Data Scientist

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) staff couple the latest in information system technologies, such as elastic compute clouds, containerization, microservices, real-time operating systems, and visualization frameworks, with expertise in cyber security, software architecture, software engineering, data science, Artificial Intelligence, process improvement, and software development to deliver responsive, resilient, high-performance software intensive systems to our Intelligence Community, DoD, and civilian customers

The Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Department (DSAID) seeks a creative and enthusiastic Data Scientist to join a diverse team of engineers, data scientists, and programmers with a passion for researching, prototyping, understanding, and building AI and data enabled tools across the space enterprise.  We are a growing, innovative, and collaborative department that makes meaningful contributions to National Security Space (AF, NRO, etc.), and Civil and Commercial customers (NASA, MDA, DHS, etc.).  

Data Scientists contribute to projects involving one or more of the following disciplines: Data Science, Applied or Theoretical Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Deep Reinforcement Learning, Physics Inspired ML, Classification Systems, Natural Language Processing, Artificial Intelligence, or Computer Vision.  They are team-oriented, take initiative, are focused on developing cutting-edge technologies and frameworks, and are comfortable balancing a variety of projects spanning internally funded research and development to direct customer support for mission-critical space systems. They may mentor other staff members, begin to specialize in a discipline of interest, and begin to provide technical input and leadership on their projects.

This positions specifically is for the Data Driven Algorithms Research section, where we conduct and review research on how cutting-edge technologies in Data Science and AI can be applied to various customer applications.

Work Model

This is a fulltime position based in Colorado Springs, Co or Chantilly, Va , offering a hybrid work model that combines 3 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow. 

What You’ll Be Doing

• DSAID’s customers range from National Security Space (AF, NRO, etc.) to civil (NASA, NOAA, etc.) and commercial (commercial space, autonomous vehicles, etc.)
• DSAID applies data science and AI knowledge across the space enterprise, to Aerospace enterprise capabilities, and towards corporate workforce development and strategic focus areas
• Data Scientists learn and develop their skills by working on teams spanning disciplines, experience levels, and organizational boundaries.
• Primary functions include:
• Evaluation of technologies for use in scalable and resilient mission-critical applications in a production environment
• Coordinated development and execution of experiments
• Coordinated development of proof-of-concept infrastructure configuration and software prototypes
• Collaboration with small, innovative teams to deliver features and products
• Written and verbal presentation of results to team members and stakeholders
• Reinforcing an environment of learning and progress with team members and others
• Focus on accountability and innovation in leadership competency development
• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed
• Data scientists must maintain a commitment to ongoing learning in order to stay current with government missions and the ever-changing climate of data science and AI. This requires both ongoing education in relevant domains, such as physics, math, and/or computer science, as well as an understanding of the existing systems and future objectives of government missions.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Date Scientist- Senior Member of Technical Staff

• Bachelors or Master’s degree  in Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Electrical or Computer Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or related  technical field(s)
• 5 or more years of experience in Data Scientist or Machine Learning Engineer or AI/ML Researcher role in any domain
• Software development skills including familiarity with machine learning and deep learning libraries in Python
• Some experience with and understanding of software engineering concepts (DevOps, algorithms, data structures, etc.)
• Experience with and understanding of machine learning and statistics
• Working knowledge of Unix/Linux operating systems
• Demonstrated ability to cooperate as a member of a team
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Data Scientist- Engineering Specialist :

• Advanced  degree  in Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Electrical or Computer Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or related field(s)

• 8 or more years of experience in Data Scientist or Machine Learning Engineer or AI/ML Researcher role in any domain

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Ph.D. from an accredited program in Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Electrical or Computer Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or related field(s)
• Experience creating effective data visualizations and user interfaces, communicating results
• Experience with containerization platforms (Docker, Kubernetes, etc.)
• Demonstrated ability to operate independently and proactively seek guidance as needed
• Demonstrated ability to exercise judgement and critical thinking in a scientific discipline
• Participation in extracurricular activities related to data science (e.g. Kaggle competitions)
• Domain expertise relevant to one or more customer organization mission areas (USSF, NRO, etc.)

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills. 

(Min - Max)

$103,500 - $175,900

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

• Flexible spending accounts

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

• Relocation assistance

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

• Education assistance programs

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.