Senior Data Scientist (Business Operations)

QinetiQ US•Fort Meade, MD

6d•$135,000 - $185,000•Onsite

About The Position

Join us in our support to the US Space Force (HQ USSF) Commercial Satellite Communication (COMSATCOM) Office (CSCO), where you will help shape the future of assured, resilient SATCOM for our warfighters and mission partners. As a key member of a highly collaborative, mission-focused team, you will apply your expertise to help deliver innovative commercial SATCOM capabilities, integrate a transformative COMSATCOM business model into the broader SATCOM enterprise, and translate complex operational needs into effective, affordable solutions. In this role, you will work directly with COMSATCOM customers and stakeholders, providing trusted guidance, insightful analysis, and clear recommendations that drive real-world impact in a rapidly evolving space domain.

Requirements

Minimum of 8 years of experience in data science, data analytics, operations research, computer science, economics, engineering, mathematics, statistics, or a related quantitative field.
Bachelor's Degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, Operations Research, Economics, or a related field.
Secret Clearance required.
Demonstrated experience applying advanced statistical methods, predictive analytics, and machine learning techniques to real-world operational or business problems.
Demonstrated experience applying or integrating AI/ML tools, including generative AI or large language model (LLM) applications, in analytic or decision-support workflows.
Strong proficiency in Python, SQL, and data analysis libraries and tools used for data wrangling, modeling, and visualization.
Experience developing executive-level visualizations, dashboards, and analytic briefings for senior decision-makers.
Familiarity with responsible AI principles and model governance standards applicable to DoD or government program environments.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain technical and AI-generated findings to non-technical audiences.
Deadline-driven, organized, detail-oriented, and able to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to support on-site client meetings within the National Capital Region.

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree or higher in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Operations Research, Engineering, or a related field.
Experience with DoD-approved AI and generative AI platforms, including genai.mil, or equivalent NIPR/SIPR AI environments.
Familiarity with large language model (LLM) applications, prompt engineering, and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) techniques applied to government or defense analytic workflows.
Experience supporting USG, USSF, DoD, or other national security space programs in analytically intensive environments.
Familiarity with U.S. Government or DoD acquisition processes, analytic rigor standards, and mission-support decision frameworks.
Experience with Power BI, Tableau, or similar business intelligence and visualization platforms.
Experience with cloud-based data platforms (AWS GovCloud, Azure Government, Databricks) and ML/MLOps frameworks for model lifecycle management.

Responsibilities

Collect, integrate, and validate COMSATCOM usage, inventory, operational, financial, and capability data from GFI, non-GFI, and other structured and unstructured data sources.
Develop and maintain predictive models, statistical analyses, and stochastic forecasting methodologies to assess current and future COMSATCOM demand, utilization, capacity, and operational risk.
Apply advanced analytical and AI/ML techniques — including regression, classification, clustering, anomaly detection, machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI methods — to identify trends, drivers, and decision-relevant insights.
Leverage DoD-approved AI and generative AI platforms, including genai.mil and equivalent NIPR/SIPR AI environments, to accelerate analytical workflows and support production of executive-ready analytic products; apply responsible AI principles including bias detection, model interpretability, and assumptions documentation.
Design and implement reproducible analytic workflows, data pipelines, and model validation processes to ensure transparency, traceability, and repeatability; partner with data engineers on pipeline operationalization and production deployment.
Translate complex operational and business questions into analytical models, simulations, and AI/ML-enabled decision-support tools for USSF CSCO leadership and mission partners.
Create executive-level visualizations, dashboards, and briefings that communicate complex technical and AI-generated findings to senior stakeholders in an understandable and actionable manner.
Maintain awareness of global, regional, and situational SATCOM trends and incorporate them into forecasts, scenario analyses, and strategic assessments.
Support analytic studies with COMSATCOM SMEs, including cost analyses, business case analyses, market research, commercial capability assessments, and courses of action comparisons.
Develop metrics, analytical frameworks, and model-based decision aids supporting planning, portfolio management, and leadership data calls with speed, accuracy, and traceability.
Provide technical leadership on data science best practices, AI governance, and model lifecycle management; respond to ad hoc analytic taskings from senior leadership with timely, defensible analyses.