Data Science and Engineering Lead

Ogden, UT

Full Time

C4ISR Systems

Experienced

Job ID: 22543

The Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) C4ISR Systems Division is growing, and we are seeking an experienced Data Science and Engineering Lead to join our team. This critical role will be integrated with the Air Force team at Hill Air Force Base, where you will be responsible for directing the data strategy and leading the development of the data system architecture for a large program.

As the Data Science and Engineering Lead, you will coordinate closely with the Air Force's weapon system Architecture Lead and Chief Architect to oversee a team of professionals executing the data strategy. You will be a member of SDL's program leadership team, responsible for defining requirements and providing technical direction to our engineering support team. This will involve working on interesting proofs of concept and solving complex data science and engineering problem sets vital to the strategic defense of the United States and its allied partners.

In this embedded customer-facing position, you will represent SDL and serve as the primary liaison between our organization and the Air Force. You will leverage your technical expertise and collaborative skills to deliver effective solutions that impact national defense across space, air, land, and sea domains.

If you thrive on challenging problems, enjoy working as part of a team, and are passionate about developing novel solutions, we want you to be a part of our dynamic organization.

This position is based in Ogden, Utah.

At SDL, we take pride in and highly value our employees. SDL offers competitive salaries and fantastic benefits, including:

Flexible work schedules that fit your style--every Friday off, every other Friday off, hybrid remote work, or simply traditional hours
Generous paid leisure and sick leave, ensuring you never miss a special event
A 14.2% employer retirement contribution into a 401(a) account--no matching required!
Utah State University undergraduate tuition discounts of 50%, full reimbursement for graduate tuition, and free course audits for employees and dependents meeting eligibility requirements
High-quality, low-cost health, dental, and life insurance
A great, highly educated team that works together to solve some of the most fascinating problems on (and off) our planet
We are a growing company that maintains both a family feel and high retention rate with over 90% job satisfaction
Relocation assistance available for most positions

Key Responsibilities:

Serves as the Data Architecture and Analytics Team Lead on the Air Force Sentinel Program, leading a diverse team of government employees, government support contractors, and other stakeholders in developing, integrating, and implementing information-security-aware technical data solutions
Applies methodologies to identify, analyze, and synthesize data sources, demonstrating that key analytic capabilities are viable with a high degree of confidence
Provides leadership and technical guidance on data strategy, including oversight of architectural product development, internal guidance documentation, and planning/programming
Engages in engineering, concept planning, design, and development; oversees integration, evaluation, and auditing of data systems in a secure hybrid multi-cloud environment
Identifies and resolves highly complex technical problems related to data engineering, storage, management, and security
Possesses knowledge of applicable cybersecurity policies/principles, threats/vulnerabilities, and operational impacts of cybersecurity lapses
Leads technical reviews of contractor deliverables, ensuring adherence to requirements, governance, and guidance; assesses progress towards system goals and objectives; identifies risk areas and provides feedback to resolve challenges associated with architecting complex systems, including potential design changes during the Sentinel lifecycle
Monitors and evaluates team plans and activities, develops corrective action plans, establishes priorities, and demonstrates familiarity with risk management; assists in resolving issues encountered throughout the acquisition process
Provides guidance on data strategy and analytical methodologies; mentors team members to consider multiple system aspects and their impact on acquisition requirements and operations/sustainment approaches, including knowledge of cloud computing service models and hybrid on-premises/cloud architectures
Engages with extended and geographically dispersed stakeholders, including Subject Matter Experts from across the Sentinel Systems Directorate, Air Force Global Strike Command, supports contractors, and senior Department of Defense officials, to ensure Sentinel technical activities are successfully planned, coordinated, and executed

Education
Degree in data science, data analytics, computer science, or applicable engineering discipline

Experience and Qualifications:

U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and retain a DoD Top Secret security clearance is required
Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in engineering, data science, data engineering, or data analytics
Experience with "big data" topics, such as data modeling, digital threads/digital twins, data management, and analytical capability needs of large, complex acquisition programs; familiarity with the application of DoD Data Strategy elements is preferred
Ability to develop, promote, and oversee the implementation of data as an asset, as well as the establishment and enforcement of data-related strategies, policies, standards, processes, and governance
Strong technical skills to serve as a Senior Subject Matter Expert, capable of identifying technical gaps and deficiencies in contractor deliverables that will require attention for the next iteration
Leadership and mentoring skills to guide and develop team members across the program in pursuit of objectives and milestones
Depth of experience in integrating engineering efforts from multiple teams within an enterprise
Skills and abilities in at least 3 of the following areas:
- Systems engineering for DoD projects
- Data strategy and bid data solutions
- Cloud computing
- Software and hardware interface design
- C4I systems engineering, especially command and control
- Defensive cyber operations
- Nuclear deterrence
- Aerospace systems development
- Strategy development and alignment of strategy to operations
- Technical consulting/advisory services
- Designing, implementing, and operating high-availability systems

Preferred/Desired:

Knowledge of SysML (Systems Modeling Language)
Advanced degree in a relevant data science discipline (e.g., computer science, statistics, mathematics)
Experience working in an ACAT I program office (Acquisition Category I, the highest level of Department of Defense acquisition programs)
Active DoD Top Security clearance

SDL supports a variety of missions, including NASA's vision to reveal the unknown for the benefit of humankind and the Department of Defense's aim to protect our nation on the ground, in the air, and in space. Our sensors, satellites, software systems, and science and engineering play an essential role in some important missions you've heard of, and others that you haven't. Join our team in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.

For questions or assistance with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact employment@sdl.usu.edu.

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