Data Scientist SME

Leidos National Security Sector combines technology-enabled services and mission software capabilities in the areas of cyber, logistics, security operations, and decision analytics to support our defense and intel customers' mission to defend against evolving threats around the world. Our team's focus is to ensure our customers have the right tools, technologies, and tactics to keep pace with an ever-evolving security landscape and succeed in their pursuit to protect people and critical assets.

The Intelligence Production Solutions Division (IPSD), part of the Decision Advantage Solutions Business Area, is seeking a Data Scientist Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the Chinook program. In this highly specialized role, you will lead complex, mission-critical projects that leverage advanced data science techniques, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to address key intelligence challenges. As a SME, you will apply deep expertise in data science and geospatial analytics to help solve high-stakes problems related to national security, defense, and geospatial intelligence.

This role requires both a strategic and hands-on approach, providing subject matter leadership and guidance to teams while working closely with customer stakeholders and mission experts. If you are an experienced data scientist with expertise in geospatial intelligence (GEOINT), machine learning, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), we want you to be part of our growing team!

Position may be performed in the following locations below. Please note Gaithersburg, MD is the primary work location for the program.

• Gaithersburg, MD
• Alexandria, VA
• Chantilly, VA
• Aurora, CO
• St. Louis, MO

Clearance Level Required:

Top Secret with the ability to obtain SCI, as well as a Polygraph.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Serve as the technical SME in data science and geospatial analytics, providing high-level guidance on complex technical problems related to the GEOINT mission.
• Lead the design and development of sophisticated data science models and machine learning algorithms to analyze large, multi-source geospatial data sets (e.g., satellite imagery, sensor data, geospatial databases).
• Apply deep knowledge of GEOINT, remote sensing, and spatial analysis to develop and implement solutions that enhance data-driven decision-making capabilities.
• Provide strategic recommendations for leveraging new and emerging technologies, including machine learning, AI, and cloud platforms, to improve analytical workflows, efficiency, and mission outcomes.
• Mentor and train junior data scientists and analysts, ensuring the application of best practices in data science and the development of mission-relevant expertise.
• Work closely with GEOINT analysts, program managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to identify critical requirements, define technical approaches, and ensure that solutions align with mission objectives.
• Conduct applied research to explore innovative data science techniques and emerging trends (e.g., deep learning, reinforcement learning, advanced geospatial algorithms) that can be applied to solve real-world intelligence problems.
• Oversee the deployment and operationalization of data science models, ensuring they are scalable, reliable, and deliver actionable insights to GEOINT decision-makers.
• Maintain high-quality documentation for models, methodologies, and analysis processes to support reproducibility, training, and knowledge transfer.

Basic Qualifications:

• ship is required per contract.
• Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Geospatial Science or related field and 12-15 years of prior relevant experience or Master's with 10-13 years of prior relevant experience. May possess a Doctorate in technical domain.
• 10+ years of professional experience in data science.
• 5+ years of experience with GEOINT or geospatial data analysis.
• Proven expertise in developing and implementing machine learning and AI models, particularly in context of geospatial or remote sensing.
• Deep knowledge of geospatial analytics tools (e.g., GIS, ArcGIS), remote sensing techniques, and the application of data science in the IC.
• Expert proficiency in Python (or similar languages) and experience with data science libraries (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Pandas, NumPy).
• Strong experience with big data processing tools (e.g., Spark, Hadoop, AWS or Azure cloud platforms).
• Expertise in working with geospatial data formats (e.g., GeoTIFF, Shapefiles, WMS, WFS) and spatial libraries (e.g., GeoPandas, Rasterio, GDAL).
• Advance experience in developing and operationalizing AI/ML models and algorithms for geospatial data (e.g., object detection from satellite imagery, spatial clustering, predictive analytics).
• Strong background in data visualization and reporting tools (e.g., Tableau, PowerBI).
• Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills, with the ability to work directly with senior government officials, analysts, and technical teams.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with a demonstrated ability to translate technical challenges into actionable insights.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced certifications in data science or machine learning.
• Familiarity with the customer mission and specific geospatial intelligence challenges.
• Expertise in advanced deep learning techniques, particularly in computer vision and image analysis for geospatial applications.
• Experience with cloud-native applications and distributed computing in a geospatial context.
• Familiarity with satellite data analysis, and remoting sensing models.
• Published research or technical papers in geospatial intelligence, machine learning, or data science.

#Chinook

At Leidos, we don't want someone who "fits the mold"-we want someone who melts it down and builds something better. This is a role for the restless, the over-caffeinated, the ones who ask, "what's next?" before the dust settles on "what's now."

If you're already scheming step 20 while everyone else is still debating step 2... good. You'll fit right in.

Original Posting:
January 13, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:
Pay Range $131,300.00 - $237,350.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.