Data Scientist

Application Deadline: 21 January 2026

Department: Data Analysis and Technology Services

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Chantilly, VA

Description

REQUIRED:  Active TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph
LOCATION:  Full-time, onsite in Chantilly, VA

We’re looking for a Data Scientist with solid hands‑on experience in Python and modern machine‑learning frameworks to support high‑impact analytical and AI‑driven projects. The ideal candidate brings working knowledge of PyTorch, familiarity with REST APIs, a strong statistics foundation, and at least a basic grasp of NLP concepts. If you thrive at turning data into intelligent, scalable solutions and enjoy working across both modeling and lightweight application layers, this role offers the chance to make meaningful contributions from day one. 

With a competitive salary and industry-leading benefits, Ardent Principles offers more than just a job - we offer a career path filled with growth and opportunities. Join us and let's shape the future together!
Who We Are:  We offer advanced services in data science, data engineering, software engineering, AI solutions, cybersecurity, staff augmentation, and IT program management.

Passionate Integrity, Driven by Excellence
"Ardent Principles" signifies our unwavering commitment to excellence, driven by a profound passion and a strict adherence to ethical values. We believe that happy employees make for happy clients. Our mission is to act as a bridge between satisfied clients and fulfilled employees, ensuring that your job and well-being are our top priorities because your satisfaction leads to the success of our clients.

Key Responsibilities

In this challenging yet rewarding role, you are an integral part of what brings our Company's mission to life.  You must have the following required skills, certifications and demonstrated experience in and/or with:

• Python, Javascript, and R.
• Employing machine learning and deep learning modules such as Pandas, Scikit, Tensorflow, Pytorch.
• Statistical inference, as well as building and understanding predictive models, using machine learning methods.
• Working with large-scale text analytics.

Other responsibilities:

• Develops and conducts independent testing and evaluation methods on research-grade algorithms in applicable fields.
• Reports results and provides documentation and guidance on working with the research-grade algorithms.
• Evaluates, Integrates and leverage internally-hosted data science tools.
• Customizes research grade algorithms to be optimized for memory and computational efficiency through quantizing, trimming layers, or through custom methods.

Highly Desired Qualifications

Other skills and demonstrated experiences that are highly desired but not mandatory to perform the work, include:

• Hands-on experience performing research or development with natural language processing and working with, deploying, and testing Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), large-language models (LLMs) or foundational models. 
• Developing and deploying testing and verification methodologies to evaluate algorithm performance and identify strategies for improvement or optimization.
• Deploying machine learning models on multimedia data, to include joint text, audio, video, hardware, and peripherals.
• Linux System Administration and associated scripting languages (Bash)
• Android configuration, software development, and 
  interfacing.
• Embedded systems (Raspberry Pi).

What We Offer You

• Highly Competitive Salary: Recognizing and rewarding your expertise and contributions.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Providing ample time for rest, relaxation, and personal pursuits.
• Dedicated Training Budget: Supporting continuous learning and professional development.
• 100% Employer-Covered Family Vision, Dental, and Health Insurance: Ensuring comprehensive health coverage for you and your family.
• 100% Employer-Covered Life and Disability Insurance: Offering financial security and peace of mind.
• 401(k) Plan with a 6% Employer Match: Helping you plan and save for a secure retirement, with 100% vesting from day one.
• 11 Paid Government Holidays: Observing national holidays to ensure time off with family and friends.
• Spot Bonuses for Exceptional Performance: Rewarding outstanding contributions and achievements.

SCHEDULE:This is a full-time position with cons