Data Scientist ( DoD Secret)

Jobot; Columbia (MD); Remote; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobot is seeking an Applied Data Scientist to join a DoD Secret Navy program. The role focuses on applying data science, ML, and AI to identify performance improvements and strengthen POAMs while adopting a code-first analytics approach. Collaborative work with analysts, engineers, and leadership is essential.

The position emphasizes actionable analytics, reusable models, and expanding AI-driven capabilities in a mission-critical environment with remote work options in Columbia, MD.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree plus relevant data science experience.
• Hands-on data science, ML, or AI applied to real-world problems.
• Proficiency in Python for analysis and modeling.

Responsibilities

• Apply data science, ML, and AI to large operational datasets.
• Design code-first analytical approaches and models.
• Evaluate and improve POAMs and contractual performance outcomes.
• Translate complex challenges into data-driven solutions.
• Develop reusable analytics methods and tools.
• Communicate findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Support Navy performance initiatives beyond SLRs.

Skills

Data science

Machine learning

Python

Large datasets

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree

Tools

Python

Job description

Data Scientist ( DoD Secret)

$90000 - $150000 per year | Columbia, MD | Remote | Permanent

A bit about us:

We are a technology and engineering organization focused on delivering innovative solutions for complex, mission-critical environments. Our teams bring together deep technical expertise, practical problem-solving, and a commitment to delivering solutions that make a measurable impact.

We partner with government and defense organizations to tackle challenging programs across systems engineering, software development, data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and advanced technology. Our people work on meaningful projects where reliability, security, and performance matter.

We believe the best solutions come from talented people who are empowered to think creatively, collaborate closely, and solve difficult problems. If you're looking for an opportunity to work on challenging technology while supporting important missions, we'd love to hear from you.

Why join us?

Our client offers highly competitive compensation packages, comprehensive benefits, and a collaborative, people-first culture that promotes innovation, professional growth, and long-term career development. We are committed to creating an environment where employees are empowered to make an impact, work alongside highly talented teams, and contribute to meaningful, mission-critical initiatives in a supportive and forward-thinking workplace.

Job Details

Applied Data Scientist

Salary Range: $90,000–$150,000, depending on experience

Work Arrangement: Remote

Security Clearance: DoD Secret

Position Overview

We are seeking an Applied Data Scientist to join a Performance Management team supporting a large, mission-critical Navy program. This position focuses on applying data science, machine learning, and AI to identify performance improvement opportunities, strengthen the effectiveness of Plans of Action and Milestones (POAMs), and enable a more proactive, code-first approach to performance management.

The work centers on Service Level Requirements (SLRs) that govern contractual performance across the program, with additional support for broader Navy performance initiatives such as World Class Alignment Metrics (WAM).

This is an applied problem-solving role rather than a traditional reporting position. The focus is on using AI and advanced analytics to uncover patterns, leading indicators, systemic issues, and improvement opportunities that may not be identified through conventional analysis.

The position sits at the intersection of data science, operational performance, and AI enablement. You will collaborate closely with analysts, engineers, performance leaders, and other stakeholders while helping expand the team's use of AI-driven analytics and reusable data science capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply data science, machine learning, and AI techniques to large, complex operational datasets to identify performance degradation, systemic issues, trends, and improvement opportunities.
• Design and implement code-first analytical approaches and models that enable automated or semi-automated discovery of performance opportunities.
• Leverage AI and advanced analytics to evaluate, prioritize, and improve the effectiveness of POAMs tied to contractual performance outcomes.
• Partner with performance analysts, engineers, and stakeholders to translate complex operational challenges into practical, data-driven solutions.
• Explore and apply appropriate AI techniques while balancing innovation with explainability, defensibility, and stakeholder trust.
• Develop reusable analytical methods, code, frameworks, and tools that strengthen the team's overall data science and AI capabilities.
• Clearly communicate analytical findings and recommendations to both technical and non-technical audiences, including leadership.
• Support broader Navy performance initiatives, including WAM, by extending analytical methods and insights beyond SLR-focused use cases when appropriate.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 4–8 years of relevant experience, or Master's degree with 2–6 years of relevant experience. Additional relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain an active DoD Secret security clearance.
• Hands-on experience applying data science, machine learning, or AI to real-world operational or performance challenges.
• Strong problem-framing skills, including the ability to work through ambiguous problems, identify relevant data, and determine appropriate analytical approaches.
• Proficiency with Python or a comparable programming language for data analysis and modeling.
• Experience working with large, complex, messy, or heterogeneous datasets.
• Ability to explain complex analytical findings clearly, credibly, and defensibly.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with applied machine learning, statistical modeling, or AI techniques for pattern detection, prioritization, forecasting, or anomaly identification.
• Familiarity with operational performance metrics, service-level requirements/agreements, or contract-driven environments.
• Experience balancing sophisticated analytical methods with explainability and stakeholder confidence.
• Exposure to AI enablement, reusable analytics frameworks, or platform-oriented approaches.
• Experience supporting large-scale, enterprise, government, or mission-critical environments.
• Prior experience supporting DoD, Navy, or other federal programs is a plus.

Jobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Jobot also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is Jobot’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

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