Data Scientist

Data science at the National Security Agency (NSA) is a multi-disciplinary field that uses elements of mathematics, statistics, computer science, and application-specific knowledge to gather, make, and communicate principled conclusions from data. Data Science is a broad field and a team effort, spanning all the expertise needed to derive value from data. It encompasses AI Engineering, Data Engineering, ML Ops Engineering, and Human Perception and Cognition Engineering in addition to the traditional applications of data science.
Data science is present in every aspect of the mission. NSA Data Scientists tackle challenging real-world problems leveraging big data, high-performance computing, machine learning, and a breadth of other methodologies. We are looking for critical thinkers, problem solvers, and motivated individuals who are enthusiastic about data and believe that answers to hard questions lie in the yet-to-be-told story of diverse, complicated data sets. You will employ your mathematical science, computer science, and quantitative analysis skills to develop solutions to complex data problems and take full advantage of NSA's capabilities to tackle the highest priority foreign intelligence and cybersecurity challenges.
Responsibilities may include:
- Exploring data analysis and model-fitting to reveal data features of interest
- Using the machine-learned predictive modeling
- Constructing usable data sets from multiple sources to meet customer needs
- Identifying and analyzing anomalous data (including metadata)
- Developing conceptual design and models to address mission requirements
- Developing qualitative and quantitative methods for characterizing datasets in various states
- Performing analytic modeling, scripting, and/or programming
- Working collaboratively and iteratively throughout the data-science lifecycle
- Designing and developing analytics and techniques for analysis
- Analyzing data using mathematical and statistical methods
- Evaluating, documenting, and communicating research processes, analyses, and results to customers, peers, and leadership
- Creating interpretable visualizations

Job Summary

Newly hired experienced Data Scientists will be assigned to a mission office by aligning their data science skills with mission needs. Due to the challenging and evolving nature of NSA data science problems, Data Scientists are expected to continue broadening and deepening their expertise throughout their career. NSA data science is collaborative and you are expected to work with NSA experts in data science, related technical domains, and specialized subject areas. You will have opportunities to participate in internal technical roundtables and to attend technical conferences with experts from industry and academia. There is potential for some candidates to be enrolled in the three-year Data Science Development Program (DSDP), a rotational program to strengthen their basic skills.
Please attach a copy of your resume and all transcripts (unofficial are fine) as part of your application when given the opportunity to do so to speed application processing.

Qualifications

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.
Applicants will be asked to complete the Data Science Examination (DSE) which evaluates their knowledge of statistics, mathematics, and computer science topics that pertain to data science work. Passing this examination at a local testing site is a requirement in order to be considered for selection into a data scientist position. Upon passing the examination, applicants will be evaluated for the minimum qualifications outlined in this ad. Transcripts for each academic institution are required prior to being invited to interview with Agency data science professionals and should be submitted as part of the online application. Unofficial transcripts are fine at this stage.
Note that different degree fields have different requirements as described below.
Degrees in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Applied Statistics, Data Science, Operations Research, Quantitative/Computational Finance, Econometrics/Quantitative Economics, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering qualify without additional coursework or a Data Science certificate.
Degrees in Engineering, Physical Sciences, Mathematical Biology/Bioinformatics, Life Sciences, Environmental Science, Data Analytics, or Information Science/Systems/Technology, must include either a Data Science certificate from an accredited college/university OR 5 or more courses in advanced mathematics (for example, calculus, differential equations, discrete mathematics, linear algebra, and calculus-based statistics) and/or advanced computer science (for example, algorithms, programming, data structures, data mining, artificial intelligence).
Other degrees must be accompanied by a Data Science certificate from an accredited college/university, and must include a total of 5 or more courses in advanced mathematics AND advanced computer science. At least one course must be from advanced mathematics (for example, calculus, differential equations, discrete mathematics, linear algebra, and calculus-based statistics). At least one course must be from advanced computer science (for example, algorithms, programming, data structures, computer architecture, data mining, artificial intelligence).
Experience must include both programming and one or more of the following: designing/implementing machine learning, data mining, statistical analysis, statistical consulting, artificial intelligence development, computational science, software engineering, technical writing, data visualization, or data engineering. Experience must also include formal or informal leadership.
SENIOR
Entry is with an Associate's degree plus 8 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree plus 6 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 4 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 2 years of relevant experience.
EXPERT
Entry is with an Associate's degree plus 11 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree plus 9 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 7 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 5 years of relevant experience.

Competencies

The ideal candidate has a desire for continual learning along with excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication (oral and written), and interpersonal skills who is:
- Accountable
- Proactive
- Detail oriented
- Able to solve complex problems
- Proficient with critical thinking and reasoning to make analytic determinations
- Effective at working in a collaborative team environment
- Able to bridge the gap with both technical and non-technical audiences
- Able to provide technical leadership in formal or informal roles
Knowledge, skills, and relevant experience in programming, formal or informal leadership, and one or more of the following is required:
- Designing and implementing machine learning
- Data mining
-Statistical analysis
- Statistical consulting
- Artificial Intelligence development
- Computational science
- Software engineering
- Technical writing
- Data visualization
- Data engineering

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule

Pay: Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position.
Salary Range: $132,751 - $197,200 (Senior, Expert)
Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position.
Training will be provided based on the selectee's needs and experience.
Benefits: NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package.
Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirement between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible).
DCIPS Trial Period:
If selected for this position, you will be required to serve a two-year DCIPS trial period, unless you are a veterans' preference-eligible employee, in which case you are required to serve a one-year trial period. This trial period runs concurrently with your commitment to the position, if applicable. Before finalizing your appointment at the conclusion of your trial period, NSA will determine whether your continued employment advances the public interest. This decision will be based on factors such as your performance and conduct; the Agency's needs and interests; whether your continued employment would advance the Agency's organizational goals; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
If you do not receive certification for continued employment, you should receive written notice prior to the end of your trial period that your employment will be terminated and the effective date of such termination.

How to apply

Apply soonest, as job postings can close earlier than stated end dates due to changes in requirements. It is important to review and note the minimum qualifications, as only those applicants who meet the required qualifications will be contacted to continue the employment process. Please populate the resume tool to showcase any relevant work experience and education related to the position and answer any applicable screening questions. Information collected will be used to determine eligibility, and failure to provide accurate information may result in disqualification for this position.
A confirmation email will be sent after submission of the first application and also after any future updates to submitted applications. \*\*Due to time sensitive communications regarding applications, please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept email from noreply@intelligencecareers.gov. For job vacancies that include stated testing requirements, also include the following: @uwe.nsa.gov, @nsa.gov, and @pearson.com\*\*
U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. NSA is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations. All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph. NSA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process.
The following four narrative questions provide an opportunity for you to highlight your dedication to public service for the hiring manager and agency leadership (or designee(s)). While your responses are not required and will not be scored, we encourage you to thoughtfully address each question. Please provide a response of 200 words or less to each question. You will be asked to certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) such as a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT or Copilot. (Please attach in application)
1. How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience.
2. In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes.
3. How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you, and explain how you would help implement them if hired.
4. How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples, and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position.

DCIPS Disclaimer

\*\*VETERANS AND TRANSITIONING SERVICE MEMBERS\*\*
Thank you for your service! The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions at NSA are in the Excepted Service under Title 10, United States Codes (U.S.C.), Section 1601 appointment authority.
Veterans' Preference
In accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, "DoD Civilian Personnel Management System: Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System Employment and Placement," NSA applies veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5, U.S.C., to eligible candidates. If you are claiming veterans' preference, you are required to provide acceptable documentation of your preference eligibility upon application.
Acceptable documentation includes:
- DD-214: "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions (Copy 4); OR
- Certification of Service:
A written document on letterhead from the appropriate branch of the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed. The certification should include the military service dates, including the expected discharge or release date; AND
- Standard Form 15 (SF-15)
Application for 10-point Veteran Preference (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf\_fill/sf15.pdf).
If you are claiming a service-connected disability of 30 percent or more, the documentation you provide must specifically demonstrate this level of disability; AND
- VA Letter of Disability (for 10pt and Sole Survivorship rating)
You may obtain a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs reflecting your level of disability for preference eligibility by visiting a VA Regional Office, contacting a VA call center, or online (https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/).
\*\*Failure to provide sufficient documentation of veterans' preference eligibility may preclude NSA from identifying you as a preference eligible candidate during the hiring selection process.