Data Scientist (Applied AI – Performance Management)

Leidos

About The Position

Leidos is seeking a Data Scientist (Applied AI – Performance Management) to support a large, mission-critical U.S. Navy program. This role supports a Performance Management team focused on improving contractual and operational performance through the applied use of data science and artificial intelligence. This position is well-suited for a hands-on practitioner who enjoys working on real operational problems and using code-first, AI-enabled approaches to identify performance risks, surface non-obvious improvement opportunities, and enable more proactive performance management. The work primarily supports Service Level Requirements (SLRs) that govern program performance, with opportunities to extend insights and methods to broader Navy performance initiatives such as World Class Alignment Metrics (WAM).

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of experience applying data science, machine learning, or AI to real-world operational or performance problems (additional experience may be considered in lieu of degree)
Strong problem-framing skills and ability to operate effectively in ambiguous environments
Proficiency in Python or similar programming languages for data analysis and modeling
Experience working with large, messy, or heterogeneous datasets
Ability to clearly and defensibly explain complex analytical results
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance

Nice To Haves

Experience with applied machine learning, statistical modeling, or AI techniques for pattern detection, prioritization, or forecasting
Familiarity with operational performance metrics, service-level agreements, or contract-driven environments
Experience balancing advanced analytical methods with the ability to clearly articulate complex concepts and build stakeholder trust
Exposure to AI enablement efforts, reusable analytics frameworks, or platform-based approaches
Experience supporting large-scale or enterprise environments, particularly within government or defense programs

Responsibilities

Apply data science, advanced analytics, and AI techniques to large, complex operational datasets to identify performance degradation, systemic issues, and improvement opportunities
Design and implement code-first analytical solutions and models that support automated or semi-automated discovery of performance improvement opportunities
Use AI and data-driven methods to evaluate, prioritize, and improve the effectiveness of Plans of Action and Milestones (POAMs) tied to contractual outcomes
Collaborate closely with performance analysts, engineers, and stakeholders to translate operational challenges into data-driven solutions
Explore and apply appropriate AI and machine learning techniques, balancing innovation with explainability, defensibility, and stakeholder trust
Develop reusable analytical code, methods, and patterns that strengthen the team’s overall data science and AI capabilities
Communicate insights and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences, including program leadership
Support broader Navy performance initiatives by extending analytical methods beyond SLR-focused use cases when appropriate