Data Scientist (Cleared) with Security Clearance

Description Please note: This role is contingent upon a contract award. While it is not an immediate opening, we are actively conducting interviews and extending offers in anticipation of the award. Overview We are seeking a Data Scientist to support federal government trade, analytics, and mission transformation priorities by designing and implementing data-driven solutions that turn complex data into actionable insights. This role will support mission and operational users by applying statistical analysis, complex data mining, artificial intelligence, machine learning, predictive analytics, data modeling, and visualization techniques across large and complex data environments. The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience developing analytical models, performing exploratory data analysis, building visualizations, and supporting advanced analytics projects from requirements through delivery. This role requires a data scientist who can work independently, collaborate with senior data scientists and multidisciplinary technical teams, and communicate analytical methods, findings, and recommendations clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders. Location This role will primarily support work in the Washington, DC Metro area, with work expected at or near the client site in Ashburn, VA as required by the contract. Telework may be permitted only with prior government approval. Security Requirement Must be a U.S. Citizen with a recent DHS Public Trust, DoD Secret, or DoD Top Secret clearance, and must be able to obtain and maintain a CBP background investigation or other required government suitability determination. What You Will Do * Apply statistical analysis, complex data mining, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced analytics techniques to support complex mission and operational questions * Design and implement data-driven solutions, including analytical models, data models, simulations, visualizations, and decision-support products * Transform raw data from multiple sources into concise, actionable insights for government stakeholders, analysts, and mission users * Develop descriptive and predictive analytics solutions to identify trends, anomalies, risks, and emerging patterns in large and complex datasets * Apply and validate data mining methods and machine learning models to support operational analysis, reporting, and data visualization * Support development of entity resolution, risk-based analysis, entity behavior over time, network analysis, cohort analysis, anomaly detection, and related analytical models * Conduct exploratory data analysis, feature engineering, statistical testing, model development, model evaluation, and documentation * Develop reports, dashboards, visualizations, and analytical summaries that communicate key findings, assumptions, limitations, and recommendations * Work with senior data scientists to evaluate stakeholder requirements, identify feasible analytical approaches, and develop model-based or data-driven solutions * Collaborate with data analysts, data engineers, data architects, application developers, UX/UI designers, and project managers to deliver end-to-end analytical capabilities * Support development of implementation roadmaps, data exploration results reports, model prototype and evaluation reports, final code-reviewed models, and final model analysis reports * Participate in Agile development activities, including sprint planning, backlog refinement, task estimation, demonstrations, and issue resolution * Maintain current knowledge of emerging tools and techniques in machine learning, statistical modeling, artificial intelligence, analytics, and data visualization * Support troubleshooting, quality reviews, model refinement, and operational testing of analytical products * Communicate analysis techniques, analytical concepts, model results, and products to audiences with varying levels of technical expertise What This Role Requires * U.S. Citizenship required due to federal contract requirements * Recent DHS Public Trust, DoD Secret, or DoD Top Secret clearance required * Ability to obtain and maintain a CBP background investigation or other required government suitability determination * Candidate must reside in the U.S. and be able to support onsite work in the Washington, DC Metro area, including Ashburn, VA, as needed * Six (6) years of relevant experience in applied research directed to machine learning, data science, applied mathematics, statistics, computer science, operations research, or another closely related quantitative or mathematical discipline * Advanced degree, such as a Master's, in Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Data Science, Computer Science, Operations Research, or another closely related quantitative or mathematical discipline Preferred Qualifications * Ability to apply different data models, including entity resolution, risk-based models, entity behavior over time, network analysis, cohort analysis, and other models according to business needs and requirements * Demonstrated ability to apply and validate data mining methods, machine learning models, and delivery of analytical results through reporting and/or data visualization * Ability to communicate analysis techniques, concepts, and products * Ability to develop data-driven solutions, data models, and visualizations * Experience supporting DHS, CBP, or other federal law enforcement, trade, revenue, regulatory, or mission operations environments * Experience developing analytical solutions for fraud detection, trade evasion, revenue protection, import safety, forced labor, intellectual property rights, supply chain risk, or other enforcement and compliance use cases * Experience working with high-volume structured and unstructured data from disparate sources, including transactional, entity, network, operational, or case management data * Experience with machine learning techniques such as classification, regression, clustering, anomaly detection, natural language processing, predictive modeling, graph analytics, and time-series analysis * Experience using Python, R, SQL, Spark, Databricks, AWS, or similar data science and cloud analytics tools * Experience with data preparation, feature engineering, data quality assessment, exploratory data analysis, statistical testing, and model evaluation * Experience building dashboards, visualizations, analytical reports, or self-service tools using Tableau, Power BI, QuickSight , or similar platforms * Experience developing analytical prototypes and supporting transition of successful prototypes into operational use * Experience documenting analytical methods, assumptions, model performance, limitations, testing results, and recommendations * Experience working in Agile, Scrum, SAFe , or similar iterative delivery environments * Experience working in secure, compliant federal IT or data environments * Certifications in cloud, data science, AI/ML, analytics, or related technologies Professional Skills * Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work through ambiguous data and mission questions * Strong communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts, analytical findings, model assumptions, and recommendations to non-technical stakeholders * Ability to translate stakeholder needs and operational questions into practical analytical approaches and data-driven products * Detail-oriented with a focus on analytical rigor, data quality, model validity, documentation, and reproducibility * Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work in an Agile environment * Collaborative and proactive with the ability to work effectively with senior data scientists, analysts, engineers, architects, developers, project managers, and end users * Self-motivated with the ability to work independently under little or no supervision * Mission-focused with a commitment to delivering actionable, reliable, and high-quality analytical solutions that improve government decision-making and operational outcomes Working at ICF ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we're not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future. We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer . Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email and we will be happy to assist . All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations. Read more about workplacediscriminationrigh t s or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act. Candidate AI Usage Policy At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted . This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process. However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance