Senior Data Scientist & AI/ML SME for Mission Analytics

Leidos; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 131,000 - 237,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Data Scientist SME to lead the design, development, evaluation, and operationalization of advanced data science capabilities for an IC-focused application. The role combines data science, software engineering, AI/ML, analytics, and mission operations to deliver data-driven solutions that impact critical decisions.

You will work with software, data, systems, and DevSecOps engineers, product owners, and intel stakeholders to translate mission requirements into actionable

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Geospatial Science or related field; 12–15 years of experience or Master’s with 10–13 years of experience.
• Extensive experience applying statistical analysis, machine learning, and advanced analytics to complex problems.
• Proven expertise in developing and implementing ML/AI models, especially geospatial or remote sensing.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior technical authority for data science, analytics, and AI/ML; translate mission needs into solutions.
• Lead design, development, validation, and optimization of statistical and ML models.
• Analyze complex datasets to identify patterns, anomalies, and insights for mission objectives.
• Develop and operationalize AI/ML capabilities including NLP and predictive modeling.
• Establish standards for model performance, validation, explainability, and reproducibility.
• Collaborate with data, software, and systems engineers for data requirements and scalable integration.
• Transition analytics into secure, scalable production capabilities and CI/CD pipelines.
• Support Agile/SAFe planning by translating DS initiatives into capabilities and stories.
• Lead technical reviews and engage with stakeholders to communicate findings and risks.
• Mentor data scientists and engineers on analytical approaches and code quality.
• Evaluate emerging DS/ML technologies to improve capabilities.

Skills

Python/R

Geospatial analytics

Big data tools

Data visualization

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Data Science or related

Master's degree in related field

Tools

GeoPandas

Rasterio

Tableau

PowerBI

GIS Software

TensorFlow/PyTorch

Job description

Leidos is seeking a Data Scientist SME to lead the design, development, evaluation, and operationalization of advanced data science capabilities for an IC-focused application. The role combines data science, software engineering, AI/ML, analytics, and mission operations to deliver data-driven solutions that impact critical decisions.

You will work with software, data, systems, and DevSecOps engineers, product owners, and intel stakeholders to translate mission requirements into actionable