Data Scientist

Unissant; Ashburn (VA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Unissant, Inc. is seeking a Data Scientist in Ashburn, VA to apply statistical analysis, ML, and data modeling to solve mission and business challenges. The role involves hands-on data work with large datasets to build predictive models and deliver insights for decision-making within an Agile team.

The ideal candidate has 2+ years in data science or analytics, proficiency in R/Python/SQL, and experience developing ML models. The position is hybrid in Ashburn with on-site days as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field is required.
• Two (2) or more years of experience in data science, advanced analytics, machine learning, or related technical work is required.
• Experience developing machine learning models and applying analytics techniques to solve complex business problems.
• Proficiency with programming languages such as R, Python, Scala, or Java.
• Strong SQL programming skills and experience constructing queries to extract and prepare data for exploration and modeling.
• Experience with statistical software and analytical tools such as SAS, SPSS Modeler, R, WEKA, or equivalents.
• Experience with pattern recognition, data categorization, and entity resolution methods.
• Familiarity with supervised and unsupervised ML techniques and data mining.
• Excellent communication and collaboration across technical and business stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and perform hands-on data analysis to support predictive models, analytics, and reporting.
• Extract, clean, transform, and interpret datasets to support model development.
• Apply statistical and machine learning techniques to design, evaluate, and deploy predictive models.
• Explore various modeling tools and languages to identify high-performing approaches.
• Support exploratory data analysis, feature development, training set construction, and model evaluation.
• Work within a large Agile development team.

Skills

Data analysis

Machine learning

Statistical analysis

Communication

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mathematics/Statistics/CS/Engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

R

Python

SQL

Scala

Java

SAS

SPSS Modeler

WEKA

Job description

Unissant, Inc. delivers innovative capabilities to the agencies that keep our nation healthy and safe. We apply our domain expertise, data acumen, and technology know-how to achieve breakthrough results for our clients. Working collaboratively, we advance missions and careers through a focus on honesty, integrity, and dependability. We continuously look for talent, excited to join that effort. To learn more about our exciting organization, please visit us at www.unissant.com .

We are seeking a Data Scientist to join our team and support our client in Ashburn, VA. The ideal candidate will bring experience applying statistical analysis, machine learning, and data modeling techniques to solve complex mission and business challenges. This role is well suited for a hands‑on analytical professional who can work with large datasets, build predictive models, and communicate insights that support informed decision‑making in an Agile team environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and perform hands‑on data analysis to support the development of predictive models, visual analytics, and reporting solutions.
• Extract, clean, transform, and interpret transactional and related datasets within a defined problem space to support model development and analytical reporting.
• Apply statistical and machine learning techniques to design, evaluate, and deploy predictive models that inform mission decisions.
• Explore and compare a variety of modeling tools, methods, and programming languages to identify high‑performing analytical approaches.
• Support exploratory data analysis, feature development, training set construction, and model evaluation activities.
• Work collaboratively within a large Agile development team.

Work Experience and Job Skills:

• Two (2) or more years of experience in data science, advanced analytics, machine learning, or related technical work is required.
• Experience developing machine learning models and applying advanced analytics techniques to solve complex business problems.
• Proficiency with programming languages such as R, Python, Scala, or Java.
• Strong SQL programming skills and experience constructing queries to extract and prepare data for exploratory analysis and model development.
• Experience with statistical software and analytical tools such as SAS, SPSS Modeler, R, WEKA, or equivalent platforms.
• Experience with pattern recognition, automated classification, and data categorization techniques.
• Experience with entity resolution methods, including record linkage, named‑entity matching, deduplication, and disambiguation.
• Familiarity with supervised and unsupervised machine learning techniques and methods.
• Experience performing data mining, analysis, and training set construction.
• Strong analytical thinking, problem‑solving skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate findings effectively to both technical and non‑technical audiences.

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, or another related technical field is required.
• Equivalent practical experience may be considered based on client standards.
• Advanced degree in a relevant analytical or technical discipline is preferred.

Certificates, Licenses and Registrations:

• Relevant certifications in analytics, machine learning, cloud platforms, or data science are a plus.
• Additional technical certifications may be considered based on program needs.

Communication Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex analytical findings clearly and effectively.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work across technical and business stakeholders.

Clearance Requirements:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust position and favorable suitability determination based on a CBP background investigation is required.

Travel:

• This is a hybrid position based in Ashburn, VA, with onsite support expected one to two days per week and additional onsite presence as required by mission needs.
• Mainly a routine office environment.
• May be required to lift up to ten (10) pounds.
• Flexible in working extended hours.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Unissant management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, where applicable and available, reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of this position.

Please note: Candidate(s) will be required to go through pre‑employment screening.

Unissant, Inc. is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer! (EOE; M/F/Disability/Vets)