Data Scientist/AI Engineer (Enablement & Outreach)

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division (JOID) provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

SPA's NATO Allied Command Transformation Group, within JOID, provides capability development, portfolio management, program management, quality management, cost estimation analysis, standardization, reporting, software solutions and information management, and capability management support. We also provide an improved capability requirements capture process, including the generation, documentation and tracing of user requirements, with appropriate technical scrutiny, over the entire lifecycle of the requirements from capability definition through capability realization and capability usage.

We have a near-term need for a Data Scientist/AI Engineer (Enablement & Outreach) to provide onsite support in Norfolk, VA.

As a member of the Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (DSAI) Branch, responsible to the Section Head/COTR, the candidate will contribute to the development and implementation of an enabling data science and AI capability at HQ SACT and for the NATO Enterprise, particularly in the context of the ongoing implementation of the Data Exploitation Framework and Program. Identify, contribute to, and implement machine learning (ML)/AI initiatives across HQ SACT and the NATO Enterprise with suggestions for ML approaches and implementation, including the processing of training data and performance assessment of machine learning techniques on datasets. Apply existing data science techniques to new problems and datasets using specialized programming techniques to meet the needs of the project and customer. Evaluate the outcomes and performance of data science models. Identify and implement opportunities to train and improve models and the data they use. Publish and report on machine learning model outputs to meet customer needs and conform to agreed standards. Utilize in-depth knowledge of NLP, ML applications, or computer vision. Demonstrate experience with Generative AI. Support review of data science and AI activities, processes, products, or services. Collaborate with other data professionals (such as data scientists, data and information managers, data engineers), software engineers, and SMEs from different functional areas, branches, and directorates within HQ SACT or NATO entities, as directed, (for example--in support of the ACT Innovation Branch). Provide subject matter expertise to (military and civilian) staff within HQ SACT or the NATO Enterprise and develop proofs of concept, as directed. Provide outreach support to internal and external communities that bring together DS & AI practitioners and consumers. This comprises, for example, TIDE Sprint, the NATO Data Science & AI Expert Network, or initiatives related to academia and industry. Contribute to the development of scientific studies and assist with educational efforts and training development and execution as it relates to data, AI, or digital literacy. Remain current with new developments in data science and AI to bring innovative ideas into implementation. Support building a data-driven culture that uses analytics to generate insights, improve decision-making at all levels, inform strategy and policy decisions, and enhance performance.

Required:

• Citizenship of one of the NATO member countries.
• Bachelor's degree or higher at a nationally recognized/certified university in Data Science, Data Analytics, AI engineering, or a related discipline such as Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Software Engineering OR 4+ years of professional experience in the area of Data Science, including providing analysis and advice in the field of data science, within the last 5 years.
• Proven work experience as a Data Scientist, AI/ML Engineer, or a similar role in the last 4 years,
• Experience in modern software architecture and software development related to data science, analytics, and AI, e.g., Python, SQL, R.
• Experience with machine learning and AI frameworks, using e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, or other modern machine learning frameworks.
• Experience with planning, executing, and maintaining data science pipelines.
• Experience visualizing data and producing high-quality graphs and reports, charts, and interactive dashboards using tools such as Tableau, MS Power BI, Kibana.
• Proven understanding of data security and privacy issues, particularly in international or military environments, to ensure compliance with NATO standards for protecting sensitive information.
• Experience in providing training in various areas related to data science, analytics, and AI at different technical levels.
• Portfolio of demonstrable products available via GitLab, or other platforms.
• Ability to work in a cloud environment, particularly Microsoft Azure or Amazon Web Services.
• Working experience in an international environment with both military and civilian elements.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, with excellent briefing skills.
• Working experience in data science and AI related outreach activities, such as working with academia and industry, hackathons, or maintaining AI expert and practitioner networks.
• Demonstrated experience working at NATO or extensive familiarity with NATO processes, culture, and organizational structures.
• Active NATO Secret-level security clearance or valid national Secret clearance.
• Able to work fully onsite based on client needs.

Desired:

• Experience working within a Big Data ecosystem, with tools such as Databricks, Spark, etc.
• Experience working with open source and publicly available data.
• Experienced 'data storyteller,' capable of presenting findings and insights effectively to non-technical audiences.
• Experience working on a military staff.
• Familiarity with federated learning methodologies to support secure collaboration and data sharing across NATO nations while maintaining sovereignty of sensitive datasets.
• Knowledge of NATO organization and its functions.
• Experience in project management, including agile methods and tools.
• Additional language skills, particularly those of NATO partner and member states.
• Eligibility and past experience working with NATO security clearance requirements to access and process classified or sensitive data.