Data Scientist

Systems Planning & Analysis
Dayton, Ohio, United StatesFull-timePosted Sep 16, 2026

About the role

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter . Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Space and Intelligence Division provides professional services to the US Space Force, Combatant Commands, Intelligence Community, and NASA. Our work includes enterprise architectural assessments, systems engineering and integration, test, planning and execution, cost estimating and analysis, acquisition support, and cybersecurity. We are trusted partners developing approaches and concepts to meet emerging high priority needs, assessing cutting-edge technologies, and supporting capabilities for our National Defense. Come join the fastest growing Division at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.

The Strategic Technology Analysis Group, part of SPA’s Space and Intelligence Division, offers sophisticated capabilities (people, process & tools) to resolve unique problems in space, cyber, and special operations in support to military services, Secretary of Defense offices (OSD) and theater warfighters. Our portfolio includes the Assistant Secretary of Air Force for Space Acquisition & Integration (SAF/SQ), Joint Warfare Analysis Center (JWAC), Space Security and Defense Program (SSDP), National Space Defense Center (NSDC), Space Warfighting Analysis Center (SWAC), Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO), US Space Command (USSPACECOM) and US Space Force (USSF). Come be a part of a high-speed low-drag organization providing unique and tailored solutions for our National Defense!

SPA has near-term need for a Data Scientist.

Responsibilities

The Data Scientist will support NASIC's modernization and advanced analytics mission by applying data science, data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML), and intelligent automation to complex mission datasets. This position will develop and implement data-driven workflows, conduct quantitative and exploratory analysis, and translate complex technical capabilities and analytic results into actionable recommendations for technical and non-technical stakeholders. The Data Scientist will collaborate with mission analysts, data engineers, systems engineers, software developers, and other stakeholders to advance analytic workflows across NASIC, DoD, and Intelligence Community environments.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

BS. citizenship and TS/SCI security clearance at time of application

Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline

8+ years of relevant experience in data science, data analytics, applied research, or a related technical field

Proficiency with Python, R, SQL, or comparable data-analysis and query technologies

Experience preparing, transforming, analyzing, and interpreting complex datasets

Experience conducting quantitative and exploratory data analysis and communicating findings and recommendations

Ability to translate complex technical and analytic concepts into actionable information for technical and non-technical stakeholders

Familiarity with data management, data quality, and reproducible analytic workflows

Ability to report to designated work location in Dayton, up to full time, based on the needs of the customer

Desired Qualifications

Experience developing, evaluating, integrating, or supporting AI/ML models and workflows

Experience with cloud-based data and analytics environments

Experience with data engineering, automated data-processing pipelines, or intelligent automation

Knowledge of data governance, enterprise data management, or data architecture

Experience working with DoD, Intelligence Community, NASIC, or other mission-oriented datasets and environments

Experience working in multidisciplinary teams involving data scientists, engineers, software developers, intelligence analysts, and mission stakeholders

Strong technical communication and presentation skills

Responsibilities

  • Support NASIC's modernization and advanced analytics mission
  • Apply data science, data analytics, AI/ML, and intelligent automation to complex mission datasets
  • Develop and implement data-driven workflows
  • Conduct quantitative and exploratory analysis
  • Translate complex technical capabilities and analytic results into actionable recommendations
  • Collaborate with mission analysts, data engineers, systems engineers, and software developers

Qualifications

  • BS. citizenship and TS/SCI security clearance at time of application
  • Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline
  • 8+ years of relevant experience in data science, data analytics, applied research, or a related technical field
  • Proficiency with Python, R, SQL, or comparable data-analysis and query technologies
  • Experience preparing, transforming, analyzing, and interpreting complex datasets
  • Ability to translate complex technical and analytic concepts into actionable information

Skills mentioned

PythonRSQLData AnalysisExploratory Data AnalysisStatistical AnalysisMachine LearningData EngineeringData PipelinesCloud Computing

About Systems Planning & Analysis

Systems Planning & Analysis (SPA) is a leading global provider of data-driven analytical insights for critical national security programs. We deliver timely, objective, and rigorous analysis, helping to solve our US and Allies' most challenging problems. Powered by a wide-ranging set of differentiated capabilities, SPA is known for deep expertise in operational and programmatic areas. We enable our best and brightest teams to focus on the issue at hand, amplifying their mission-centric experience with our suite of leading-edge software tools, which are designed to customize every solution we deliver. As a longtime trusted agent, SPA is known for Executing with Excellence. Our five-decade history of providing documented, exceptional quality is the foundation of the trust we establish with each client. Far from being a generic service provider, SPA is well known for innovative approaches that address each client’s unique needs with the expertise and attention they require. SPA's awards include GovCon Contractor of the Year in 2022, Washington Post Top Workplace consecutively since 2014, and Department of Labor HIRE Vets Gold Medallion for the past seven consecutive years. We are growing rapidly, proud to be the service provider, teaming partner, and employer of choice. Join us!

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