Data Scientist

US Federal Highway Administration; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Federal benefits

Learn about federal benefits

Job summary

Federal Highway Administration seeks a Lead AI and data science professional to drive strategic direction across the full lifecycle of data science and statistical analysis for national AI adoption in U.S. surface transportation.

You will plan and execute national R&D, provide expert guidance on AI models, governance, and testing, and collaborate with State DOTs and academia to advance deployment and policy across mobility, safety, and infrastructure goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or 30 semester hours as described in listing.
• Background checks, selective service, and clearances may be required.
• Experience leading AI/data science research and enterprise data programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction across data science lifecycles to support national AI adoption.
• Plan and execute national R&D and deployment activities for advanced analytics and AI.
• Lead tech R&D in AI, data governance, and statistical modeling.
• Design experimental frameworks for data collection and evaluation of complex samples.
• Apply ML, data engineering, and NLP to large transportation datasets.

Skills

Data science

Statistical analysis

Machine learning

Data engineering

Natural language processing

AI applications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics/Statistics/CS/Data Science

Job description

Lead AI and data science work supporting safe, responsible innovation across U.S. surface transportation.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction across the full lifecycle of data science and statistical analysis to support national AI adoption, including planning and operationalization.
• Plan and execute national research, development, and deployment activities, including technical assistance to integrate advanced analytics and AI into highway research and deployment processes.
• Lead technology research, development, and deployment in areas including:
  • Advanced data science and analytics
  • AI transportation applications
  • AI assurance and data governance
  • Advanced simulation and modeling techniques
  • Statistical modeling
• Design and deliver technical assistance on original experimental frameworks for data collection and conduct difficult research evaluating statistical properties of complex sample designs.
• Apply expertise in machine learning, data engineering, and natural language processing to identify insights from large, disparate transportation datasets.
• Develop new computational algorithms and statistical modeling approaches to address unprecedented problems aligned to FHWA mobility, safety, and infrastructure goals.
• Provide standardized guidance for applications and AI models, including risk considerations, testing and evaluation, governance issues, and security for transportation infrastructure owners and operators nationwide.
• Act as principal expert for applying data science and AI, including authoritative technical support for testing, evaluation, and post-deployment maintenance of AI in the transportation environment.
• Adapt and innovate mathematical methods for statistical processes; direct advanced analysis and modeling/simulation initiatives; establish standards for performance and risk assurance.
• Serve as a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), including preparing detailed research prospectuses, monitoring contract performance, and reviewing data science deliverables.
• Lead strategic partnerships with senior leadership across external organizations, including State DOTs and academia, to establish a national research and technology agenda and prioritize deployment work.
• Provide authoritative direction for nationwide transfer of innovative AI and statistical methods into critical highway practices and policy.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship and meeting specialized experience to qualify.
• Education requirement: Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science, or related field, or 30 semester hours (with additional education/experience combination described in the listing).
• Degree/education must be accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting institution to count toward qualifications.
• Background/eligibility requirements include:
  • Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered.
  • Travel card: travel is involved; a government contractor‑issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only.
  • Background investigation: required; appointment is subject to successful completion and favorable adjudication.
  • Probationary period: you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period (unless already completed).
  • PCS/relocation/incentive: authorization varies by position/selection; a service agreement may be required.
• Direct Hire Authority may be used to fill the position; traditional rating/ranking, Veterans’ Preference, and the “Rule of Many” do not apply.
• Qualifications must be met by the closing date.

Minimum GS-13 specialized experience (listing details apply): at least one year equivalent to GS-12 including leading research and design of AI tools and computer‑learning software; overseeing data management procedures to maintain data quality/accuracy across multiple integrated enterprise systems; and explaining technical data science/AI topics through writing project reports and providing pr… (truncated in source).

Minimum GS-14 specialized experience (listing details apply): at least one year equivalent to GS-13 including directing an organization‑wide R&D program to design, test, and deploy AI software and data science models; developing and implementing enterprise data management policies across organizational divisions to ensure data quality, system security, and long‑term performance targets; and ex… (truncated in source).

Technologies

• Artificial intelligence (AI)
• Machine learning
• Data engineering
• Natural language processing
• Statistical modeling
• Computer‑learning software
• Simulation and modeling techniques

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package for federal employees (eligibility depends on position type).
• Learn more about federal benefits (link provided in listing).

How You’ll Be Evaluated

• Phase I: resume review for technical qualifications based on required specialized experience; ONLY two (2) pages reviewed.
• Phase II: rating based on KSAs/Competencies by a Subject Matter Expert (SME).
• KSAs include: Artificial Intelligence, Research, Technical Credibility, Customer Service.

Required Documents

• Resume: maximum two (2) pages; must include employment beginning/ending dates, full‑or‑part‑time status, and position titles (and series/grade if Federal).
• Transcripts: required.
• Current or former federal applicants: submit SF-50 documentation proving highest competitive grade, federal eligibility, and 52‑week time‑in‑grade requirement.
• Displaced employees (CTAP/ICTAP): provide most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility letter from the Agency, and most current SF-50.
• Submit all required details and documents by the closing date.