Data Scientist II

Nevada National Security Sites; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 83,075 - 124,612; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Pension and 401(k)

Paid time off and holidays

Relocation assistance

Tuition assistance

Job summary

A security services contractor in Santa Barbara, CA seeks a skilled individual to develop machine learning algorithms for data and anomaly detection in critical infrastructures. The ideal candidate holds a STEM degree, has two years of experience, and is proficient in C/C++/Python. The position offers competitive salary, flexible work schedule, and excellent benefits, including tuition assistance and relocation support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a calculus-based STEM field plus at least two years of relevant experience.
• Proficiency with common compiled and interpreted scripting languages such as C, C++, or Python.
• Experience developing statistical solutions to physical science problems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement machine learning algorithms for data analysis.
• Design models for anomaly detection in complex processes.
• Communicate technical findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Skills

Machine learning algorithm development

Data analysis

Statistical techniques

Communication skills

C/C++/Python proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Graduate degree in STEM

Tools

Machine learning models

Data visualization tools

Job description

Job Description

Mission Support and Test Services, LLC (MSTS) manages and operates the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) for the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). Our mission is to help ensure the security of the United States and its allies by providing high-hazard experimentation and incident response capabilities through operations, engineering, education, field, and integration services and by acting as environmental stewards to the site’s Cold War legacy.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salaries and benefits packages including medical, dental, and vision.
• Pension and a 401(k).
• Paid time off and 96 hours of paid holidays.
• Relocation assistance for employees located more than 75 miles from the work location.
• Tuition assistance and reimbursement.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and evaluate machine learning algorithms to analyze multimodal data (e.g., time series, imagery, sensor streams) from critical infrastructure monitoring.
• Design models to detect anomalous behavior and emerging risks in complex processes.
• Apply statistical and data‑driven techniques to support quality assurance, system integrity, and counter‑sabotage objectives.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to translate operational challenges into analytical solutions.
• Perform exploratory data analysis to understand data characteristics, limitations, and quality.
• Communicate technical findings clearly to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Contribute to documentation, testing, and continuous improvement of analytical workflows.
• Perform other duties assigned by management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a calculus‑based (STEM) field plus at least two years of relevant experience. Graduate research experience may be recognized.
• Course of study in applied mathematics, electrical, software or computer engineering preferred.
• Prefer a graduate degree in a STEM field with either a graduate or undergraduate degree in a calculus‑based physical science, engineering, or applied mathematics field.
• Proficiency with common compiled and interpreted scripting languages such as C, C++, or Python.
• Experience developing statistical concepts to create solutions to physical science problems.
• Experience with building machine learning models for multimodal datasets.
• Interest in autonomous manufacturing and inspection.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency with signal processing, data exploration, and statistical analysis techniques desired.
• Interest in machine learning methods, including clustering, regression, and classification preferred.
• Experience with data visualization tools and user interfaces preferred.
• Experience developing models of physical phenomena to correlate with measured data preferred.
• The primary work location will be at the Special Technologies Laboratory in Santa Barbara, CA.
• Flexible work schedule can be negotiated with the manager; employees may work 5/8s, 9/80, or 4/10 work weeks.
• Pre‑placement physical examination, including a drug screen, is required. MSTS maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Security & Background Requirements

Applicants must obtain and maintain a DOE Q‑level security clearance, requiring U.S. citizenship and at least 18 years of age. A pre‑employment drug test and background review—including personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications—is required. Substance abuse, illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct, or other indicators of untrustworthiness may result in denial or termination of clearance.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

MSTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. MSTS is a background screening, drug‑free workplace.

Salary

$83,075.20 – $124,612.80