Supervisory Data Scientist

Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA); Hanover (MD); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) NBIS division is seeking a Supervisory Staff Data Scientist (GG-15) to lead Enterprise AI and Data Architecture. You will guide ML research and advise senior DoW leaders on analytic strategy and data governance across mission areas.

Responsibilities include directing data mining, modeling, and algorithm development; coordinating with other agencies; managing budgets and schedules; and building a multidisciplinary team to deliver

Qualifications

• Requires degree in a math, stats, CS or data science field at least baccalaureate level.
• Experience in data mining, modeling, and AI/ML is essential.
• Certifications or DAWIA/DCIPS related is expected within set timelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead expert-level data science initiatives including AI/ML and risk analysis.
• Direct data mining, modeling, and algorithm development with government partners.
• Advise leadership on political, security and technology trends affecting data programs.
• Oversee budgets, scheduling, and multidisciplinary team coordination.

Skills

Data science

AI/ML

Leadership

Data analysis

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, or Data Science

Education/Experience combination per standard

Tools

Cloudera Data Platform

Cloudera Data Flow

Tableau

DataWalk

Programming (Java/JavaScript, Python, C/C++, R)

Job description

Summary

DCSA Acquisition and Technology, National Background Investigation Services (NBIS) is seeking a Supervisory Staff Data Scientist (GG-15). The incumbent will lead Enterprise AI and Data Architecture, guiding ML research and advising senior DoW leaders. Visit www.dcsa.mil to learn more about DCSA, America's Gatekeeper!

Duties

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As a Supervisory Data Scientist you will be responsible for the following duties:

• Performs expert level professional work in computer science, that may include data science, intelligence, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), system analysis, risk analysis.
• Directs and coordinates specific data mining, analysis, modeling of mathematical algorithms and computer program design activities with government agencies.
• Implements strategies for system development and analysis, operational logistics, project funding/budgeting, project cost, schedule and performance management.
• Advises the PAE or Mission or Mission Support Areas and DCSA leadership on political, military and security aspects of emerging trends related to risks.
• Engages in routine contact with high-ranking individuals or groups such as flag officers and senior executive service members from the DOW, and representatives of non-DoW federal agencies.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• Must be a US citizen
• Selective Service Requirement: Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. For more information http://www.sss.gov
• Resume and supporting documents received by 11:59PM EST will be considered
• This is a Drug Testing designated position
• Position is a (DCIPS) position in the Excepted Service under U.S.C. 1601
• Work Schedule: Full Time
• Overtime: Occasionally
• Tour of Duty: Flexible
• PCS (Permanent Change of Station): May be Authorized
• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt
• Financial Disclosure: Not Required
• Telework Eligibility: Supervisors may approve situational telework on a case-by-case, temporary basis for limited situations.
• If selected, the incumbent must obtain and maintain appropriate security clearance as indicated in job announcement.
• In accordance with DoDD 8140.01/DoDI 8140.02, the position compliance requirement details are outlined in the Defense Cyber Workforce Annex.
• Any Information Technology/Security certifications / education specified in the DCWF Annex as defined by DoD 8140-M within six months of appointment date.
• The incumbent must sign a Statement of Understanding regarding the certification requirements and maintaining the appropriate certification is a condition of employment.
• This position requires Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act Practitioner certification in Engineering and Technical Management and is expected to meet all related certification requirements per the Department of Defense Instruction 5000.66.
• However, applicants that do not meet this requirement are eligible to be hired but must obtain a Engineering and Technical Management Practitioner certification within 5 years (60 months) after the first day of starting in the position.

Qualifications

This position has a Basic Requirement for the 1560:

Degree: Mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science or field directly related to the position. The degree must be in a major field of study (at least at the baccalaureate level) that is appropriate for the position.

or

Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major field of study (30 semester hours) as shown in paragraph A above, plus additional education or appropriate experience.

• NOTE: Failure to provide transcripts will result in you being rated ineligible for this position.

The experience described in your resume will be evaluated and screened from the Office of Personnel Management's (OPMs) basic qualifications requirements. See: Data Scientist Series 1560 for OPM qualification standards, competencies and specialized experience needed to perform the duties of the position as described in the MAJOR DUTIES and QUALIFICATIONS sections of this announcement by 10/16/2026

Applicant must have directly applicable experience that demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies necessary for immediate success in the position. Qualifying experience may have been acquired in any public or private sector job, but will clearly demonstrate past experience in the application of the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position.

You must have specialized experience sufficient to demonstrate that you have acquired all the competencies necessary to perform at a level equivalent in difficulty, responsibility, and complexity to the next lower grade GS/GG - 14 in the Federal service and are prepared to take on greater responsibility.

Generally, this would include one year or more of such specialized experience.

Specialized Experience For This Position Includes

• Leading and executing expert-level professional computer science initiatives, including data science, intelligence, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), system analysis, risk analysis, predictive analysis and computer simulation.
• Uncovering and explaining actionable insights from data by combining scientific method, math and statistics, specialized programming, advanced analytics, AI, and storytelling to major organizations, high-ranking government officials and key stakeholders within and outside the federal government.
• Directing and coordinating data mining, analysis, modeling of mathematical algorithms and computer program design activities with government agencies, and/or coalition partners.
• Formulating and implementing comprehensive strategies for system development and analysis, operational logistics, project funding/budgeting, project cost, schedule and performance management.
• Exercising full supervisory and managerial authority over a multidisciplinary team of technical experts, including establishing standards for technical adequacy and issuing written instructions for its accomplishment and coordination with other programs and groups.

Specifically You Will Be Evaluated On The Following Competencies

• Leadership: Influences, motivates, and challenges others; adapts leadership styles to a variety of situations.
• Qualitative/Quantitative Analysis: Developing and applying quantitative and qualitative analytic methods to identify, collect, process, and analyze large data sets.
• Data Mining: Computing process of discovering patterns in a large data sets involving methods at the intersection of machine learning, statistics, and database systems.
• Data Engineering: Work in any development environment regardless of their programming language. Keep up to date on data science and applied statistics techniques. Maintain and improve existing codbases and peer review code changes. Knowledge of Data Streaming Principles, Data Modeling, and Data Visualization. Ability to collaborate with vendors, clients, and other analysts.
• Software and Programming: Leverage and optimize the use of existing OIG specific software (such as Cloudera Data Platform, Cloudera Data Flow (Apache Nifi), Tableau, DataWalk), while recommending future software mix. Understand a variety of programming languages (such as Java/Javascript, Scala, Python, C/C#/C++, R) as needed to meet software and business needs. Understand a variety of data warehousing platforms (such as Cloudera/Hive, Oracle, SQL, MySQL, NoSQL), big data software (such as Tableau, DataWalk, Apache Hadoop/Spark, ArcGIS), and data science project management and version control applications (such as JIRA, Agile).

Education

Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.

Foreign Education: For further information, click on the following link:

https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/

Additional information

VETERANS PREFERENCE/CURRENT OR FORMER FEDERAL

In accordance with DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, veterans preference is not required to be applied when considering candidates with prior Federal competitive or excepted service who have completed a probationary or trial period and have not been separated for cause. Therefore, veterans preference will not be applied to applicants with current federal service, or former federal civilian service meeting the above criteria.

Re-employed Annuitant

This position does not meet criteria for re-employed annuitant. The DoD criteria for hiring Re-employed Annuitants can be found at: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/1400.25-V300.pdf

Applicants selected from this announcement may be required to serve a two-year trial period.

If selected, Federal employees currently serving in the competitive service must acknowledge that they will voluntarily leave the competitive service by accepting an offer of employment for a DCIPS excepted service positions.

If selected, non-DCIPS candidates must acknowledge in writing that the position they have been selected for is in the excepted service and covered by DCIPS.

All Defense Intelligence positions under the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) are in the excepted service by specific statue, 10 U.S.C. 1601. This position is in the excepted service and does not confer competitive status.

For more information on the DCIPS occupational structure click here.

For more information about career advancement in DCIPS click here.

ACQUISITION POSITION:

This position requires a Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Practitioner certification in Engineering & Technical Management. Certification prior to hiring is not essential but must be accomplished within years (60 months) after entry into this position. For information regarding the DAWIA Back to Basics please visit: Home (dau.edu) or Back to Basics - Helpful Resources (dau.edu)

• DAWIA (Back to Basics) Certification: NON-CAP: Position requires DoD Acquisition Practitioner certification in Engineering & Technical Management within required timeframes. Selectee must also achieve 80 hours of Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) every 2-years. Click here for more details and Resources.

This position is subject to an initial drug screening, and random testing thereafter. A negative drug test result must be received by HR within 30 calendar days after the EOD (i.e., start date). The selectee's inability successfully pass; or refusal to conduct the test may result in: 1) the tentative or FJO being withdrawn during the recruitment process; or 2) subsequently being removed from Federal service for failure to meet a condition of employment.

You may be required to sign a "Drug Test Statement of Understanding" if you are selected for this position.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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