New

Data Scientist

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.
United States, Virginia, Lorton
Apr 28, 2026
Overview 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 an upcoming need for a Data Scientist to provide onsite support out of SPA's Lorton, VA Facility (near Fort Belvoir). Responsibilities The candidate will support the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), Research and Development - Chemical Biological Department (RD-CB), Enabling Science (CBE) Division, Information Sciences Branch (CBEI). Will help monitor and guide research projects, bringing strong expertise in threat modeling and simulation, data handling, and software development. Support the management of technical projects focused on developing models, algorithms, and software tools that enhance understanding and decision-making in chemical and biological (CB) contested environments. Apply subject matter expertise to extract usable information from diverse data sources, inform decision-making, analyze information for technology trends, and assess the technical rigor of performer-developed algorithms, models, and capabilities. Prepare technical documentation and presentations that clearly articulate methodologies, assumptions, and findings from scientific investigations. Responsibilities will also include reviewing proposals, technical reports, experimental and theoretical approaches, and scientific studies to ensure technical validity and relevance, while assessing both current and emerging technologies. Collaborate closely with the Project Management team on acquisition and procurement activities, helping the Government ensure that assigned portfolios are impactful and aligned with program goals. Contribute to analyzing, developing, and presenting how efforts align with identified capability gaps, tracking and accelerating technology transitions, and supporting taskers for the assigned portfolio in accordance with the division's vision and mission. Apply strong experience analyzing, interpreting, and applying modeling tools, along with a solid understanding of DoD initiatives that seek to close knowledge gaps through foundational research, hazard modeling, and data/computer science in support of the warfighter. Stay current on emerging science and technology in relevant fields and demonstrate strong programmatic skills to trace capabilities to stakeholder requirements. Qualifications Required: BS in Data Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related technical field. 3+ years of experience in application of scientific principles for scientific research, analysis, and modeling involving data/software. Experience in the following areas: Analyzing and recommending approaches for making heterogeneous data sources broadly available for discoverability and access to support a wide consumer-base, analytic needs, and use by diverse applications, services, and systems. Aiding in optimizing the management of data across nodes and the performance of distribution, search, and retrieval. Executing analytical experiments and prototyping to help solve problems across various domains and industries. Identifying relevant data sources and sets to mine for client business needs, and collect large structured and unstructured datasets and variables. Ability to accomplish tasks with minimal supervision and a demonstrated proactive work approach, with a strong sense of accountability, work ethic, and punctuality. Self-starter, self-motivated, problem solver, with demonstrated critical and analytical thinking and multi-tasking skills. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Agility with computer software and Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, Skype). Active Secret Clearance. Broad understanding of DTRA and DTRA RD's mission and organization. Able to travel of 10-20% to support program goals and deliver reports or presentations. Desired: MS 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. Active TS/SCI clearance. Knowledge of/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.