Data Scientist

KBR, Inc.; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 181,000; Full time

Job summary

KBR is seeking a Data Scientist to provide SETA support for intelligence operations. You will evaluate, refine, and validate statistical models and ML workflows in a classified environment, collaborating with government personnel, engineers, and analysts to drive analytic modernization.

The role requires a 6+ year track record in data science, strong Python/R skills, and an active TS/SCI with polygraph. Virginia compensation reflects expertise and parity considerations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a quantitative field such as Data Science, CS, Statistics or Engineering.
• 6+ years of experience in data science, analytics, ML, or algorithm evaluation.
• Experience evaluating, validating, testing, or improving statistical models or analytic methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Review and improve statistical models, ML algorithms, and analytic workflows for space and counterspace missions.
• Evaluate algorithm performance, accuracy, scalability, and operational effectiveness against requirements.
• Analyze large, complex datasets from multiple sources to identify trends and opportunities for analytic improvement.
• Conduct validation and verification to ensure reliable and reproducible results.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to prioritize improvements and implement changes.
• Document methodologies and findings to support governance and mission continuity.

Skills

Python

R

Statistical modeling

Machine learning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in data-related field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Python libraries

Analytical libraries/frameworks

Job description

Title:

Data Scientist

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.

Roles and Responsibilities

• 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.

Basic Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Basic Compensation:

$$150,000 - $181,000

This range is for the Virginia area only

The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or experience and in consideration of internal parity.

Additional Compensation:

KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, short-term incentives, long-term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR

At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.