Data Scientist

Job Title: Data Scientist (Junior)

Location: Patuxent River, MD

Time Type: Full-time

Clearance Requirement: DoD Active SECRET clearance is required, and must be eligible for TS/SCI

Employee Type: W2 or 1099

Citizenship: US Citizen, no Dual Citizenship

NexThreat is currently recruiting for a Data Scientist, Junior to support the Naval Air Warfare Center - Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) at Patuxent River Naval Air Station in Lexington Park, MD. The Data Scientist will develop analytics methodologies and processes to extract actionable insights from large, complex data sets to support naval aviation operations, platform readiness, and mission effectiveness. The role requires applying machine learning, statistical modeling, data cleansing, and automation to drive predictive and prescriptive analytics, with a strong emphasis on security, reliability, and interoperability within DoD/Navy standards. The candidate will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including cybersecurity, systems engineering, software development, and operations, to deliver data-driven solutions and operationalize analytics.

 

·Identify, design, and implement analytics methods and tools to extract knowledge from large data sets and support decision-making for fleet readiness and sustainment

·Prepare and preprocess data (data cleansing, normalization, integration from diverse sources) to enable robust modeling and analytics

·Develop and deploy predictive and prescriptive models (e.g., forecasting, anomaly detection, maintenance optimization) using appropriate ML/statistical techniques

·Automate data processing and analytics workflows through scripting and orchestration to improve efficiency and reproducibility

·Ensure data security and compliance with Navy/CMMC-like standards, including data handling, access controls, and auditing requirements

·Support transition and operationalization of analytics solutions, including training, handover packages, and knowledge transfer to operators and maintainers

·Maintain currency with technological advances in data science, AI/ML, cybersecurity, and Navy/government data practices

 

·Must have a bachelor’s degree in a technical or scientific field from an accredited college or university

·Less than 3 years of experience performing work related to the labor category functional description  

·DoD Active SECRET clearance is required, and must be eligible for TS/SCI

 

·One of the following certifications: CCNA Security, CySA+, GICSP, GSEC, Security+ CE, SSCP and an OS/CE Certification/Qualification Achieved

·Experience in working with DoD or U.S. Navy