DATA SCIENTIST (DATA ARCHITECT/DATA ENGINEER/AI-ML SPECIALIST)

Summary

DCSA Acquisition and Technology, National Background Investigation Services (NBIS) is seeking a non-supervisory Data Scientist (Data Architect/Data Engineer/AI-ML Specialist). The incumbent will provide support, guidance and expertise in various Data Scientist functions. Performs a variety of duties that involve knowledge of a wide variety of Data Scientist applications, environments, and methods. Visit www.dcsa.mil.

Duties

• This position may be filled at either GG-11 or GG-12 grade level, please indicate the grade for which you want to be considered. Incumbent may be advanced non-competitively to the established target grade upon meeting developmental benchmarks, performance requirements, and other requirements, as applicable established for the career program or specifically for the incumbent. As a DATA SCIENTIST (DATA ARCHITECT/DATA ENGINEER/AI-ML SPECIALIST) you will be responsible for the following duties: GG-11: Assists in performing professional work in data science, intelligence, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), and system analysis. Applies standard analytic methods (such as regression and decision trees) to improve data reliability and quality. Helps identify, collect, and analyze data to effectively support and advance projects or programs. Collaborates with team members to ensure data accuracy and consistent reporting. GG-12: Independently performs professional work in data science, intelligence, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), and system analysis. Selects and applies appropriate analytic methods to improve data reliability and quality. Identifies, collects, and analyzes data to effectively support and advance projects or programs. Collaborates with stakeholders to ensure data accuracy and informs management of anticipated revisions to methodologies or procedures. The Office Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security established a Targeted Local Market Supplement (TLMS) for certain Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Cyber positions within the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System. Eligibility for the TLMS is based on cyber work roles within certain occupational series and on the work performed. This vacancy is designated as a STEM and/or Cyber position and pay for the incumbent will be based on the STEM and Cyber Pay Table. In accordance with DoDD 8140.01/DoDI 8140.02, the position compliance requirement details are outlined in the Defense Cyber Workforce Annex (attached). Any Information Technology/Security certifications / education specified in the DCWF Annex as defined by DoD 8140-M within six months of appointment date. The incumbent must sign a Statement of Understanding regarding the certification requirements and maintaining the appropriate certification is a condition of employment.

Qualifications

This position has a Basic Requirement for the 1560: Degree: Mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science or field directly related to the position. The degree must be in a major field of study (at least at the baccalaureate level) that is appropriate for the position. or Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major field of study (30 semester hours) as shown in paragraph A above, plus additional education or appropriate experience. *NOTE: Failure to provide transcripts will result in you being rated ineligible for this position. The experience described in your resume will be evaluated and screened from the Office of Personnel Management's (OPMs) basic qualifications requirements. See: Data Science Series 1560 for OPM qualification standards, competencies and specialized experience needed to perform the duties of the position as described in the MAJOR DUTIES and QUALIFICATIONS sections of this announcement by 11/13/2026 Applicant must have directly applicable experience that demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies necessary for immediate success in the position. Qualifying experience may have been acquired in any public or private sector job, but will clearly demonstrate past experience in the application of the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position. For the GG-11 You must have specialized experience sufficient to demonstrate that you have acquired all the competencies necessary to perform at a level equivalent in difficulty, responsibility, and complexity to the next lower grade GS/GG-09 in the Federal service and are prepared to take on greater responsibility. Generally, this would include one year or more of such specialized experience. Specialized experience for this position includes: Assisting in applying statistical, machine learning, natural language processing, or other advanced analytical methods to solve problems involving structured and unstructured data. Supporting the design, development, and validation of predictive models, quantitative analyses, and data-driven decision-support products under guidance. Independently executing components of data analysis projects from problem definition through data acquisition, preparation, and modeling (using SQL, Python, Power BI, or other tools). For the GG-12 You must have specialized experience sufficient to demonstrate that you have acquired all the competencies necessary to perform at a level equivalent in difficulty, responsibility, and complexity to the next lower grade GS/GG-11 in the Federal service and are prepared to take on greater responsibility. Generally, this would include one year or more of such specialized experience. Specialized experience for this position includes: Applying statistical, machine learning, natural language processing, or other advanced analytical methods to solve complex problems involving structured and unstructured data. Designing, developing, and refining predictive models, quantitative analyses, and data-driven decision-support products. Leading components of data analysis projects from problem definition through data acquisition, preparation, and modeling. Specifically you will be evaluated on the following competencies: Data Mining - Computing process of discovering patterns in a large data set involving methods at the intersection of machine learning, statistics, and database systems. Data Management - Knowledge of the principles, procedures, and tools of data management, such as modeling techniques, data backup, data recovery, data dictionaries, data warehousing, data mining, data disposal, and data standardization processes. Software and Programming - Leverage and optimize the use of existing OIG specific software (such as Cloudera Data Platform, Cloudera Data Flow (Apache Nifi), Tableau, DataWalk), while recommending future software mix. Understand a variety of programming languages (such as Java/Javascript, Scala, Python, C/C#/C++, R) as needed to meet software and business needs.Understand a variety of data warehousing platforms (such as Cloudera/Hive, Oracle, SQL, MySQL, NoSQL), big data software (such as Tableau, DataWalk, Apache Hadoop/Spark, ArcGIS), and data science project management and version control applications (such as JIRA, Agile). Qualitative / Quantitative Analysis - Developing and applying quantitative and qualitative analytic methods to identify, collect, process, and analyze large data sets.

Education

If substituting education for experience at the GG-11 level, you must possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher graduate education leading to such a degree, OR LL.M., if related. Superior Academic Achievement does not apply to DCIPS positions. If substituting education for experience, transcripts MUST be provided. Failure to provide transcripts will result in you being rated ineligible for this position. Foreign Education: For further information, click on the following link: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/

Grade: GG 11 to 12. . Telework eligible. Apply by 2026-11-13 on USAJOBS.