Data Scientist

Applied Research Laboratory at the Penn State University; Honolulu (HI); On-site; USD 111,000 - 182,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Laboratory at the Penn State University seeks a Data Scientist to join the Information Advantage Office in Honolulu, HI. You will lead analytics using Python, data science libraries, and visualization tools to support mission-critical objectives in DoD/IC data environments.

The role may be filled as Senior Data Scientist, with responsibilities including data pipelines, dashboards, and mentoring colleagues while ensuring rigorous statistical practices and reproducibility.

Qualifications

• Master's degree with 6+ years of relevant experience or equivalent.
• Strong Python and data science library experience (pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn).
• Proficiency in data visualization and BI tools for senior leadership.
• Experience with SQL and NoSQL databases in production.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct exploratory data analysis and hypothesis testing.
• Develop interactive dashboards and visualizations for decision-makers.
• Build Python-based data pipelines using common libraries.
• Integrate diverse data formats across relational and NoSQL databases.
• Apply advanced data mining and ML techniques to large datasets.
• Mentor junior data scientists and analysts; promote reproducibility.

Skills

Python

Data science libraries

Data visualization

SQL

NoSQL databases

Education

Master's degree

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

Grafana

PostgreSQL

MongoDB

Job description

We are seeking a Data Scientist to be located in Honolulu, HI to join our Information Advantage Office of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. You should possess deep expertise in Python, data science libraries, and visualization/BI tools to lead advanced analytics initiatives supporting mission-critical objectives. The ideal candidate brings both strong technical acumen and domain experience working with Department of Defense (DoD) and/or Intelligence Community (IC) data sources such as SIGINT, GEOINT, or other multi-INT data. This position may be filled as a Senior Data Scientist.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

• Design and conduct exploratory data analysis and hypothesis testing to support analytic objectives
• Develop interactive dashboards and visualizations using tools such as Power BI, Tableau, and Grafana, translating complex findings into actionable insights for senior decision-makers
• Build and optimize Python-based data pipelines leveraging libraries such as pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn, matplotlib, seaborn, and Plotly.
• Work with diverse data formats (CSV, JSON, XML, Excel, etc.) and integrate across relational (Postgres, MySQL) and NoSQL (MongoDB, Accumulo) databases
• Apply advanced data mining, statistical modeling, graph algorithms, and machine learning to extract insights from large structured and unstructured datasets
• Mentor junior data scientists and analysts, fostering best practices in statistical rigor, code quality, and reproducibility

Required skills/experience areas include:

• Python expertise (primary language) with demonstrated use of data science and machine learning libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, pandas, NumPy, SciPy, PyTorch or TensorFlow)
• Strong skills in data visualization and BI tools: Power BI, Tableau, Grafana, or equivalent
• Proficiency in SQL and experience with NoSQL databases
• Solid foundation in probability, statistics, and applied machine learning techniques
• Experience with data pipelines, APIs, and distributed systems in a production environment
• Familiarity with cloud-native and containerized environments (e.g., Kubernetes) and associated observability stacks
• Hands-on experience with configuration management and version control tools (e.g., Git, GitLab/GitHub, Atlassian suite)
• Active Top Secret DoD Clearance
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills—able to brief senior leadership and mission partners
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects
• Collaborative mindset with demonstrated ability to lead technical discussions and mentor peers
• Customer-focused, adaptable, and effective in interfacing with both corporate and government stakeholders
• Exceptional technical writing skills for producing plans, reports, and documentation

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

• Direct experience with DoD or Intelligence Community data, including but not limited to SIGINT, GEOINT, MASINT, or Multi-INT fusion
• Understanding of mission needs in defense, national security, or intelligence analysis
• Active TS/SCI DoD clearance highly preferred

Your working location will be in Oahu, HI. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Master's Degree6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None

ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL):Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing programme, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $110,520.00 - $182,400.00. This salary range includes an adjustment based on required geographic work location.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster

Penn State Policies

Copyright Information

Hotlines