Sr. Data Scientist

CNA Insurance

Full-time

Chicago, IL

Job description

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 Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division (JOID) provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

The Critical Infrastructure Group (CIG) within JOID provides technical, programmatic and analytical support to customers with missions in national security to include the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Group brings technical and operational expertise in fields of countering weapons of mass destruction, critical infrastructure protection, emergency response, nuclear non-proliferation, weapons deployment programs, and transportation safety. In addition to management and advisory services, CIG staff collaborate closely with our clients to provide high-quality modeling, simulation, software, and analytical products to meet the most demanding government standards and timelines.

We have an immediate need for a Data Analyst to provide onsite support at a government facility in Northern VA.

Responsibilities:

The candidate will play a critical role in extracting, structuring, cleansing, analyzing, and visualizing data from test events and operational demonstrations. In addition to traditional data analysis, the candidate will contribute significantly to the development, implementation, and refinement of test models—including analytical and statistical models used to evaluate system performance against defined test objectives. Will collaborate closely with test engineers, systems analysts, and government stakeholders to ensure that modeling and data analysis efforts support rigorous, evidence-based assessments of technology effectiveness and operational suitability. Extract and integrate data from structured test events, field trials, and operational demonstrations. Cleanse, transform, and manage data to prepare it for analysis and modeling. Conduct statistical and computational analysis to identify trends, variances, and performance metrics. Develop and apply test models to simulate, predict, or evaluate system performance under various conditions. Support design, validation, and refinement of test models in alignment with test objectives and evaluation frameworks. Build dashboards, visualizations, and reports to clearly communicate analysis and model results to technical and non-technical audiences. Collaborate with T&E teams to ensure models and data analysis align with system requirements and operational scenarios. Assist in the development of test plans, modeling strategies, data collection methodologies, and post-test reporting. Develop viewsheds and provide accurate waypoints for test execution. Contribute to performance assessments, recommendations, and lessons learned for acquisition and deployment decisions.

Qualifications:

Required:

Bachelor’s degree and 3+ years of experience.
Top Secret clearance and able to receive DHS Suitability and CBP Background Investigation.
Experience working with complex datasets from technical or operational environments.
Demonstrated experience developing or supporting analytical or statistical models for system performance evaluation.
Proficiency in data analysis and modeling tools such as Python, R, MATLAB, or similar platforms.
Understanding of statistical methods, performance metrics, and experimental design principles.
Ability to translate model outputs into actionable insights for decision-makers.
Self motivated, able to work independently and coordinate efforts with team mates as needed.
Able to work fully onsite based on client needs.

Desired:

TS/SCI and Active DHS Suitability or CBP Background Investigation.
Experience supporting DHS, DoD, or other Federal T&E or operational assessment efforts.
Familiarity with border security technologies such as surveillance systems, sensor arrays, unmanned platforms, or detection systems.
Experience with modeling and simulation techniques, geospatial or temporal modeling, or operations research methods.
Knowledge of test modeling frameworks, verification and validation techniques, and system evaluation criteria.

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