Data Scientist

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.  

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division (JOID) provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

SPA's NATO Allied Command Transformation Group within JOID provides capability development, portfolio management, program management, quality management, cost estimation analysis, standardization, reporting, software solutions and information management, and capability management support. We also provide an improved capability requirements capture process, including the generation, documentation and tracing of user requirements, with appropriate technical scrutiny, over the entire lifecycle of the requirements from capability definition through capability realization and capability usage. 

We have a near-term need for a Data Scientist supporting PM-ADM to provide onsite support out of HQ SACT in Norfolk, VA.

The candidate will support the Capability Development Directive of NATO ACT and contribute to the activities of the Political Military–Assisted Decision-Making Team.  Will apply knowledge of data models to evaluate the outcomes, veracity, and performance of data models.  Engage with the target user to prototype and refine human-computer interfaces to optimize visualization of the relationships between different data entities.  Specify and apply appropriate techniques to clean and properly format data for use.  Review the benefits and value of techniques and tools and recommend improvements for cleansing and reformatting data.  Define/refine PM-ADM operational, capability, and regulatory requirements, and develop of concepts of operation. Work with SMEs to construct data strategies in line with the owning organizations approach to collecting, storing, and analyzing data.  Will remain up-to-date with new developments in data science and AI to bring innovative ideas into implementation.  Will directly support the Program Director and travel to meetings and conferences within and outside NATO’s boundaries for up to 30 days per year.

Required:

• Active Secret clearance
• Bachelor’s degree in Data/Computer Science; lack of a degree may be compensated by the demonstration of a candidate’s particular abilities or experience that is/are of interest within SACT, that is, at least 2 years extensive and progressive expertise in duties related to the function of the post
• Minimum of 2 years of work experience in the field of Data Science, Data Analysis, or similar role
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of at least 2 years in Requirements Management tools
• Demonstrate 2 years knowledge of Capability Development and Management processes
• Experience involving the support to data-focused operations encompassing at least 1 skill(s) listed: Machine Learning (ML), AI knowledge, or Large Language Models
• Working knowledge of Computer System of Systems Architectures
• Experience with data science tools to support data analytics and data visualization
• Experience in Project Management and Agile methodologies
• Program Management experience within a complex and dynamic program environment
• Successful engagement with project users and stakeholders at NCIA
• Ability to travel for up to 30 days per year to include an active passport