or analytic methodologies.
• Proficiency in Python, R, or similar data science programming languages and experience using associated analytical libraries and frameworks.
• Active Top Secret clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) access and Current Polygraph.
• Experience supporting Department of Defense (DoD), Intelligence Community (IC), Space Domain Awareness (SDA), or national security missions.
• Experience with machine learning frameworks and model evaluation tools.
• Master's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, Intelligence Studies, or a related field.

Skills

Required

• Python
• R
• Data science programming languages
• Statistical modeling
• Machine learning algorithms
• Analytic methodologies
• Data analysis
• Model evaluation
• Data quality assessment
• Technical documentation

Preferred

• Machine learning frameworks
• Model evaluation tools

Benefits

• At Castalia Systems, we provide you with opportunities and choices and support your total well-being. Our benefits include: Medical, dental, vision coverage, 401k matching, generous PTO, paid holidays, professional training opportunities, and even pet insurance to ensure your furry friends are cared for too. All regularly scheduled employees working at least 30 hours per week are eligible to participate in Castalia Systems’ benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits.
• Salary at Castalia Systems is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, position knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $180,000.00 to $190,000.00 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Castalia Systems’ total compensation package for employees.