Data Scientist III

Frey Consulting Group; Chantilly (VA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Smart Data Systems seeks a Data Scientist III to support a mission-critical program in Chantilly, VA. The role focuses on applying data science, ML, and data engineering to advanced S&T challenges. The ideal candidate is curious, capable of handling multi-source data, and skilled at turning complex data into actionable insights.

The position requires active TS/SCI with polygraph, U.S. citizenship, and on-site work at a client facility.

Qualifications

• BS with 8+ years of relevant experience; MS with 5+ years; PhD with 3+ years (or equivalent).
• Experience applying ML, statistics, and/or data mining to gain insights.
• Experience automating data pipelines, transformations, and databases/repositories.
• Experience supporting national security, defense, or IC missions.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen with TS/SCI clearance w/ polygraph (required).
• Excellent ability to translate data into actionable intelligence and to report TRL/CTE tech readiness.

Responsibilities

• Collect, organize, and analyze multi-source data to drive mission objectives and quick-turn tasks.
• Aid in design and implementation of ML and data engineering techniques for S&T missions.
• Apply data collection and analysis tools to improve existing techniques and devise new ones.
• Collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment while leading tasks on time and budget.
• Propose, develop, and execute creative data science solutions, including new data sources.
• Deliver thorough, polished work products with minor revisions.
• Manage expectations and deadlines in a fast-moving, agile environment.
• Maintain communication with co-located and dispersed team members.

Skills

Data science

Machine learning

Data engineering

Statistics

Data mining

Data pipelines

Communication

S&T data

Problem solving

Curiosity

National security

Education

BS in relevant field

MS in relevant field

PhD in relevant field

Job description

Chantilly, VA (on-site at client facility)

Full-Time, Long-Term Contract (1-Year Assignment, Temp-to-Perm Possible)

Clearance Required: Active TS/SCI with Polygraph (Required — must be a U.S. Citizen)

Job Summary

We are seeking a Data Scientist III to support a mission-critical program in the Chantilly, VA area. This role focuses on applying data science, machine learning, and data engineering techniques to advanced science and technology (S&T) mission challenges. The ideal candidate is technically curious, comfortable working across diverse and multi-source data, and skilled at turning complex data into actionable insight.

Responsibilities

• - Collect, organize, and analyze technical information from multiple sources to drive mission objectives and quick-turn tasks in fast-paced environments
• - Aid in the design and implementation of machine learning and data engineering techniques applied to advanced S&T missions
• - Apply technical proficiency in data collection and analysis tools to S&T mission areas, improving existing techniques and devising new ones to solve mission-critical data science challenges
• - Collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment while working independently and leading tasks on time and on budget
• - Independently propose, develop, and execute creative solutions to unique data science problems, including suggestions for new data sources and data exploitation techniques
• - Deliver thorough, polished work products requiring only minor revision
• - Proactively manage expectations and meet deadlines in a fast-moving, agile environment
• - Maintain excellent communication with both co-located and geographically dispersed team members

Required Qualifications

• - Experience using tools for collecting, assembling, interpreting, translating, and analyzing multi-source data (S&T information, network, open source, databases) and synthesizing it into actionable intelligence
• - Experience applying machine learning, statistics, and/or data mining techniques to gain insights from data
• - Experience automating data pipelining processes, data transformation, databases, and/or repositories
• - Experience assessing and technically reporting on technologies and scientific topics (e.g., Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) and Critical Technology Elements (CTE))
• - Experience working with diverse media and advanced S&T data
• - BS with 8+ years of relevant experience; MS with 5+ years of relevant experience; PhD in a relevant field with 3+ years of experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience in a relevant field
• - Genuine excitement for learning new technical subject areas and curiosity about S&T missions
• - Experience supporting national security, defense, and/or intelligence community missions
• - Must be a U.S. Citizen with an active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph (non-negotiable)
• - Assignment Length: 1 year (temp-to-perm possible)
• - Schedule: Standard hours (40/week)
• - Work Location: On-site required
• - Interview Process: Video interview with hiring manager and technical team
• - Relocation Candidates: Will consider hiring via video interview for non-local candidates willing to relocate
• - Target Start Date: 09/01/2026

Smart Data Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.