Data Scientist – Expert

Description Leidos is actively interviewing for a Data Scientist – Expert to join our team in Springfield, VA. Job Summary Senior-most technical position responsible for leading the design, development, deployment, and optimization of advanced data science solutions in support of government mission objectives. The Expert Level Data Scientist serves as a recognized subject matter expert in statistical modeling, machine learning, artificial intelligence, data exploitation, and analytic tradecraft. This role requires on-site support at a government facility and close collaboration with mission operators, analysts, engineers, program leadership, and government stakeholders in secure environments. Key Responsibilities • Lead the development and operationalization of advanced data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence solutions for mission applications. • Design and implement statistical models, predictive analytics, forecasting methods, optimization models, and decision-support tools. • Extract, transform, integrate, and analyze structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data from multiple government and mission-relevant sources. • Develop and validate machine learning models for classification, regression, clustering, anomaly detection, ranking, recommendation, and pattern discovery. • Architect end-to-end analytic workflows, including data ingestion, feature engineering, model training, testing, deployment, monitoring, and lifecycle management. • Apply advanced quantitative methods to derive actionable insights from large, complex, and high-value datasets. • Collaborate with domain experts, mission analysts, software engineers, and government personnel to translate mission needs into technical solutions. • Evaluate model performance, quantify uncertainty, and ensure analytic validity, repeatability, and interpretability. • Support data governance, security, compliance, and responsible AI practices within government mission environments. • Prepare technical documentation, briefings, reports, white papers, and stakeholder presentations. • Advise leadership on data science strategy, analytic methodology, capability gaps, and technology insertion opportunities. Required Technical Skills • Statistical modeling and inference • Machine learning and artificial intelligence • Predictive analytics and forecasting • Data mining and pattern analysis • Feature engineering and model evaluation • Data wrangling, integration, and transformation • Python, R, SQL, and scientific computing libraries • Visualization and dashboarding tools • Model deployment, monitoring, and lifecycle support • Documentation, briefing development, and technical communication Basic Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, or a related quantitative field. • Minimum of 12–15 years of relevant professional combined experience in data science, advanced analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or statistical modeling. • Demonstrated experience developing and deploying production-grade analytic or machine learning solutions in government, defense, intelligence, or other highly regulated environments. • Deep knowledge of statistical inference, probability, experimental design, predictive modeling, and machine learning methods. • Strong programming experience in Python, R, SQL, or similar analytic languages. • Experience working with large, complex, and potentially disparate datasets in enterprise environments. • Familiarity with model validation, explainability, bias assessment, and performance evaluation techniques. • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical findings to diverse audiences. • Active TS/SCI with ability to be approved for a Poly Preferred Qualifications • Master’s degree or Ph.D. in a relevant quantitative or technical discipline. • Experience supporting DoD, IC, DHS, civilian federal agencies, or other government mission environments. • Experience with deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, graph analytics, time series analysis, or reinforcement learning. • Familiarity with cloud platforms, MLOps, DevSecOps, and containerized deployment environments. • Experience with distributed computing, big data platforms (Spark/Databricks or similar), and workflow orchestration tools. • Familiarity with emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, tools, and methodologies, with an understanding of their applications, implications, and integration into daily geospatial and intelligence workflows. • Knowledge of data architecture, data engineering, and enterprise analytics ecosystems. • Experience briefing senior government leadership and mission stakeholders. If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares. Original Posting: May 15, 2026 For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above. Pay Range: Pay Range $116,350.00 - $210,325.00 The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law. About Leidos Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com. Pay and Benefits Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits. Securing Your Data Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at [email protected]. If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. Commitment to Non-Discrimination All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, anc