Data Scientist Principal

SAIC; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC seeks a Data Scientist Principal in Chantilly, VA to deliver SETA support for a NRO program. You will drive data-driven strategies, advise leadership on model risk and tradeoffs, and guide analytics initiatives from data collection through deployment.

You will collaborate with data scientists, software engineers, operators, and clients to ensure data quality, compliance, and actionable insights in a high tempo environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 9+ years experience or advanced degrees with fewer years.
• Active Top Secret/SCI with Poly is required.
• 5+ years software engineering experience in DoD or space architectures.

Responsibilities

• Analyze complex data to drive mission impact and decisions.
• Prepare data for predictive modeling and data-driven solutions.
• Document processes, system specs, and data governance.
• Collaborate with data scientists, software developers, and managers.

Skills

Data analytics

Machine learning

Statistical methods

AI techniques

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD/JD considered with experience

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Job ID 2615915

Location Chantilly, VA, US

Date Posted 2026-08-20

Category Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory Modeling/Sim Engr

Schedule Full-Time

Shift Day Job

Travel No

Minimum Clearance Required TS.SCI_wPoly

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain None

Potential for Remote Work ORA_ON_SITE

Description

SAIC is hiring a Data Scientist Principal to deliver Systems Engineering Technical Advisor (SETA) supporting a program based in Chantilly, VA. This role will contribute to the National Reconnaissance Office's (NRO) Ground Enterprise Directorate (GED), which oversees the acquisition and lifecycle management of systems from inception to deployment and operations.

As the Data Scientist Principal you will support the analysis of complex data to drive strategic mission efforts. The role supports the resolution of operational and systems problems into data-driven solutions, guides analytic strategy, and advises leadership on mission impact, model risk, and data-informed tradeoffs.

Key duties of this position include (but are not limited to)

• Supports designing and managing data sets to ensure efficient data flow and interoperability with existing and emerging programs.
• Supports the collection and integration of large, complex data sets that meet cross-organizational requirements.
• Evaluates data quality, reliability, and efficiency throughout the data lifecycle.
• Collaborating with other data scientists, software developers, operators, project managers, and clients to prepare data for predictive modeling.
• Documents internal process improvements to optimize data delivery and automate manual processes.
• Supports testing and validation procedures to ensure operational platforms function correctly, including the ability to gather user feedback, identify issues, conduct updates, and perform routine quality assurance checks.
• Supports the development of essential technical documentation for reference and reporting, which includes documenting processes, system specifications, and modifications.
• Supports data compliance with regulations, develop guidance, and promote ethical use of developed platforms, data repositories, and relevant technical records.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelors and nine (9) years or more experience; Masters and seven (7) years or more experience ; PhD or JD and four (4) years or more experience. Relevant experience to be substituted in lieu of degree.
• Active Top Secret/SCI with Poly.
• 5+ years of experience in software engineering with IC, DoD, and/or commercial space architectures, systems, and/or operations.
• Hands-on practical experience with data analytics, machine learning, and statistical methods.
• Experience in applying modern techniques in artificial intelligence (AI), data science, machine learning (ML), or statistics.
• Demonstrated high level of initiative, creative problem-solving, and critical thinking. - Demonstrated capability and success working in team environments.
• Strong oral and written communications ability on significant technical matters often requiring coordination within a high tempo environment.
• Good working knowledge of MS Office applications.

Target salary range $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.