Data Scientist

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division (JOID) provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

JOID assists the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) in developing leading edge technologies to counter WMD in support of Combatant Commands (CCMDs) and transitioning these technologies to military services CCMDs. SPA provides expertise across the full range of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosives (CBRNE) WMD, Counter Improvised Threat and Countering Threat Network technologies to support understanding, detection, identification, characterization, denial, control, disabling, defeating, disposing, safeguarding the force, managing consequences, and test and evaluation in support of military and civilian operations.

We have a near-term need for a Data Scientist to provide onsite support out of SPA's Lorton, VA facility (near Fort Belvoir).

The Technical Subject Matter Expert (SME) will support the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), Research and Development-Chemical Biological Department (RD-CB), Enabling Science (CBE) Division. The candidate will assist in monitoring research projects and apply a solid understanding of threat modeling and simulation tools, data handling, and software development. Support the management of technical projects that focus on the development of models, algorithms, and software assets aimed at improving the understanding of decisions in CB-contested environments. Apply subject matter knowledge to extract usable information from various sources to aid in decision-making, analyze information for technology trends, and advise on the technical soundness of performer-developed algorithms, models, and capabilities. Prepare technical documentation and presentations to explain the methodologies, associated assumptions, and conclusions derived from scientific investigations. Responsibilities also include reviewing proposals, technical reports, experimental or theoretical techniques, and scientific studies to ensure technical validity while evaluating current and future technologies. Collaborate with the Project Management team on acquisition and procurement tasks while assisting the Government with ensuring assigned portfolios are valuable and aligned to program goals. Contribute to analyzing, developing, and presenting strategic alignments to capability gaps, tracking and advancing transitions, and assisting with taskers for the assigned portfolio in line with the Division's vision and mission. Apply strong expertise in analyzing, interpreting, and applying modeling tools and an understanding of DoD initiatives aimed at closing knowledge gaps by supporting foundational research, hazard modeling, and data/computer science to support the warfighter. Stay abreast of current novel science and technology (S&T) in the field while exhibiting programmatic skills to trace capabilities to stakeholder requirements.

This position has an anticipated start date of 16 January 2026 and is for in-person work out of SPA's Lorton, VA facility or nearby DTRA HQ a minimum of 3 days per week with additional days required depending on Government customer needs.

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related technical field
• 3+ years of experience in the application of scientific principles for scientific research, analysis, and modeling involving data/software
• Broad understanding of DTRA and DTRA RD's mission and organization
• Self-starter with the ability to accomplish tasks with minimal supervision and demonstrated proactive work approach, with a strong sense of accountability, work ethic, and punctuality
• Ability to work in-office a minimum of 3 days per week
• Demonstrated critical and analytical thinking and excellent written and oral communication skills
• Active DoD Secret Clearance with the ability to obtain TS/SCI

Desired:

• Master's degree in a STEM or related field and 5 years of related experience in that field
• Experience within or working with the CBDP enterprise (JPEO, JSTO, JRO, National Labs, DoD Service Labs, DHS, DARPA, BARDA)
• An understanding of database management, data trends analysis, data structures, databases, and data warehousing
• Experience working with national strategy and doctrine development or implementation
• Knowledge of or experience in Federal/DoD acquisition
• Experience with AR/VR/XR and TAK products
• Experience analyzing data to produce reports and improve processes for U.S. Military Projects
• Active DoD TS/SCI Clearance