Data Science & AI: Data Scientist

Spektrum have a wide range of exciting opportunities in several global locations.

We are always looking to add great new talent to our team and look forward to hearing from you.

Spektrum supports apex purchasers (NATO, UN, EU and National Government and Defence) and their Tier 1 supplier ecosystem with a wide range of specialist services. We provide our clients with professional services, specialised aerospace and defence sales, delivery, and operational subject matter expertise. We are looking for personnel to join our team and support key client projects.

Who we are supporting

Allied Command Transformation (ACT) is NATO’s leading agent for change: driving, facilitating, and advocating the continuous improvement of Alliance capabilities to maintain and enhance the military relevance and effectiveness of the Alliance. The main objectives of ACT are: providing appropriate support to NATO missions and operations; leading NATO military transformation; and improving relationships, interaction and practical cooperation with partners, nations and international organisations. ACT therefore leads Alliance concept development, capability development, training and lessons-learned initiatives and provides unfettered military support to policy development within NATO.

The program 

Capability Development & Management Support (CDMS)

 DCOS Capability Development (CAPDEV) acts as the Supreme Allied Commander Transformation's Director for guidance, direction and coordination of the activities and resources of the Capability Development Directorate.

The Requirements Division will execute all tasks and activities needed to support requirements management for NATO capabilities

The Capability Requirements (CR) Branch will develop the Capability Requirements Brief and recommended courses of action to resolve issues through the life cycle management of requirements using matrixed, cross-functional project-specific Requirements Management teams.

The Requirements Forward Branch (Mons) is responsible for conducting requirements development and management representation and engagement-related functions in Europe.

The Capability Division coordinates the development of capabilities from capability planning through acceptance and then disposal with management entities, NATO Headquarters staff and the NATO Governance Structure

The Capability Forward Branch (Mons) coordinates with ACO, NCIA, NSPA, NATO HQ, territorial Host Nations, and NATO Centres of Excellence (COEs) to support the development of capabilities.

Strategic Plans and Policy (SPP) supports Allied Command Transformation in formalizing military advice to shape future military strategy, political guidance, and other policy documents supporting NATO’s strategic objectives.

 Role Duties and Responsibilities

• As a member of the Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (DSAI) Branch, responsible to the Section Head/COTR, the contractor will contribute to the development and implementation of an enabling data science and AI capability at HQ SACT and for the NATO Enterprise, particularly in the context of the ongoing implementation of the Data Exploitation Framework and Programme.
• Identifies, contributes to, and implements machine learning (ML)/AI initiatives across HQ SACT and the NATO Enterprise with suggestions for ML approaches and implementation, including the processing of training data and performance assessment of machine learning techniques on datasets.
• Applies existing data science techniques to new problems and datasets using specialized programming techniques to meet the needs of the project and customer.
• Evaluates the outcomes and performance of data science models. Identifies and implements opportunities to train and improve models and the data they use.
• Publishes and reports on machine learning model outputs to meet customer needs and conform to agreed standards.
• Utilizes in-depth knowledge of NLP, ML applications, or computer vision.
• Demonstrates experience with Generative AI.
• Supports review of data science and AI activities, processes, products, or services.
• Collaborates with other data professionals (such as data scientists, data and information managers, data engineers), software engineers, and SMEs from different functional areas, branches, and directorates within HQ SACT or NATO entities, as directed, for example in support of the ACT Innovation Branch.
• Provides subject matter expertise to (military and civilian) staff within HQ SACT or the NATO Enterprise and develops proofs of concept, as directed.
• Outreach support to internal and external communities that bring together DS & AI practitioners and consumers. This comprises, for example, TIDE Sprint, the NATO Data Science & AI Expert Network, or initiatives related to academia and industry.
• Contributes to the development of scientific studies.
• Assists with educational efforts and training development and execution as it relates to data, AI, or digital literacy.
• Remains current with new developments in data science and AI to bring innovative ideas into implementation.
• Supports building a data-driven culture that uses analytics to generate insights, improve decision-making at all levels, inform strategy and policy decisions, and enhance performance.
• Performs additional tasks as required by the COTR related to the LABOR category.

 Essential Skills and Experience

• Proven work experience as a Data Scientist, AI/ML Engineer, or a similar role in the last four years.
• Experience in modern software architecture and software development related to data science, analytics, and AI, e.g., Python, SQL, R.
• Experience with machine learning and AI frameworks, using e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, or other modern machine learning frameworks.
• Experience with planning, executing, and maintaining data science pipelines.
• Experience visualizing data and producing high-quality graphs and reports, charts, and interactive dashboards using tools such as Tableau, MS Power BI, Kibana.
• Proven understanding of data security and privacy issues, particularly in international or military environments, to ensure compliance with NATO standards for protecting sensitive information
• Experience in providing training in various areas related to data science, analytics, and AI at different technical levels.
• Portfolio of demonstrable products available via GitLab, or other platforms.
• Ability to work in a cloud environment, particularly Microsoft Azure or Amazon Web Services.
• Working experience in an international environment with both military and civilian elements.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, with excellent briefing skills.
• Working experience in data science and AI related outreach activities, such as working with academia and industry, hackathons, or maintaining AI expert and practitioner networks.
• Demonstrated experience working at NATO or extensive familiarity with NATO processes, culture, and organizational structures.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience working within a Big Data ecosystem, with tools such as Databricks, Spark, etc.
• Experience working with open source and publicly available data.
• Experienced ‘data storyteller,’ capable of presenting findings and insights effectively to non-technical audiences.
• Experience working on a military staff. Familiarity with federated learning methodologies to support secure collaboration and data sharing across NATO nations while maintaining sovereignty of sensitive datasets
• Knowledge of NATO organization and its functions.
• Experience in project management, including agile methods and tools.
• Additional language skills, particularly those of NATO partner and member states, are advantageous.
• Eligibility and past experience working with NATO security clearance requirements to access and process classified or sensitive data.

 Education

• A Bachelor’s degree or higher at a nationally recognized/certified university in Data Science, Data Analytics, AI engineering, or a related discipline such as Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Software Engineering OR four years minimum professional experience in the area of Data Science, including providing analysis and advice in the field of data science, within the last five years.

 Language Proficiency

• Advanced Proficiency in English

 Working Location

• Norfolk, VA, USA

Working Policy

• On-Site

Contract Duration

• January 2026 – December 2030

Security Clearance

• Valid National or NATO Secret personal security clearance

We never know what new opportunities might be just over the horizon. If this opportunity isn't for you please feel free to send us your resume anyway and be the first to know if something suitable for your skills and experience comes up.