Data Scientist, Level 3 with Security Clearance

Independent Software; Maryland; On-site; USD 125,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision Insurance

Long Term Disability

Short Term Disability

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

401(k) Profit Sharing

Paid Time Off & Holidays

Paid training

Work-life balance

Job summary

Independent Software is seeking a Data Scientist Level 3 to support national security operations by applying advanced data science, ML, and statistical techniques to large‑scale datasets. You’ll blend data science with cyber threat analysis and work across the full data lifecycle to derive actionable insights.

You will leverage programming skills to develop automated workflows, refine models, and enable data‑driven decisions in dynamic mission environments. A TS SCI clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree with six years of relevant experience; or Bachelor’s with eight years; or Associate with ten years.
• Experience with large-scale data, data science, ML, or cyber threat / network analysis in a mission environment.
• Active TS SCI with appropriate Polygraph clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Analyze large and complex datasets using ML and statistical techniques.
• Develop, implement, and refine analytical algorithms for performance and mission outcomes.
• Curation, normalization, transformation, and integration of data from multiple sources.
• Build automated data processing pipelines and reproducible analytics workflows.
• Communicate findings and recommendations to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborate with analysts, engineers, and mission partners to support cyber and mission objectives.

Skills

Data science

Machine learning

Statistical analysis

Python

Big Data

Spark

Data visualization

Data processing

NLP/LLMs

Customer dataflows

Math & stats

Education

Master’s degree in CS/related field

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Associate’s degree in related field

Tools

Jupyter Notebooks

Job description

Who are we? Independent Software is a consulting, product, and solutions firm dedicated to the practical application of software and system engineering technologies to solve complex problems. We bring together world class engineers with proven engineering best practices, domain expertise, commercial technologies, and proven agile management approaches to create high value solutions aimed at helping our customers meet their most critical business and mission objectives. Why Independent Software? We are focused on continual learning and evolution. We don’t do things because “that’s the way we’ve always done things”; we listen to our employees and adapt to the changing marketplace. We look at the big picture and encourage our engineers to get training and certifications in emerging technologies that will help shape our customer’s mission. We’ve been profitable year after year. We’re always on the lookout for great engineers to join the team and we recognize that our employees are the heart and soul of what we do. We focus on recruiting talented people, treating them right, and then allowing them to do what they do best. No red tape. No micromanagement. Smart people want to work with smart people, and we love people who are passionate about what they do and finding ways to do it better.

Top Reasons to Work at Independent Software

• Great people deserve even better benefits, from comprehensive healthcare coverage and generous leave time to discounts with all our vendors.
• You are not just a job title. That's why we tip the work-life balance scale in your favor. It's not about being billable, it's about being valuable.
• Whether you're working on-site or in our offices, your role at Independent Software is just as critical to our success as your coworker's.
• We're constantly researching and implementing the latest technology, so you've always got the right tools at your disposal.
• As we've grown, we've retained that small company feel. When we say we have an open-door policy, we actually mean it.
• Independent Software is comprised of wonderfully generous folks. We believe in supporting the causes our employees care about. Bring us an opportunity to help and we'll listen.
• Teamwork got us where we are today. Our collaborative environment allows you to maximize your true potential.
• The work we do is exciting, critical stuff. No matter your role at Independent Software, you're helping us keep the nation safe and secure.
• We have a history of great achievement, and, with each year, our company gets even bigger and better. As we grow, so does the opportunity for our employees.
• We host a variety of fun employee and family events throughout the year to say thanks for all that you do to make Independent Software a technology leader as well as a phenomenal place to work.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Company Sponsored Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans
• Company Paid Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability and Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Your retirement plan is an important benefit you shouldn’t overlook. We offer a 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust that offers a powerful way to enhance your long-term financial well-being by investing in yourself. We offer immediate eligibility and company matching.
• A generous Paid Time Off and Holiday package
• Paid training! We encourage all employees to seek out training opportunities like conferences, certification courses and seminars.
• We truly believe the right work-life balance can exist, and it's here at Independent Software. Our work is extremely important, but your job is just a part of who you are. When you enjoy your life outside of our walls, you're at your best the next time you walk through our doors. We do all we can to assure that happens every day.

Independent Software is an Equal Opportunity Employer EOE, M/F/D/V.

Data Scientist, Level 3

Annapolis Junction, MD Full Time

What You Will Do

At Independent Software, as a Data Scientist Level 3, you will support mission‑critical national security operations by applying advanced data science, machine learning, and statistical techniques to large‑scale, complex datasets. This role blends data science with cyber threat analysis, requiring a strong understanding of network data, protocols, and adversary activity. You will work across the full data lifecycle—curating, processing, modeling, and visualizing data—to identify patterns, detect anomalies, and generate actionable insights. Leveraging strong programming skills and analytical expertise, you will develop automated workflows, refine analytical models, and support data‑driven decision‑making in dynamic mission environments.

Responsibilities

• Apply machine learning, statistical analysis, and computational techniques to analyze large and complex datasets
• Develop, implement, and refine analytical algorithms to improve performance and mission outcomes
• Perform data curation, normalization, transformation, and integration across multiple data sources
• Design and build automated data processing pipelines and reproducible analytics workflows
• Conduct exploratory data analysis, hypothesis testing, and statistical modeling
• Develop models for inference, prediction, and domain-specific analytics
• Create data visualizations to effectively communicate analytical results
• Translate mission requirements into technical data solutions and analytical workflows
• Communicate findings and recommendations to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders
• Collaborate with analysts, engineers, and mission partners to support cyber and mission objectives

Required Skills And Qualifications

• Strong experience in data science, machine learning, and statistical analysis
• Proficiency in Python and experience working in data analysis environments (e.g., Jupyter Notebooks)
• Experience working with large‑scale data and Big Data platforms (e.g., Spark or similar technologies)
• Experience performing tasks associated with Big Data platform management and distributed data processing environments
• Experience developing, implementing, and refining analytical algorithms to improve performance and scalability
• Experience supporting data visualization and presenting analytical results through dashboards or visual tools
• Strong background in mathematics, statistics, and computational methods
• Experience with data processing, including cleaning, transformation, and normalization
• Understanding of network traffic, protocols, and cyber-related data is strongly preferred
• Experience with workflow automation and reproducible analytics
• Ability to analyze data in varying states of completeness and structure
• Experience with Natural Language Processing (NLP), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Large Language Models (LLMs), or other advanced machine learning technologies is highly desired.
• Experience developing or supporting customer dataflows, data ingestion pipelines, and large‑scale data processing workflows is preferred.
• Strong problem‑solving, analytical, and communication skills

Education And Experience

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Systems, or a related discipline and six (6) years of relevant experience; OR
• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline and eight (8) years of relevant experience; OR
• Associate’s degree in a related discipline and ten (10) years of relevant experience
• Relevant experience must include work with large‑scale data, data science, machine learning, or cyber threat / network analysis in a mission or operational environment

Clearance Requirement

• Must possess an active TS SCI with appropriate Polygraph to be considered for this role

Why Choose Independent Software

• Why Choose Independent Software: At Independent Software, our people are the mission. We’ve built a company around collaboration, integrity, and innovation and we make sure our team has the tools and support to grow, succeed, and thrive. When you join us, you will:
• Support critical national security missions that matter
• Be part of a close‑knit, employee‑first culture where your voice is heard
• Expand your skills through ongoing training, mentorship, and career development
• Enjoy competitive compensation, generous benefits, and work-life balance Ready to take the next step in your career? Join us and be part of something bigger. We’re an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.