Data Scientist

The primary role of the Data Scientist is to drive mission-focused insights from complex datasets. This role involves managing, modeling, and interpreting large-scale government data holdings to support decision-making and operational success. You will combine expertise in mathematics, statistics, computer science, and domain-specific knowledge to deliver actionable conclusions and communicate them effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Position Responsibilities

• Build and assess analytic models tailored to mission-specific needs

• Communicate principal conclusions clearly, using mathematics, statistics, and computer science methods

• Develop reproducible workflows and ensure data integrity

• Develop qualitative and quantitative methods for exploring and assessing datasets in varying states of organization and cleanliness.

• Organize, clean, and curate large datasets for analysis

• Present complex technical findings in a way that is accessible to technical and non-technical stakeholders

• Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Applied Statistics, Machine Learning, Data Science, Computer Science or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Minimum 3+ years’ relevant work experience.

• Experience with software development working with Python in a Unix environment.

• Experience using the Unix command line.

• Practical knowledge in Python Machine Learning and Data Visualization

• Practical knowledge in Data ETL such as working with: Data loading from SQL, CSV, JSON, Excel, etc., Pandas and PySpark

• Proficiency in statistical packages using any of the following: Python, R, STATA, SPSS, etc.

• An active TS/SCI with polygraph

Additional Requirements

• Experience using the Atlassian Tool Suite.

• Experience with development of any of the following; Hadoop, Pig, MapReduce, or HDFS

• Working knowledge with other object-oriented programming languages such as Java or C++ Working knowledge with Front-end data visualization libraries (i.e., D3.js; Raphael.js, etc.)

Salary Range: $107,000 to $212,000

The AV pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Determination of official compensation or salary relies on several factors including, but not limited to, level of position, job responsibilities, geographic location, scope of relevant work experience, educational background, certifications, contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements, alignment with local internal equity as well as alignment with market data.

This is a pipeline requisition posted in advance of approved headcount for future hiring needs.

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty - and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition., We don’t just build defense technology-we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.

Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian-but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next.

If you’re ready to build technology that matters-with speed, scale, and purpose-there’s no better place to do it than AV.

Careers at AeroVironment (https://www.avinc.com/careers/our-team)