Data Scientist Careers at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency

In an era defined by information, the ability to derive meaning from massive datasets is a cornerstone of national security. The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) is currently seeking talented Data Scientists to join their mission-driven team in Saint Louis, Missouri. This position is perfect for professionals who want to apply their analytical prowess to real-world defense challenges.

Job Responsibilities

As a Data Scientist, you will:

Translate complex defense problems into actionable data solutions.
Utilize advanced statistical modeling and artificial intelligence.
Process large, multi-structured datasets.
Create visualizations to support decision-makers.

Comparison: Standard vs. NGA Data Science Roles

Feature	Standard Private Sector	NGA Data Scientist
Mission Focus	Profit/Market Share	National Security
Clearance	Not required	Top Secret/SCI Required
Career Growth	Variable	Structured CAP Advancement

Requirements

Applicants must meet specific educational criteria, including a degree in a quantitative field (Mathematics, Data Science, Statistics, etc.) or a combination of education and experience. You must also be a U.S. citizen capable of passing rigorous security investigations.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a salary range of $51,740 to $90,597 per year. Beyond the base salary, employees benefit from the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS), which includes performance-based pay incentives and a clear pathway for promotion through the Career Advancement Program.

Application Tips

Use the NGA resume builder exclusively.
Keep your resume under two pages.
Clearly highlight your experience with programming languages like Python or R.

If you are ready to apply your technical skills to a mission that truly matters, the NGA offers a rewarding career path. Ensure you review the application guidelines carefully and submit your profile through the NGA portal.

Why This Data Scientist (Hiring Event) Job Matters

Transform massive datasets into actionable intelligence at the heart of our nation's defense mission.

Data Scientist (Hiring Event) Job Overview

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) is seeking talented Data Scientists to join their team in Saint Louis, Missouri. This role offers the opportunity to apply advanced statistical modeling, artificial intelligence, and machine learning techniques to complex geospatial challenges. You will work at the intersection of data science and national security, turning raw information into insights that drive mission success.

Requirements for Data Scientist (Hiring Event)

U.S. Citizenship
Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance with SCI access
Successful completion of a Counterintelligence Polygraph examination
Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, GIS, or a related field
Proven ability to clean, transform, and analyze large, complex datasets
Experience with statistical analysis techniques (classification, regression, etc.)
Knowledge of data visualization tools and methodologies
Must pass a drug screening and trial period

Preferred Qualifications for Data Scientist (Hiring Event)

Demonstrated experience in communicating complex technical findings to diverse audiences
Practical experience working with Big Data environments
Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, Java, or SQL
Experience in technical writing for professional or mission documentation

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Performance-based pay increases and bonuses
✓Career Advancement Program (CAP) with promotion potential
✓Access to comprehensive federal health, retirement, and insurance programs
✓Mission-driven work environment with high-impact responsibilities

💡 How to Apply Data Scientist (Hiring Event) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Data Scientist (Hiring Event) Job

Visit the NGA Careers Portal to begin your application
Utilize the mandatory NGA resume builder (maximum 2 pages)
Submit all required documentation by the closing date
Monitor your status through the NGA online application tracking system

💡 General Tips

Use the NGA resume builder specifically; do not rely solely on general resume templates.
Quantify your results; provide clear examples of how your data work impacted a project or mission.
Although a cover letter is optional, it is highly recommended to provide context for your technical experience.
Review your application for the 1560 series requirements to ensure you meet the necessary credit hour thresholds.
Submit well before the deadline to account for potential technical issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Career Advancement Program (CAP)?

The CAP is a structured program for Pay Band 2 positions that provides semi-annual performance evaluations, potential salary increases, and a non-competitive path to promotion to Pay Band 3.

Is a security clearance required to apply?

Yes, you must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance with SCI access, which includes polygraph and periodic background examinations.

Job from National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency

The NGA is a vital member of the United States Intelligence Community. Its mission is to provide world-class geospatial intelligence—the exploitation and analysis of imagery and geospatial information—to describe, assess, and visually depict physical features and geographically referenced activities on Earth.