Data Scientist

About the role

Working at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory we foster pride in belonging to an organization whose culture is made up of these core values: Trust, Empowerment, and Collaboration. Our company promotes a positive culture while ensuring the safety and reliability of our nation's naval nuclear reactors, and training the Sailors who operate those reactors in the U.S. Navy's submarines and aircraft carrier Fleets. Looking for a lifetime career? Apply today!

Job Description

The Digital Strategic Development unit is seeking a highly motivated Data Scientist to join the Digital Strategic Development team. This team is responsible for leading the development and deployment of innovative solutions for existing and future instrumentation and control (I&C) systems on US Navy aircraft carriers and submarines. Specific areas of interest include incorporating artificial intelligence and machine learning, model-based engineering, and automation into existing processes.

The successful candidate will work with multi-disciplined teams to:

Partner with stakeholders to identify, scope, prioritize, and implement high-impact use cases for artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning tools to accelerate and improve development of I&C systems.

Collaborate on processes, guidelines, and polices for safe and effective use of LLMs in safety-critical hardware and software developments.

Analyze data sets to generate actionable insights for improving tools, processes, and systems.

Integrate AI/ML models into software applications and processes

Consult on AI/ML use case best practices and future needs

Prepare justifications, specifications, and plans to support project execution, including procurement activities

Develop and apply new analysis methods, technologies, and/or concepts

Provide technical leadership and assume the coordination responsibilities for assigned technical projects or programs

Provide leadership as a recognized data science expert in technical program areas and on standing technical committees

Required Combination Of Knowledge And Skill

Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in a related engineering or science field and a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience; or Masters degree from an accredited college or university in a related engineering or science field and a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience; or Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a related engineering or science field.

Preferred Skills

Programming experience in Python and/or C++

Experience developing on-premises, including experience with container building and orchestration using Docker/Kubernetes/OpenShift

Experience with agentic LLM frameworks and MCP servers for integrating AI agents.

Experience applying AI/ML capabilities to improve existing processes, weighing potential risks and mitigations

Experience building or maintaining CI/CD pipelines

Experience using, deploying, and maintaining large language models and other AI applications

Experience developing user interfaces for applications

Working knowledge of DevSecOps principles

Working knowledge of cybersecurity principles, with a preference to applying cybersecurity to AI/ML

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Strong attention to detail and organizational skills

Demonstrated cross organizational leadership experience

Experience with technical writing

Compensation And Benefits

Health, Dental, Vision & Voluntary Benefits

Disability, Life & Accident Insurance

401(k) Savings program & Capital Accumulation Plan

Personal & Medical Time Off

Paid Parental Leave

Flexible Work Schedules

Tuition Assistance for Eligible Employees

Student Debt Benefit Personal Time Off Sell Program

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Wellness Program

Visit us online to view all NNL benefits!

Pay Range

$95,700.00 - $149,600.00 annually

Salary information provided is a general guideline only. Annual salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is operated for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) by Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC (FMP), a wholly owned subsidiary of Fluor Corporation. Naval Nuclear Laboratory personnel are FMP employees who work at four DOE facilities: Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory, Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, Kenneth A. Kesselring Site, and Naval Reactors Facility, and at the U.S. Department of Defense-owned Nuclear Power Training Unit-Charleston. FMP employees also have an established presence at numerous shipyards and vendor locations. For nearly 70 years, the Naval Nuclear Laboratory has developed advanced nuclear propulsion technology, provided technical support, and trained world-class nuclear operators to ensure the safe and reliable operation of our nation's submarine and aircraft carrier Fleets. The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is a national asset solely dedicated to the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. We rely on the dedication and innovation of our nearly 8000 engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel.

All candidates must be U.S. citizens. Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. FMP is a government contractor and maintains a drug free workplace and workforce. All candidates must be able to pass a drug test in compliance with FMP company policy and 10 CFR 707. Marijuana is a Federal Schedule I controlled substance and illegal under Federal Law. Therefore, FMP is required to test for marijuana.

Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other criteria protected by federal, state, or local law.