Data Scientist - Senior

Overview

Sierra Lobo, offers customers a full range of professional and technical capabilities, including Test and Evaluation, Systems Engineering, and Advanced Technologies.  We also develop products and processes related to Cryogenic Fluid and Thermal Management Systems, Densified Propellant Management Systems, and Prototype Extreme Pressure and Temperature Systems.  Our customers include the Department of Defense (DoD), the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, Missile Defense Agency (MDA), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

 

This position will be located at NASA’s Langley Research Center.                                                     

Responsibilities

This position is contingent upon award of contract, business needs, and funding availability. We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Data Scientist to join our team of passionate individuals in supporting the Air Force’s Air Combat Command (ACC) Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Enterprise program.  As our data scientist, you’ll lead advanced analytic efforts and drive data-informed decision-making across the organization.   This role involves conducting end-to-end data science activities—including data engineering, exploratory analysis, predictive modeling, and statistical analysis—while transforming complex datasets into actionable insights through compelling visual and narrative storytelling.

 

The ideal candidate will proactively identify and retrieve relevant data from diverse sources, build scalable machine learning (ML) solutions, and develop AI-driven tools to automate analytical processes and improve operational efficiency.

 

Joining this program offers candidates the opportunity to apply their skills where they matter most - supporting a meaningful mission, influencing outcomes of national importance, and being part of a trusted team, whose work makes a measurable difference every day.

 

Essential Responsibilities:

 

· Perform advanced data analytics, data mining, and statistical analysis to uncover actionable insights.

· Design and develop machine learning models, including recommendation engines and automated scoring systems.

· Build, validate, and deploy high-quality predictive models and analytical solutions.

· Conduct exploratory data analysis to identify trends, anomalies, and opportunities.

· Integrate and manage large, disparate datasets from multiple structured and unstructured sources.

· Develop and automate workflows for data processing, model training, and reporting.

· Translate analytical findings into clear, compelling visual, written, and verbal narratives.

· Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support strategic and operational decision-making.

· Develop AI-based tools to streamline and automate business processes.

· Ensure data quality, integrity, and governance across analytical workflows.

 

 

 

 

Qualifications

Work Environment, Physical Demands, and Mental Demands:

 

This position supports sensitive programs and requires strict adherence to DoD, Air Force, and IC cybersecurity, information assurance, and intelligence oversight standards.

 

Minimum Requirements (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities):

• Candidates must meet all DOD Cyber Workforce Framework (DCWF) Training Code 423 Advanced proficiency requirements in accordance with DOD 8140.03
• Experience working with large-scale and complex datasets, including Multi-INT or similar data environments
• Proficiency in major data science programming languages including Python and R
• Expertise in data visualization tools and applications, including Power BI and Tableau
• Experience managing and merging disparate data sources, preferably through R, Python, or SQL

 

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to comply with all DoD, Air Force, and local security and conduct standards
• Ability to complete required training and maintain qualifications throughout the contract
• Availability for CONUS and OCONUS support as mission requirements dictate
• Contractor-provided training and certification upkeep (unless Government-directed)
• Ability to obtain and maintain required program, system, and facility access

 

Security Clearance Required:  TS/SCI eligibility

 

Minimum Education:  Master’s degree or bachelor’s degree with at least five years of related senior-level experience in data science.

 

Minimum Years of Experience:  10 years or relevant data science experience; at least part of the required experience must be within the past two (2) years.

 

Required Certifications:

• Must meet DoD 8140.02 / DoDM 8140.03 Cyberspace Workforce Qualification Requirements
• Appropriate DCWF role alignment (e.g., Cyber Defense Analyst, ISSO, Network or Systems Security roles)
• Certification eligibility prior to contract performance (tracked and reported per Government standards)

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Background in advanced analytics within intelligence, defense, or similar data-intensive domains
• Experience in developing and deploying automated AI/ML solutions.
• Familiarity with cloud-based data platforms (e.g., Azure, AWS, or GCP).
• Experience with big data frameworks (e.g., Spark, Hadoop).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills