Data Scientist

This position is located in the Air Traffic Organization, Safety Service Unit, Policy & Performance Directorate (AJI-3). This Directorate collects safety data, tracks and monitors safety performance, analyzes risk for emerging trends, and evaluates emerging entrants, such as commercial space operations and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), for safe integration into the NAS.

The Data Scientist applies advanced knowledge of computer science, mathematical and statistical theories, techniques and methods to gather and analyze data and disseminate the results. Conducts regression and statistical analysis to track and monitor safety performance in the National Airspace System (NAS). Performs multiple, varying, and complex assignments under the limited direction of a project/program manager, team leader, or more experienced technical specialist. This work typically supports and is vital to the success of a variety of projects that significantly impact the NAS and the accomplishment of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) strategic objectives. As a contributing specialist on large work activities, the Data Scientist identifies the methods, processes, algorithms, tools, and systems to extract and interpret findings from varied structured and unstructured data sets related to the data science lifecycle. Applies experience and advanced technical knowledge of data analytics, governance and visualization to accomplish assignments and to develop plans and techniques to improve programs and policies. Uses a combination of computational and machine learning methods to develop machine learning models. Evaluates model performance and selection through use of advanced programming languages such as R or Python. Extracts data without preset specifications. Designs computational algorithms and statistical methods to find patterns and relationships in large volumes of data. The Data Scientist applies statistical methods and machine learning techniques to perform statistical modeling, such as regression, classification, and anomaly detection to analyze various datasets from the aviation industry, which includes air navigation service providers, commercial air transportation service providers, general aviation, airports, and aviation support industries. Organizes and interprets data to inform decision makers. Using knowledge of the aviation industry and public and private sector entities that operate within the NAS, the Data Scientist analyzes occurrence and event data, electronically gathered data (such as radar), and voluntarily reported information. Identifies risks in the NAS through the use of data sets, such as voice data, track data, incident/accident data, maps, etc. Designs computational algorithms and statistical methods to find patterns and relationships in large volumes of data. Performs quantitative analysis to evaluate safety risks. Contacts are internal and external to AJI and include representatives from other ATO Service Units, FAA Lines of Business, and members of the aviation industry. The Data Scientist may act as a key technical point of contact for assigned activities. Contributes to the preparation of management/technical reports or contractual documents, and may communicate the overall results of a project or work activity to FAA management, the aviation and aerospace industries, and other external parties. Although established policies and objectives provide general guidance for addressing issues, the Data Scientist is allowed considerable discretion to select the most appropriate approach or to recommend new approaches. Provides guidance to lower-level technical staff on how to solve difficult technical issues. Resolves all but unique technical problems without the intervention of management or a more experienced technical specialist. Identifies and informs management of problems that require their attention. Often develops and recommends techniques to address problem situations. Work is reviewed periodically, typically at major milestones and at completion, for technical compliance and alignment with the requirements of the project or other work activity.