Summary Data Scientists develop and apply methods to identify, collect, process, and analyze large volumes of data to build and enhance products and services. They apply advanced mathematical, statistical, and scientific techniques and principles (e.g., probabilistic modeling, machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing) to examine complex problems and create insights from data. They in Responsibilities This Job Announcement will be used to build a pool of qualified applicants for a hiring event taking place on 28 February 2026 thru 1 March 2026. The NGA USSPACECOM Data Scientist plays an integral role in supporting the organization's analytic efforts to address Space Command Priority Intelligence Requirements and national level key intelligence questions. They will develop and apply quantitative analytic techniques to derive new insights from the structured GEOINT data, leverage their programming knowledge to automate workflows, and create custom visualizations that maximize understanding for senior audiences. The work requires regular collaboration with analysts and data professionals across the NGA, intelligence community, and Space Command communities. Occasional travel for training, conferences, and site visits is available to support professional development and mission accomplishment. This position will move to NGA USSPACECOM in Huntsville, AL within the next five years in a staggered approach. Conversion to Permanent status is contingent on employee to move to NGA Huntsville and SME recommendation. This Job Announcement will be used to build a pool of qualified applicants for a hiring event taking place on 28 February 2026 thru 1 March 2026. This is a two (2) year TERM appointment within NGA that may be extended; not to exceed 8 years and is not guaranteed. Applicants will be rated and ranked by an agency Qualifications Review Board using only the information submitted for consideration. A Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) term employee may be eligible for non-competitive conversion to a permanent DCIPS permanent appointment at the same pay band and similar or same work role for which initially hired. The term employee must have a "successful or better" overall rating on the most recent performance evaluation to be eligible for conversion. Requirements Conditions of Employment Security Investigation SPECIAL INFO: As a condition of employment at NGA, persons being considered for employment must meet NGA fitness for employment standards. - U.S. Citizenship - Security Clearance - Top Secret /Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) - Polygraph & Drug Test - Direct Deposit - Trial Period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. We may consider: performance conduct; needs and interests of the agency; and whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government and the efficiency of the Federal service SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: You must be able to obtain and retain a Top Secret security clearance with access to SCI. In addition, you are subject to a Counterintelligence Polygraph examination in order to maintain access to Top Secret information. All employees are subject to a periodic examination on a random basis in order to determine continued eligibility. Refusal to take the examination may result in denial of access to Top Secret information, SAP, or unescorted access to SCIFs. Employees with SCI access and who are under NGA cognizance are required to submit a Security Financial Disclosure Report, SF-714, on an annual basis in order to determine continued eligibility. Failure to comply may negatively impact continued access to Top Secret information, Information Systems, SAP, or unescorted access to SCIFs. NGA utilizes all processes and procedures of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). Non-executive NGA employees are assigned to five distinct pay bands based on the @type and scope of work performed. The employee's base salary is established within their assigned pay band based on their unique qualifications. A performance pay process is conducted each year to determine a potential base pay salary increase and/or bonus. An employee's annual performance evaluation is a key factor in the performance pay process. This position is a DCIPS position in the Excepted Service under 10 U.S.C. 1601. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to preference eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are an external applicant claiming veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you must self-identify your eligibility. Qualifications MANDATORY QUALIFICATION CRITERIA: For this particular job, applicants must meet all competencies reflected under the Mandatory Qualification Criteria to include education (if required). Online resumes must demonstrate qualification by providing specific examples and associated results, in response to the announcement's mandatory criteria specified in this vacancy announcement: 1.Demonstrated experience manipulating data using a programing language such as: Python, R, SQL, or similar. 2. Demonstrated experience utilizing structured or unstructured data for exploratory data analysis, classification, regression and/or other @types of statistical analysis. 3. Demonstrated experience using data visualization (e.g., scripts, algorithms, predictive models, etc.) for exploratory comparative analysis utilizing visualization tools such as Tableau, ArcGIS Pro, or Python/R visualization packages. EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: A. Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Mathematics, Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Geographic Information Science, Information Science, Informatics and Computing, or a related field that provided at least 6 semester hours in statistics and 9 additional semester hours in scientific or technical coursework such as engineering, medicine, physical, biological, or social sciences. Credit toward meeting statistical course requirements should be given for courses in which 50 percent of the course content appears to be statistical methods, e.g., courses that included studies in research methods in psychology or economics such as tests and measurements or business cycles, or courses in methods of processing mass statistical data such as tabulating methods or electronic data processing. -OR- B. Combination of Education and Experience: A minimum of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of courses equivalent to a major field of study in any area listed in Option A plus experience that included programming for data science (e.g., Python, R) and a full range of professional statistical work such as: (a) intermediate and/or advanced statistics, (b) linear, semi-linear, and/or non-linear models, (c) working with a range of data @types and statistical methods, or (d) data visualization capabilities. As a rule, every 30 semester (45 quarter) hours of coursework is equivalent to one year of experience. Candidates should show that their combination of education and experience totals 4 years. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATION CRITERIA: In addition to the mandatory qualifications, experience in the following is desired: 1. Experience solving strategic challenges and implementing solutions. 2. Ability to communicate technical methods and solutions to non-technical audiences verbally or in writing. 3. Experience collaborating with experts in other fields to analyze and respond to customer requirements Education Additional Information
