Data Scientist- Nuclear Nonproliferation R&D

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.

Building on The Aerospace Corporation's reputation as a trusted, impartial advisor with integrity and dedication to mission success, the Civil Systems Group (CSG) combines deep technical expertise with market-leading innovation to help our customers solve complex systems engineering and integration challenges. CSG is organized by core customer-facing lines of business to manage and grow programs within NASA, NOAA, and the NNSA, while extending our capabilities to other civilian federal government agencies fully integrated within Aerospace rules, regulations, processes, values, and behaviors.

This position will support the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation R&D (DNN R&D). As a Data Scientist (Project Engineer -  Big Data Mining and Artificial Intelligence) you will apply 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.

Work Model 

This is a full-time position based in Crystal City, VA, Chantilly, VA, Albuquerque, NM, or El Segundo, CA, offering a Hybrid work model that combines 3-4 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as business needs allow. 

What You’ll Be Doing

The NNSA team 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. 

• Advising, prototyping, and integrating data science and AI technologies. 
• Establishing and maintaining strategic partnerships with key stakeholders 
• Working on teams spanning various disciplines, experience levels, and organizational boundaries. 
• Spearheading cutting-edge applied research and development efforts 
• Helping to shape AI strategy, roadmaps, research priorities, and investment decisions 
• Evaluating technologies and data science models for use in scalable and resilient mission-critical applications 
• Building and leading innovative teams to develop ML algorithms and application prototypes 
• Presenting written and verbal results to customer stakeholders and the larger aerospace community 
• Reinforcing an environment of learning and progress with team members and colleagues 
• Maintaining current working knowledge in data science and AI as well as foundational skills in relevant domains, such as physics, math, and/or software engineering 
• Developing a deep understanding of government systems and government missions.  
• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed 

What You Need to be Successful 

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM with emphasis in Data Science, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or related field(s) 
• 6 or more years of professional experience as a data scientist, machine learning engineer, or AI/ML researcher in any domain 
• Experience with applied AI 
• Software development skills including familiarity with machine learning and deep learning libraries in Python 
• Experience with and understanding of software engineering concepts (algorithms, data structures, DevOps, version control, coding standards, etc.) 
• Experience with and understanding of machine learning and artificial intelligence, software engineering, and statistics 
• Proven ability to take initiative and successfully complete tasks, lead complex technical projects, and collaborate effectively. 
• 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 

How You Can Stand Out 

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

• Advanced degree in STEM with emphasis in Data Science, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or related field(s) 
• Experience in leading large sets of diverse teams to accomplish difficult applied AI goals in US Government applications
• Demonstrated ability to efficiently deliver analysis and insights using compelling data visualizations to broad audiences from data that is often large, unstructured, or unprocessed  
• Experience in software engineering and machine learning development best practices (e.g. code, model, and data set version control, experiment tracking and reproduction) 
• Demonstrated contributions to open-source software repositories (github, kaggle, etc.) 
• Experience with containerization platforms (Docker, Kubernetes) and deploying ML models within applications or on cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, etc.) 
• Active security clearance
• Experience in supporting National Nuclear Security Administration, National Weapons Labs, or Department of Defense Nuclear Enterprise.

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)

$117,300 - $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 various 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 employer. 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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.