Lead Data Scientist

Why choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That''s because MITRE people are committed to tackling our nation''s toughest challenges-and we''re committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. MITRE is different from most technology companies. We are a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do. The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We''re making a difference every day-working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities for career growth, and a culture of innovation that embraces adaptability, collaboration, technical excellence, and people in partnership. If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE - and make a difference with us.

Department Summary:

MITRE Technology and Engineering (MTE) is seeking a Lead Data Scientist in the Trusted Intelligence & Public Safety Software Systems (TIPSS) Department to deliver, operate, and engage with the Field Services Department within the Domestic Security & Strategic Intelligence Division (DSSI).

The Field Services Department delivers innovative solutions and brings a multidisciplinary approach to Sponsor challenges that are critical to national security. The Department's work researches, develops, applies, and accelerates adoption of advanced capabilities and technologies in the following areas:

• Law enforcement
• Analytics
• Data strategy & management
• Investigative operations
• Prototyping
• Biometrics
• Mission solutions

Position Summary:

The TIPSS and Field Services departments are seeking a lead data scientist to execute test plans, conduct technical analysis, document and automate testing and evaluation pipelines, and write/maintain/present results and recommendations on behalf of a dynamic and trusted research partner within the Field Services work program supporting the Department of Justice (DOJ) in the Domestic Security & Strategic Intelligence (DSSI) Division. This position will work hand-in-hand with the Project Lead, Technical Leads, and Technical Staff to conduct cradle-to-grave testing and evaluation, including software development and execution of test plans.

The supporting project is tasked with operating at the intersection of identity management, biometrics, and artificial intelligence, helping advise and develop novel solutions for urgent and long-term needs. Our independence and technical capability have led to MITRE playing a unique role to help ground and validate system performance, develop novel capabilities, and help drive a strategic partnership with influence alongside our DOJ Sponsor.

The primary responsibilities of this position must be carried out, at least four days a week in person in Clarksburg, WV at MITRE and/or Sponsor site. The selected candidate will establish an intermittent presence at sponsor sites and MITRE locations where staff support those organizations and must be available to travel to these locations on short notice.

Roles & Responsibilities:

Core responsibilities include:

• Develop and enhance existing command line tools and environment for optimal testing and results analysis methods.
• Execute stages of test plans to include the hands-on operation of command line tools and aggregation of results.
• Troubleshoot and debug open-source, academic research, and commercial software.
• Write and maintain documentation of results and recommendations.
• Present results in a data-driven manner that resonate with operationally focused Sponsors to convey impact and direction of their mission and investment decisions.
• Serve as a first-line technical lead for junior staff on data analytics and rapid prototyping efforts, giving direction, guidance, and ensuring alignment with overall project outcomes.
• Maintain awareness of research efforts from across MITRE including internal innovation programs to benefit project efforts and provide impact to the DOJ Sponsor.
• Ensure technical quality, accuracy, and timeliness of products and recommendations for technical evaluations, including executing and participating in appropriate peer reviews.
• Interact with Sponsor leadership, government task managers, and individual government personnel.

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum of 4 years of technical/task/project leadership experience.
• Ability to obtain accounts on sponsor's unclassified and classified networks
• Minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 6 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with 3 years' experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a comparable technical field (advanced degree + relevant experience preferred)
• Support key DOJ program and sponsor engagements including on-site presence up to a weekly cadence for coordination meetings
• Effective organizational skills and discipline to keep the project well-scoped and the team driven to accomplish specific project objectives
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills; able to effectively engage with both sponsor and internal audiences at all levels
• Must have an active Top Secret U.S Government issued Security Clearance. Per the U.S. Government's eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a security clearance.
• On-site work requirement: 4-days per week on-site between MITRE's Clarksburg, WV campus and sponsor site with readiness for flexible travel as needed

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with biometric systems development and evaluation
• Experience with identity matching, name matching, and human-language technology tools
• Experience with statistical assessments that validate national security standards
• Proven ability to develop a trusted advisor relationship with a DOJ/government sponsor
• Graduate degree in national security, engineering, computer science, physical sciences, mathematics, or a related field

This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):

Top Secret

This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):

Top Secret

Salary compensation range and midpoint:

$155,200 - $194,000 - $232,800 Annual

Work Location Type:

Onsite

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.

MITRE intends to maintain a website that is fully accessible to all individuals. If you are unable to search or apply for jobs and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of MITRE's employment process, please email recruitinghelp@mitre.org for general support and collegerecruiting@mitre.org for intern positions. This service is for individuals requiring reasonable accommodation requests. Please note that vendor solicitations will not receive a reply.

Benefits information may be found here.

Copyright 1997-2026, The MITRE Corporation. All rights reserved. MITRE is a registered trademark of The MITRE Corporation. Material on this site may be copied and distributed with permission only.