Data Science & Machine Learning Engineer

Position Description

Valiant Solutions is seeking a Data Science & Machine Learning Engineer to join our rapidly growing and innovative cybersecurity team!

This is your opportunity to join a team of Engineers managing a large Cybersecurity big data platform to detect threats and protect critical government systems. As a Data Science and Machine Learning (DSML) Engineer, you will work with a petabyte-scale data lake in an Elasticsearch-based big data environment to build machine learning models and rules, analyze data, and build a visualization to detect security anomalies. You’ll join an existing security development team with our large government client and will work hands-on in developing code and using GUI-based tools to analyze and visualize data. This is an exciting position helping us grow our clients’ capabilities to stay ahead of adversaries.

The successful candidate will have experience with the theory behind Machine Learning and how it can be practically applied to Cybersecurity use cases. The successful candidate will have trained various machine learning models to support anomaly detection and will bring experience in preparing data feeds for Machine Learning. Additionally, the candidate will have experience analyzing data and building visualizations to provide a lens for anomaly detection and trend analysis.

Named one of the Best Places to Work in the Washington DC area for 11 consecutive years, Valiant is proud of our employee-centric culture and commitment to excellence. If you are interested in learning more about Valiant and this opportunity, we invite you to apply now!

This position allows for 100% remote work. Remote work necessitates a high-level trust in our employees and we strictly adhere to the details found below in our Remote Work Policy. 

Qualifications:

• 5 years of experience in Data Science
• 2+ years of experience developing using Python
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Information Technology, Network Engineering, Security Engineering, System Administration (or a related field) or three additional years of IT experience.
• Experience working with business intelligence tools such as PowerBI or Tableau
• Experience preferred with SIEM tools such as Elastic Stack or Splunk
• Experience preparing datasets for Machine Learning and generating ML models
• Bachelor’s degree in related field required (Computer Science, Information Technology, Network Engineering, Security Engineering, System Administration etc). 
• Strong mathematics skills (e.g., statistics, algebra)
• Experience with big data technologies such as Hadoop, Kafka, or Spark
• Advanced ability to perform exploratory data analysis
• Demonstrated knowledge of security concepts and best security practices is preferred
• Exceptional technical writing skills
• Ability to communicate complex data in a simple, actionable way
• Ability to visualize data in the most effective way possible for a given project 
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experience with machine learning and AI
• Familiarity with data management tools
• Excellent attention to detail
• Proven ability to meet deadlines and adapt quickly to changing and multiple priorities
• Energetic and forward-thinking with high ethical standards
• A team player, trustworthy, and willing to share information

Responsibilities:

• Lead analysis efforts in petabyte-scale clusters of security data
• Instruct agency leadership on machine learning program efforts and direction
• Prepare data streams for Machine Learning use cases, writing parsing logic, and indexing data as needed
• Developing custom Machine Learning models using AWS services (e.g. Sage Maker) or equivalent open-source tools, and developing ML rules using COTS products
• Developing data visualizations using a data visualization tool and learning new Kibana visualization capabilities such as Vega
• Collaborating with Cybersecurity analysts and other developers to solve threat monitoring problems and improve our client’s security posture
• Developing DSML strategy and procedure to detect anomalies in all layers of a large internet-facing application
• Developing and configuring anomaly alerting logic
• Participate in a rotating on-call schedule

About Valiant Solutions

Valiant Solutions is a security-focused IT solutions provider with public clients nationwide. Named one of the fastest growing privately held companies by Inc. 5000, Washington Technology’s Fast 50, and Washington Business Journal’s Best Places to Work in the D.C. area, Valiant Solutions prides itself on providing its employees with great benefits and career development opportunities. As a company, we are just as committed to growing careers as we are to building world-class IT solutions, all while enjoying an unparalleled work-life balance. We are in a phase of tremendous growth and building the team that will take us to the next level. We seek people whose talents and accomplishments will contribute to a thriving company, who have the character to support their capacity, and can make a positive impact on our culture. Alongside our talented team, you’ll learn to think quickly on your feet and expand your own personal and professional skill set. Our management team will inspire you to consider new perspectives and challenge you to become a better practitioner in the fast-paced industry of IT security. We hire people we respect – and we trust them to deliver results leveraging their expertise. If you would enjoy working in a dynamic environment as part of a stellar team of professionals, then we invite you to apply online today.

Benefits Snapshot (includes, but not limited to)Valiant pays 99% of the Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage for Full-time EmployeesValiant contributes 25% towards Health Coverage for Family and Dependents100% Paid Short Term Disability and Life Insurance Policy for Full-time Employees100% Paid Certifications401K Matching up to 4%Paid Time OffPaid Federal Holidays Paid Time On – 40 hours to pursue innovationWellness & Fitness ProgramValiant University – Online Education and Training PortalReimbursement for Public Transit and ParkingFSA programs for: Medical Costs, Dependent Care, Transit, and ParkingReferral Bonuses

The salary range for this position is a general guideline and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. It has been benchmarked in relation to the scope of the role, market rate, and internal equity. The salary for this role is expected to be in the $140,000 - $155,000 range. Where a candidate falls within the band can be determined based on one or more of the following: skillset, experience level, achievements, education, geographic location, security clearance, involvement in corporate tasks, and other non-discriminatory factors. In addition to the base salary, this role will include benefits as described above.  Valiant reserves the right to adjust the salary range, experience requirements, and position responsibilities at any time without prior notice. 

Remote Work Policy 

Remote work necessitates a high level of trust in our employees. To ensure that employee performance does not suffer in a remote work environment, all employees who telecommute are expected to have a quiet and distraction-free workspace with adequate internet, dedicate their full attention and availability to their job duties during working hours, and maintain a schedule during core business hours that align with those of their coworkers and Valiant's clients. In alignment with Valiant's inclusive and engaging environment, cameras are encouraged and can be required to be on during virtual video conferences. Additionally, in alignment with the Office of the Inspector General’s effort to eliminate conflicting employment, all Valiant employees are required to disclose any current or future outside employment engagements. During onboarding and throughout employment, employees must disclose any current activities or intent to engage in outside employment or other professional activities and obtain written approval.  Employees may not solicit or conduct any outside business during core business hours for Valiant Solutions and our clients.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Valiant Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or veteran status, in accordance with applicable law.

Physical Demands

Sitting or standing at a desk for prolonged periods of time and consistent operation of a computer. Frequent communication and exchanging of accurate information via electronic communication, phones, and in person. Occasionally lift and/or move moderate amounts of weight, typically less than 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Authorization to Share Resume and Personal Information

By submitting your resume for this position, you authorize Valiant Solutions to share your resume, as well as, personal information included on the resume, with its subsidiaries, affiliates and teaming partners for the purpose of considering you for this position and other available positions requiring comparable skills, education and experience. Should Valiant Solutions or its affiliates and teaming partners wish to initiate pre-employment discussions, you will be asked to complete an employment application and related employment documents.