Data Scientist

About the role

The Social Security Administration's analytics team is seeking data scientists to join us in transforming vast datasets into actionable insights that shape services for over 330 million Americans.

Responsibilities

• Architect, develop, and maintain advanced analytics solutions using Python, R, and SQL on enterprise data platforms.
• Design and implement machine learning models, including generative AI and agentic AI solutions, to support business objectives.
• Clean, transform, and manage large datasets from diverse sources, ensuring data integrity and reliability.
• Optimize SQL queries and database operations for efficient data access and processing.
• Develop, fine-tune, and deploy AI models (such as generative and large language models) and agentic AI systems for automation, content generation, and decision support.
• Create and interpret data visualizations using tools and libraries such as matplotlib, seaborn, ggplot2, and Tableau.
• Collaborate with business analysts, IT professionals, and stakeholders to deliver innovative, data-driven solutions.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including data dictionaries, model specifications, and user guides.
• Participate in code reviews and uphold best practices for quality, reproducibility, and security.
• Support data validation, testing, deployment, and post-implementation activities in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Advanced proficiency in SQL for data extraction, transformation, and database management in large-scale enterprise environments.
• Applying solid knowledge of statistical methods, machine learning algorithms, and data wrangling techniques to solve complex business problems.
• Developing and deploying AI models, including generative and agentic AI systems (e.g., unsupervised learning, neural networks, GPT, diffusion models).
• Utilizing frameworks and libraries for generative and agentic AI, such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, Hugging Face Transformers, LangChain, or similar.
• Working with large-scale enterprise datasets and cloud-based data platforms to support data-driven decision making.
• Demonstrating strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment.
• Communicating complex technical concepts clearly and effectively in both written and verbal formats to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Applying knowledge of the software development life cycle (SDLC), Agile methodologies, and version control systems (e.g., Git) to manage and deliver data science and AI projects.
• Implementing or supporting data governance, privacy, and security best practices.

Benefits

Recruitment incentive may be authorized. Additional selections may be made for this vacancy six months from the closing date of this announcement. This Direct Hire announcement may be used to fill the same or similar position in another office.

Pay

Grade 14: To qualify at the GS-14 level, you must have specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-13 level or above, which is in or related to the work of the position to be filled, that has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

Schedule

This is a bargaining unit position represented by AFGE.