Data Scientist - GEOINT Data Architecture & Operational Pipelines (NGA)

We are seeking a highly skilled Data Scientist to support advanced GEOINT and emerging sensor initiatives for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA).

This role is focused on:

• Operational data architecture
• ETL and API-driven workflows
• Cross-domain data movement
• Cloud-based data engineering
• Geospatial and sensor data standardization

You will help build and maintain the data infrastructure that enables secure, scalable, and mission-critical intelligence operations., The Data Scientist will support the maintenance and implementation of enterprise data architecture supporting:

• Emerging sensors and platforms
• Multi-source GEOINT data operations
• Secure data movement across systems and security domains

This role requires hands-on expertise with:

• Databases and cloud architectures
• API integrations
• ETL/data pipelines
• Operational workflow automation
• Data transformation and standardization, + Sensor ingestion workflows
• Cross-platform integrations
• Support ETL workflows for emergent sensor data

Data ArchitectureCloud Integration

• Build and maintain: *

• Database schemas
• Cloud-based architectures
• Data movement workflows

• Support secure movement of data across: *

• Systems
• Security domains
• APIs

APIWorkflow Development

• Develop API-based workflows for: *

• Data ingestion
• Data transfer
• Operational integration
• Integrate sensor data into existing enterprise data pipelines

Data StandardizationTransformation

• Assess metadata, schema, and format differences across datasets

• Pre-process and standardize sensor data for: *

• Labeling
• Analytics
• Model testing
• Operational exploitation

This may include:

• Data transformation
• File conversion
• Orthorectification
• Geospatial tiling/chipping

Data MonitoringGovernance

• Implement: *

• Data health alerts
• Pipeline monitoring
• Governance controls

• Ensure compliance with: *

• Government data standards
• Schema requirements
• Security policies

CollaborationTechnical Communication

• Collaborate with: *

• Engineers
• Analysts
• Government stakeholders
• Communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences

What Will NOT Be a Fit

• Pure academic data scientists without operational experience
• BI/reporting-only candidates
• Software engineers without data pipeline expertise
• Candidates lacking cloud or ETL experience

What Success Looks Like

• Reliable and scalable operational data pipelines
• Successful integration of emergent sensor data
• Secure movement of data across domains
• Standardized, high-quality datasets supporting analytics and exploitation
• Strong collaboration across NGA technical teams, This is an opportunity to work at the forefront of:
• GEOINT data engineering
• Emerging sensor integration
• Operational data architecture
• Secure intelligence data workflows

Do you have experience in Workflow management (operations management method)?, * Technically strong

• Operationally minded

…with the ability to support mission-critical intelligence workflows in highly secure environments.

Required Qualifications

Experience

• 4+ years experience working with: *

• SQL or NoSQL databases
• Cloud architectures
• Operational data workflows, + APIs
• ETL pipelines
• Data integration workflows

• Strong experience with: *

• Python
• JavaScript
• Java

Data EngineeringOperations

• Experience developing and sustaining: *

• Operational data pipelines
• Multi-format data workflows
• Backend processing systems

Communication

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to explain complex technical concepts to: *

• Engineers
• Analysts
• Government stakeholders

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with: *

• NGA CORE
• NGA MLOps
• Government ATO processes
• NPE certificates

• Familiarity with: *

• Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe)
• Enterprise DevSecOps environments

• Experience creating: *

• Dynamic visualizations
• Pipeline monitoring dashboards
• Operational metrics reporting

Core Competencies

• Data engineering and architecture mindset
• Strong analytical problem solving
• Secure systems thinking
• Operational workflow optimization
• Collaboration across technical disciplines, * Cloud and API integration knowledge
• ETL and operational workflow experience
• Strong technical communication skills

Pulled from the full job description

• Tuition reimbursement
• Health insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance, * Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development and training
• Employee wellness programs
• Commuter benefits