Data Scientist (TS/SCI cleared)

About the role

Join the Threat Analytic Systems (QAI) Group at APL and contribute to solving our nation’s greatest national security challenges. We seek engineers, scientists, and developers with a passion for learning and the ability to translate advanced technologies into mission impact. This role involves tackling challenging, non-routine problems in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science within a collaborative and dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, evaluate, and improve technical approaches to challenging problems involving AI/ML, data science, and related technologies.
• Design and contribute to prototype software that gathers, processes, and analyzes data from diverse sources, including the open web, authoritative ontologies, and knowledge graphs.
• Research, explore, and develop innovative techniques and technologies in artificial intelligence.
• Assess the strengths, limitations, and tradeoffs of technical approaches and help teammates and sponsors understand how to adapt them to new problems.
• Communicate ideas, methods, and results clearly through papers, presentations, and discussions with technical staff, leadership, and government decision-makers.

Requirements

• BS or BA in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience applying AI/ML, natural language processing (NLP), statistical analysis, or related technical fields to real-world problems.
• Experience developing reliable software (Python preferred), with the ability to contribute to shared code bases using sound software-engineering practices.
• Comfort working from loosely defined or high-level requirements.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage priorities across multiple dynamic projects supporting evolving national security needs.
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical ideas to audiences with varied technical backgrounds.
• Hold an active TS/SCI level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Qualifications (Preferred)

• MS or PhD in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering field.
• Experience designing and developing AI/ML approaches for interdisciplinary problems.
• Experience architecting, implementing, and testing prototype software intended for sustained use by a team.
• Experience communicating technical findings and recommendations to sponsors, leadership, or other decision-makers.

About Us

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to critical defense, security, space, and science challenges. Our culture fosters a welcoming atmosphere where creativity, innovation, and personal growth are prioritized. Employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area.

Pay

Minimum Rate: $105,000 Annually
Maximum Rate: $290,000 Annually

The referenced pay range is based on APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training, and skill level, with consideration for internal parity. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation, including sign-on bonuses, relocation benefits, locality allowances, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

Benefits

• Comprehensive retirement plans
• Paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Flexible spending accounts
• Education assistance and training/development programs