Data Scientist

Summary

DCSA Acquisition and Technology, National Background Investigation Services (NBIS) is looking for 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

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This position may be filled at either GG-07 or GG-09 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 you will be responsible for the following duties:

• Performs professional work in data science, intelligence, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), system analysis, risk analysis, predictive analysis and computer simulation.
• Applies analytic methods such as regression, decision tree and statistical probability to improve data reliability and quality.
• Identifies, collects and analyzes data to effectively support and advance projects or programs.
• Uncover and explain actionable insights from data by combining scientific method, math and statistics, specialized programming, advanced analytics, AI, and storytelling to major organizations, government officials and key stakeholders.
• Collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure data accuracy and consistent reporting.
• Implements strategies for system development and analysis, operational logistics, project funding/budgeting, project cost, schedule and performance management.
• Manages and plans sequence of operations on a regular basis for assigned elements.

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.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• Must be a US citizen
• Selective Service Requirement: Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. For more information http://www.sss.gov
• Resume and supporting documents received by 11:59PM EST will be considered
• This is a Drug Testing designated position
• Position is a (DCIPS) position in the Excepted Service under U.S.C. 1601
• Work Schedule: Full Time
• Overtime: Occasionally
• Tour of Duty: Flexible
• PCS (Permanent Change of Station): May be Authorized
• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt
• Financial Disclosure: Not Required
• Telework Eligibility: Supervisors may approve situational telework on a case-by-case, temporary basis for limited situations.
• If selected, the incumbent must obtain and maintain appropriate security clearance as indicated in job announcement.
• In accordance with DoDD 8140.01/DoDI 8140.02, the position compliance requirement details are outlined in the Defense Cyber Workforce Annex.
• 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.
• This position requires Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act Foundational certification in Engineering and Technical Management and is expected to meet all related certification requirements per the Department of Defense Instruction 5000.66.
• However, applicants that do not meet this requirement are eligible to be hired but must obtain a Engineering and Technical Management Foundational certification within 3 years (36 months) after the first day of starting in the position.

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 10/12/2026

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.

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-05 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:

GG-07 - Applying foundational statistical methods (e.g. regression, decision trees, or probability) using basic mathematics, including logarithms, trigonometry, linear algebra, calculus, statistics and operational analysis. Conducting basic risk assessments. Assisting with statistical and general-purpose programming languages for data analysis. Writing basic algorithms leveraging R, Python, or SQL/NoSQL to support the development or testing of analytical models, and explaining the results to teammates.

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-07 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:

GG-09 - Applying statistical methods (e.g. regression, decision trees, or probability) using basic mathematics, including logarithms, trigonometry, linear algebra, calculus, statistics and operational analysis. Conducting standard risk assessments. Applying statistical and general-purpose programming languages for data analysis. Leading the development of algorithms leveraging R, Python, or SQL/NoSQL.

Specifically you will be evaluated on the following competencies:

1. Data Mining - Computing process of discovering patterns in a large data set involving methods at the intersection of machine learning, statistics, and database systems.
2. 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.
3. 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).
4. 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-07 level, you must possess 1 Full year of graduate level education. If substituting education for experience at the GG-09 a masters or equivalent degree OR 2 full years of progressively higher graduate education leading to such a degree, OR LL.B. or J.D., if related.

If substituting or combining education for experience, transcripts MUST be provided. Failure to provide transcripts will result in you being rated ineligible for this position.

Superior Academic Achievement does not apply to DCIPS positions.

Foreign Education: For further information, click on the following link:

https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/

Additional information

VETERANS PREFERENCE/CURRENT OR FORMER FEDERAL

In accordance with DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, veterans preference is not required to be applied when considering candidates with prior Federal competitive or excepted service who have completed a probationary or trial period and have not been separated for cause. Therefore, veterans preference will not be applied to applicants with current federal service, or former federal civilian service meeting the above criteria.

Re-employed Annuitant: This position does not meet criteria for re-employed annuitant. The DoD criteria for hiring Re-employed Annuitants can be found at: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/1400.25-V300.pdf

Applicants selected from this announcement may be required to serve a two-year trial period.

If selected, Federal employees currently serving in the competitive service must acknowledge that they will voluntarily leave the competitive service by accepting an offer of employment for a DCIPS excepted service positions.

If selected, non-DCIPS candidates must acknowledge in writing that the position they have been selected for is in the excepted service and covered by DCIPS.

All Defense Intelligence positions under the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) are in the excepted service by specific statue, 10 U.S.C. 1601. This position is in the excepted service and does not confer competitive status.

For more information on the DCIPS occupational structure click here.

For more information about career advancement in DCIPS click here.

ACQUISITION POSITION: This position requires a Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Foundational certification in Engineering & Technical Management. Certification prior to hiring is not essential but must be accomplished within 3 years (36 months) after entry into this position. For information regarding the DAWIA Back to Basics please visit: Home (dau.edu) or Back to Basics - Helpful Resources (dau.edu)

• DAWIA (Back to Basics) Certification: NON-CAP: Position requires DoD Acquisition Foundational certification in Engineering & Technical Management within required timeframes. Selectee must also achieve 80 hours of Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) every 2-years. Click here for more details and Resources.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.