Overview
Skills
Job Details
Transportation Data Scientist
Location: McLean, VA (On-site )
Travel: Up to 10 20%
Clearance: Public Trust eligibility required
We are seeking a Transportation Data Scientist to work at the intersection of AI, data science, and intelligent systems. This role focuses on developing and deploying machine learning models to support real-world analytics, safety, and operational decision-making in complex, data-rich environments.
<>Role Overview</>You will lead data-driven research and applied AI initiatives, working with diverse datasets and stakeholders to design, evaluate, and deploy scalable AI/ML solutions. This position blends hands-on model development with stakeholder engagement and strategic planning for applied AI initiatives.
<>What You ll Do</>Conduct data exploration and literature reviews to identify relevant AI methods, datasets, and technologies
Prepare, clean, integrate, and fuse multi-source datasets (e.g., sensor data, imagery, time-series, external data feeds)
Design, develop, and deploy AI/ML models for classification, prediction, and anomaly detection use cases
Evaluate model performance across varying data quality and operational conditions
Develop synthetic data to support model training and validation when real-world data is limited
Communicate technical results through reports, briefings, and presentations for technical and non-technical audiences
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality, risk management, and alignment with project goals
Engage with external stakeholders to gather requirements, share insights, and identify new AI application opportunities
Contribute to planning efforts, proposals, and technical roadmaps for future AI initiatives
Bachelor s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, AI, Engineering, or a related field (Master s or PhD preferred)
5+ years of professional experience in data science and AI/ML
Strong hands-on experience with ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, Scikit-learn)
Proficiency with data processing tools such as Pandas and NumPy
Experience working with multimodal data (e.g., imagery, sensor, time-series data) and ETL pipelines
Strong understanding of model evaluation metrics and validation strategies
Experience collaborating with external partners or public-sector stakeholders
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced, research-oriented environment
Eligibility for a Public Trust clearance and authorization to work in the U.S.
Experience applying AI/ML in transportation, mobility, infrastructure, or safety domains
Experience designing and deploying AI systems for real-world operational use
Familiarity with simulation, synthetic data generation, or generative AI techniques
Knowledge of AI governance, risk management, or responsible AI principles
Experience leading or coordinating technical workstreams
Publications or conference presentations in applied AI or engineering domains