Senior Data Scientist

At Agile Defense we know that action defines the outcome and new challenges require new solutions. That’s why we always look to the future and embrace change with an unmovable spirit and the courage to build for what comes next.

Our vision is to bring adaptive innovation to support our nation's most important missions through the seamless integration of advanced technologies, elite minds, and unparalleled agility—leveraging a foundation of speed, flexibility, and ingenuity to strengthen and protect our nation’s vital interests.

Requisition #: 1282

Job Title: Senior Data Scientist

Job Title for Careers Page: Senior Data Scientist

Location: Crystal City, VA

Clearance Level: Active TS/SCI

SUMMARY

The candidate will design, develop, and implement scalable data pipelines and ETL processes using Apache Airflow, with a focus on data integration and AI applications. Responsibilities include developing messaging solutions with Kafka to support real-time streaming and event-driven architectures, building and maintaining high-performance data retrieval solutions using ElasticSearch/OpenSearch, and optimizing Python-based data processing solutions. The role involves integrating batch and streaming data techniques to enhance data availability, deploying and managing cloud-based infrastructure for scalable solutions, and ensuring compliance with security requirements when handling classified data. The candidate will work closely with cross-functional teams to define data strategies and develop technical solutions aligned with mission objectives.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, develop, and implement scalable data pipelines and ETL/ELT processes using Apache Airflow, integrating batch and streaming techniques to enhance data availability and accessibility.

• Develop and optimize Python-based data processing solutions, with strong programming skills in Python and proficiency in multiple scripting languages.

• Develop messaging solutions utilizing Kafka to support real-time data streaming and event-driven architectures, including microservices development.

• Build and maintain high-performance data retrieval and indexing solutions using ElasticSearch/OpenSearch, ensuring efficient data storage, retrieval, and processing.

• Deploy and manage cloud-based infrastructure and services (e.g., AWS, MinIO) to support scalable and resilient data solutions.

• Work closely with cross-functional teams to define data strategies, develop technical solutions aligned with mission objectives, and ensure adherence to security and compliance requirements for classified data.

Education, Background, and Years of Experience

• 7–10 years of relevant experience.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated experience with data wrangling, data visualization, and analytics, including use of SuperSet and GIS tools.

• Hands-on experience with containerization and orchestration tools such as Docker and Kubernetes.

• Experience in R, C++, Python, JS, Gephi, sklearn, SQL, and other analytical or visualization frameworks.

• Experience with natural language processing, machine learning, network analysis concepts, and vector databases or embedding models for AI applications.

• Understanding of LLM prompt engineering and associated ETL applications.

• Expertise in workflow orchestration, data pipeline automation, and database optimization techniques.

• Working knowledge of Linux environments and version control with Git.

• Exposure to Apache Spark for large-scale data processing.

• Preference for candidates with experience in data integration processes (ETL/ELT) and a strong understanding of modern data architectures supporting AI and analytics.

Employees of Agile Defense are our number one priority, and the importance we place on our culture here is fundamental. Our culture is alive and evolving, but it always stays true to its roots. Here, you are valued as a family member, and we believe that we can accomplish great things together. Agile Defense has been highly successful in the past few years due to our employees and the culture we create together.

What makes us Agile? We call it the 6Hs, the values that define our culture and guide everything we do. Together, these values infuse vibrancy, integrity, and a tireless work ethic into advancing the most important national security and critical civilian missions. It's how we show up every day. It's who we are.

We also believe in supporting our employees by offering a competitive and comprehensive benefits package. To explore the benefits we offer, please visit our website under the Careers section.

Happy-

Happiness multiplies and creates a positive and connected environment where motivation and satisfaction have an outsized effect on everything we do.

Helpful-

Being helpful is the foundation of teamwork, resulting in a supportive atmosphere where collaboration flourishes, and collective success is celebrated.

Honest-

Honesty serves as our compass, ensuring transparent communication and ethical conduct, essential to who we are and the complex domains we support.

Humble-

Success is not achieved alone, humility ensures a culture of mutual respect, encouraging open communication, and a willingness to learn from one another and take on any task.

Hungry-

Our hunger for excellence drives an insatiable appetite for innovation and continuous improvement, propelling us forward in the face of new and unprecedented challenges.

Hustle-

Hustle is reflected in our relentless work ethic, where we are each committed to going above and beyond to advance the mission and achieve success.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities