Data Scientist

Actalent; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 83,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Data Scientist I for on-site work in Tucson, AZ. The role focuses on data collection, analysis software, and calibration algorithms for optical payloads, collaborating across firmware, electronics, and optical teams.

Ideal candidates will have a foundational degree in a related field, strong data analysis skills, and proficiency in MATLAB, Python, and C/C++. An active TS/SCI clearance is highly desirable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree is required; Masters or PhD preferred.
• Ability to obtain security clearance.
• Experience in optical systems development, performance modeling, and/or data analysis.
• Strong data analysis, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Guide and author data collection and analysis software.
• Analyze and assess payload calibration and algorithm development.
• Collaborate with firmware development, electronics interface control, and optical teams.
• Utilize investigative and troubleshooting skills to resolve issues in the lab and field.
• Communicate effectively with project management, customers, and team members across disciplines.
• Attend technical interchange meetings and represent the organization in project development matters.
• Provide status updates on assigned tasks and program schedules.
• Review documents and resolve technical engineering and integration issues.
• Manage time and resources to meet assigned deadlines.
• Develop detection and calibration algorithms for optical systems throughout their product lifecycle.
• Simulate all parts of the electro-optical payloads, including radiometric, detector, and optical prescriptions.
• Be a self-starter who identifies problems and presents solutions.

Skills

Data analysis

Troubleshooting

MATLAB

Python

C/C++

Security clearance eligibility

Optical systems knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Math, or related field

Tools

MATLAB

Python

C/C++

Job description

Job Title: Data Scientist IJob Description

Responsibilities

• Guide and author data collection and analysis software.

• Analyze and assess payload calibration and algorithm development.

• Collaborate closely with firmware development, electronics interface control, and optical teams.

• Utilize investigative and troubleshooting skills to resolve issues in the lab and field.

• Communicate effectively with project management, customers, and team members across disciplines.

• Attend technical interchange meetings and represent the organization in project development matters.

• Provide status updates on assigned tasks and program schedules.

• Review documents and resolve technical engineering and integration issues.

• Manage time and resources to meet assigned deadlines.

• Develop detection and calibration algorithms for optical systems throughout their product lifecycle.

• Simulate all parts of the electro-optical payloads, including radiometric, detector, and optical prescriptions.

• Be a self-starter who identifies problems and presents solutions.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Math, or related field (Masters or PhD preferred).

• Ability to obtain security clearance.

• Experience in optical systems development, performance modeling, and/or data analysis.

• Strong data analysis, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.

• Working knowledge of MATLAB, Python, C/C++.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with EO/IR payloads, infrared focal planes, or space-based sensor systems.

• Experience writing alignment procedures, test scripts, and verification plans.

• Experience with automated test equipment or optical STE.

• Active TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance.

• Hands-on experience with optical alignment, metrology, interferometry, and imaging-system characterization.

• Hands-on expertise with electro-optical systems, imaging systems, light sources, and/or military/space payloads.

Work Environment

This role is based onsite five days a week with a flexible start time between 7am and 9am. You will join a world-class Space Systems team that has enabled over 1,700 missions, contributing to interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing, and national security and defense initiatives. The team is dedicated to building spacecraft, payloads, and components for ambitious missions, working alongside partners such as NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Tucson, AZ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $80.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Tucson, AZ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Tucson,AZ.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.