Data Scientist Development Program (DSDP) - Entry to Expert Level (Maryland)

National Security Agency

Fort Meade (MD)

On-site

USD 87,000 - 197,000

Full time

6 days ago

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Job summary

NSA Data Science division seeks senior-level data scientists to tackle challenging problems using big data, high-performance computing, machine learning and analytics in a mission-focused environment.

You will develop solutions for complex data problems, leverage NSA capabilities to address foreign intelligence and cybersecurity challenges, and may participate in the three-year Data Science Development Program (DSDP) to broaden skills.

Qualifications

Minimum acceptable qualifications in statistics, mathematics, and computer science pertaining to data science work.
Transcripts required; unofficial transcripts allowed at application stage.
Degrees in Math, Statistics, CS, or related fields qualify without extra coursework.

Responsibilities

Exploring data analysis and model-fitting to reveal data features of interest.
Using machine-learned predictive modeling.
Constructing usable data sets from multiple sources to meet customer needs.
Identifying and analyzing anomalous data (including metadata).
Developing conceptual design and models to address mission requirements.
Developing qualitative and quantitative methods for characterizing datasets.

Skills

Accountable

Proactive

Detail oriented

Complex problem solving

Critical thinking

Team collaboration

Technical leadership

Programming

Leadership

Machine learning

Data mining

Statistical analysis

Statistical consulting

Artificial intelligence

Computational science

Software engineering

Technical writing

Data visualization

Data engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Data Science certificate

Advanced mathematics coursework

Advanced computer science coursework

Job description

Responsibilities

Data science at NSA uses elements of mathematics, statistics, computer science and application-specific knowledge to gather, make, and communicate principled conclusions from data. It encompasses AI engineering, data engineering, ML Ops engineering, and human perception and cognition engineering, in addition to traditional applications of data science. Responsibilities may include:

Exploring data analysis and model-fitting to reveal data features of interest
Using machine-learned predictive modeling
Constructing usable data sets from multiple sources to meet customer needs
Identifying and analyzing anomalous data (including metadata)
Developing conceptual design and models to address mission requirements
Developing qualitative and quantitative methods for characterizing datasets in various states
Performing analytic modeling, scripting and/or programming
Working collaboratively and iteratively throughout the data-science lifecycle
Designing and developing analytics and techniques for analysis
Analyzing data using mathematical and statistical methods
Evaluating, documenting and communicating research processes, analyses and results to customers, peers and leadership
Creating interpretable visualizations

Exploring data analysis and model-fitting to reveal data features of interest
Using machine-learned predictive modeling
Constructing usable data sets from multiple sources to meet customer needs
Identifying and analyzing anomalous data (including metadata)
Developing conceptual design and models to address mission requirements
Developing qualitative and quantitative methods for characterizing datasets in various states
Performing analytic modeling, scripting and/or programming
Working collaboratively and iteratively throughout the data-science lifecycle
Designing and developing analytics and techniques for analysis
Analyzing data using mathematical and statistical methods
Evaluating, documenting and communicating research processes, analyses and results to customers, peers and leadership
Creating interpretable visualizations

Job Summary

Data science is present in every aspect of NSA's mission to protect the nation. By joining our team, you will tackle challenging problems by leveraging big data, high-performance computing, machine learning and more. We are looking for senior-level data scientists who believe that answers to hard questions lie in the yet-to-be-told story of diverse, complicated data sets.

You will develop solutions for complex data problems, taking full advantage of NSA's capabilities to tackle the highest priority foreign intelligence and cybersecurity challenges. Due to the evolving nature of the agency's data science challenges, you will be expected to continue broadening and deepening your expertise throughout your career, collaborating with NSA experts in data science, related technical domains and specialized subject areas.

You will have opportunities to participate in internal technical roundtables and to attend technical conferences with experts from industry and academia. There is also potential for some candidates to be enrolled in the three-year Data Science Development Program (DSDP), a rotational program to strengthen their basic skills.

Qualifications

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. Applicants will be asked to complete the Data Science Examination (DSE) which evaluates their knowledge of statistics, mathematics, and computer science topics that pertain to data science work. Passing this examination at a local testing site is a requirement in order to be considered for selection into a data scientist position. Upon passing the examination, applicants will be evaluated for the minimum qualifications outlined in this ad.

Transcripts for each academic institution are required prior to being invited to interview with Agency data science professionals and should be submitted as part of the online application. Unofficial transcripts are fine at this stage. Note that different degree fields have different requirements as described below.

Degrees in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Applied Statistics, Data Science, Operations Research, Quantitative/Computational Finance, Econometrics/Quantitative Economics, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering qualify without additional coursework requirements.

Degrees in Engineering, Physical Sciences, Mathematical Biology/Bioinformatics, Life Sciences, Environmental Science, Data Analytics, or Information Science/Systems/Technology, must include either a Data Science certificate from an accredited college/university OR 5 or more courses in advanced mathematics (for example, calculus, differential equations, discrete mathematics, linear algebra, and calculus-based statistics) and/or advanced computer science (for example, algorithms, programming, data structures, data mining, artificial intelligence).

Other degrees must be accompanied by a Data Science certificate from an accredited college/university, and must include 5 or more courses in advanced mathematics AND advanced computer science.

At least one course must be from advanced mathematics (for example, calculus, differential equations, discrete mathematics, linear algebra, and calculus-based statistics).

At least one course must be from advanced computer science (for example, algorithms, programming, data structures, computer architecture, data mining, artificial intelligence).

ENTRY Entry is with an Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree and no experience, or a Master's degree and no experience.

Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: designing/implementing machine learning, data mining, statistical analysis, statistical consulting, artificial intelligence development, computational science, software engineering, technical writing, data visualization, or data engineering.

FULL PERFORMANCE Entry is with an Associate's degree plus 5 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree and no experience.

Experience must include both programming and one or more of the following: designing/implementing machine learning, data mining, statistical analysis, statistical consulting, artificial intelligence development, computational science, technical writing, data visualization, or data engineering.

SENIOR Entry is with an Associate's degree plus 8 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree plus 6 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 4 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 2 years of relevant experience.

Experience must also include formal or informal leadership.

EXPERT Entry is with an Associate's degree plus 11 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree plus 9 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 7 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 5 years of relevant experience.

Experience must also include formal or informal leadership.

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule

Pay: Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position.

Salary Range: $87,362 - $197,200 (Entry/Developmental, Full Performance, Senior, Expert) Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position. Training will be provided based on the selectee's needs and experience.

Benefits: NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirement between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible).

DCIPS Trial Period: If selected for this position, you will be required to serve a two-year DCIPS trial period, unless you are a veterans' preference-eligible employee, in which case you are required to serve a one-year trial period.

This trial period runs concurrently with your commitment to the position, if applicable. Before finalizing your appointment at the conclusion of your trial period, NSA will determine whether your continued employment advances the public interest. This decision will be based on factors such as your performance and conduct; the Agency's needs and interests; whether your continued employment would advance the Agency's organizational goals; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. If you do not receive certification for continued employment, you should receive written notice prior to the end of your trial period that your employment will be terminated and the effective date of such termination.

U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants.

NSA is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations.

All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph.

Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process where appropriate.

DCIPS Disclaimer

VETERANS AND TRANSITIONING SERVICE MEMBERS Thank you for your service! The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions at NSA are in the Excepted Service under Title 10, United States Codes (U.S.C.), Section 1601 appointment authority. Veterans' Preference In accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, "DoD Civilian Personnel Management System: Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System Employment and Placement," NSA applies veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5, U.S.C., to eligible candidates. If you are claiming veterans' preference, you are required to provide acceptable documentation of your preference eligibility upon application. Acceptable documentation includes: - DD-214: "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions (Copy 4); OR - Certification of Service: A written document on letterhead from the appropriate branch of the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed. The certification should include the military service dates, including the expected discharge or release date; AND - Standard Form 15 (SF-15) Application for 10-point Veteran Preference (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf15.pdf). If you are claiming a service-connected disability of 30 percent or more, the documentation you provide must specifically demonstrate this level of disability; AND - VA Letter of Disability (for 10pt and Sole Survivorship rating) You may obtain a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs reflecting your level of disability for preference eligibility by visiting a VA Regional Office, contacting a VA call center, or online (https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/). **Failure to provide sufficient documentation of veterans' preference eligibility may preclude NSA from identifying you as a preference eligible candidate during the hiring selection process.

Skills

Accountable
Proactive
Detail oriented
Able to solve complex problems
Proficient with critical thinking and reasoning to make analytic determinations
Effective at working in a collaborative team environment
Able to bridge the gap with both technical and non-technical audiences
Able to provide technical leadership
Knowledge, skills, and relevant experience in programming, formal or informal leadership and one or more of the following are required:
Designing and implementing machine learning
Data mining
Statistical analysis
Statistical consulting
Artificial intelligence development
Computational science
Software engineering
Technical writing
Data visualization
Data engineering