Data Scientist – SME

Unity Compass; Alexandria (VA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

Unity Compass seeks a highly experienced Data Scientist (Subject Matter Expert) to lead mission-critical data science projects in GEOINT, applying ML/AI techniques to address defense challenges.

The role combines hands-on development with strategic advisory responsibilities, collaborating with stakeholders and cross-functional teams to deliver data-driven solutions for national security objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field with extensive data science experience.
• 10+ years of professional data science experience.
• 5+ years in GEOINT or geospatial data analysis.
• Proven expertise in ML/AI models for geospatial tasks.
• Deep knowledge of geospatial tools and remote sensing.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical SME in data science and geospatial analytics for GEOINT missions.
• Lead design and development of models and ML algorithms on large multi-source geospatial data.
• Apply geospatial analytics, remote sensing, and spatial analysis to improve decision-making.
• Provide strategic recommendations on ML/AI, cloud platforms, and workflows.
• Mentor junior data scientists and analysts; share best practices.

Skills

Data science

Geospatial analytics

Machine learning

Python

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Pandas

NumPy

Big data processing

Cloud platforms

Data visualization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Data Science / related field

Master’s degree in related field

Doctorate (PhD) in relevant domain possible

Tools

GIS / ArcGIS

GeoTIFF / Shapefiles

TensorFlow / PyTorch

Pandas / NumPy

Spark / Hadoop

AWS / Azure

Tableau / PowerBI

Job description

• [e-mail]
• Job Type: On-site
• Pay Range: $110,000 - $215,000
• Clearance Required: Top Secret/SCI

Job Overview:

We are seeking a highly experienced Data Scientist (Subject Matter Expert) to lead complex, mission-critical projects that apply advanced data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence techniques to address key intelligence and defense challenges.

In this specialized role, you will provide technical leadership and strategic direction in data science and geospatial analytics, contributing to initiatives that enhance national security, defense operations, and geospatial intelligence.

The position involves both hands-on technical work and strategic advisory responsibilities , collaborating closely with stakeholders, mission experts, and cross-functional teams to deliver innovative, data-driven solutions in support of critical missions.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Serve as the technical SME in data science and geospatial analytics, providing high-level guidance on complex technical problems related to the GEOINT mission.
• Lead the design and development of sophisticated data science models and machine learning algorithms to analyze large, multi-source geospatial data sets (e.g., satellite imagery, sensor data, geospatial databases).
• Apply deep knowledge of GEOINT, remote sensing, and spatial analysis to develop and implement solutions that enhance data-driven decision-making capabilities.
• Provide strategic recommendations for leveraging new and emerging technologies, including machine learning, AI, and cloud platforms, to improve analytical workflows, efficiency, and mission outcomes.
• Mentor and train junior data scientists and analysts, ensuring the application of best practices in data science and the development of mission-relevant expertise.
• Work closely with GEOINT analysts, program managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to identify critical requirements, define technical approaches, and ensure that solutions align with mission objectives.
• Conduct applied research to explore innovative data science techniques and emerging trends (e.g., deep learning, reinforcement learning, advanced geospatial algorithms) that can be applied to solve real-world intelligence problems.
• Oversee the deployment and operationalization of data science models, ensuring they are scalable, reliable, and deliver actionable insights to GEOINT decision-makers.
• Maintain high-quality documentation for models, methodologies, and analysis processes to support reproducibility, training, and knowledge transfer.

Basic Qualifications:

• US citizenship is required per contract.
• Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Geospatial Science or related field and 12-15 years of prior relevant experience or Master’s with 10-13 years of prior relevant experience. May possess a Doctorate in technical domain.
• 10+ years of professional experience in data science.
• 5+ years of experience with GEOINT or geospatial data analysis.
• Proven expertise in developing and implementing machine learning and AI models, particularly in context of geospatial or remote sensing.
• Deep knowledge of geospatial analytics tools (e.g., GIS, ArcGIS), remote sensing techniques, and the application of data science in the IC.
• Expert proficiency in Python (or similar languages) and experience with data science libraries (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Pandas, NumPy).
• Strong experience with big data processing tools (e.g., Spark, Hadoop, AWS or Azure cloud platforms).
• Expertise in working with geospatial data formats (e.g., GeoTIFF, Shapefiles, WMS, WFS) and spatial libraries (e.g., GeoPandas, Rasterio, GDAL).
• Advance experience in developing and operationalizing AI/ML models and algorithms for geospatial data (e.g., object detection from satellite imagery, spatial clustering, predictive analytics).
• Strong background in data visualization and reporting tools (e.g., Tableau, PowerBI).
• Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills, with the ability to work directly with senior government officials, analysts, and technical teams.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with a demonstrated ability to translate technical challenges into actionable insights.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced certifications in data science or machine learning.
• Familiarity with the customer mission and specific geospatial intelligence challenges.
• Expertise in advanced deep learning techniques, particularly in computer vision and image analysis for geospatial applications.
• Experience with cloud-native applications and distributed computing in a geospatial context.
• Familiarity with satellite data analysis, and remoting sensing models.
• Published research or technical papers in geospatial intelligence, machine learning, or data science.