The National Security Sector within Leidos is seeking a highly experienced and innovative Senior Data Scientist / Lead Data Analyst to join our mission-critical program supporting the Passenger Systems Program Directorate (PSPD) within Customs and Border Protection (CBP). PSPD supports the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and CBP critical missions, specifically screening and processing travelers at the ports of entry (POEs) into the United States.. This role is perfect for a data professional with a proven track record of transforming complex data into strategic, actionable insights and driving significant business impact. The ideal candidate will be adept at both deep analytical investigation and the development of robust data solutions, including advanced machine learning models, automated data pipelines, and intelligent AI agents. You will be instrumental in ensuring data quality, deriving predictive insights, and effectively communicating findings to a diverse range of stakeholders.
**This position REQUIRES the candidate to be in Ashburn, VA, twice a week**
Key Responsibilities:
Advanced Analytics & Insight Generation:
Lead the design and execution of complex statistical analysis for identify data anomalies.
Develop compelling data narratives and visualizations to communicate complex findings and actionable recommendations to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Machine Learning & Predictive Modeling:
Design, develop, and deploy predictive regression models (e.g., using TensorFlow) to identify key patterns and inform strategic decisions, such as identifying high-quality abuse reports or forecasting impacts.
Leverage MLOps techniques and CI/CD principles to build and manage end-to-end ML pipelines, ensuring model integrity and efficient deployment.
Explore and implement Generative AI and agentic workflows to enhance analytical capabilities and automate complex data tasks.
Data Engineering & Automation:
Engineer, optimize, and maintain robust data pipelines using advanced SQL and CI/CD principles to ensure data integrity, automate refreshes, and support downstream reporting and ML systems.
Develop and implement automated data quality agents (potentially leveraging Generative AI) to profile, clean, normalize, and continuously validate database schemas, ensuring high-integrity, well-documented data.
Design and deploy intelligent AI agents to automate manual data entry, calculation, and integration processes, significantly improving operational efficiency for data analysts.
Data Quality & Governance:
Spearhead initiatives to monitor, analyze, and improve data quality within the data warehouse, performing rigorous quality checks and case testing to reduce data errors.
Establish best practices for data governance, schema design (e.g., 3NF), and documentation to maintain a reliable and accessible data ecosystem.
Required Qualifications:
7+ years of progressive industry experience in Data Analytics, Data Science, or a related quantitative field, with a significant portion in a senior or lead capacity.
Master’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related quantitative field.
Must be able to maintain and obtain a CBP Background Investigation prior to start
Must be a US citizen
Expert proficiency in SQL for complex data manipulation, pipeline orchestration, and database management.
Advanced programming skills in Python (Pandas, NumPy) and experience with statistical programming in R.
Proven experience with machine learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow) and building predictive models.
Hands-on experience with MLOps principles and CI/CD pipelines for model deployment and data automation.
Demonstrated expertise in applying Generative AI and agentic workflows to solve real-world business problems.
Strong understanding and practical application of statistical methods, including A/B testing, Bayesian analysis, causal inference, and anomaly detection.
Experience with cloud platforms (e.g. AWS, GCP) for data storage, processing, and ML deployments.
Exceptional communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts and data insights into clear, actionable recommendations for diverse audiences.
Preferred Qualification:
Experience with NoSQL databases and API integration.
Proficiency with data intelligence and dashboarding tools (e.g., Databricks, Tableau, Power BI or similar internal tools)
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.