About Bright Star

Bright Star is a forward-thinking technology consultancy that specializes in harnessing the power of data and AI to solve complex business challenges. Our team of experts combines deep technical expertise with strategic insight to deliver innovative solutions that drive meaningful impact for our clients.

Role Description

We are seeking a Data Scientist to enhance the data management and governance capabilities of the Data Analytics and Assessment (DAA) team within the Bureau of Diplomatic Technology at the Department of State. We are looking for a highly motivated and detail-oriented professional with a strong background in data science and Databricks.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in data science, machine learning, statistical analysis, and Databricks platform operations. The Data Scientist works closely with business stakeholders and data architect to develop scalable analytics solutions, generate actionable insights, and support data-driven decision-making. This role is responsible for designing, developing, and operationalizing predictive models and advanced analytics capabilities while independently managing Databricks resources, workflows, and performance optimization activities. The position operates in a highly secure, globally distributed IT environment supporting U.S. diplomatic IT operations. This role requires exceptional communication skills, strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment while translating complex technical findings into business value.

Key Responsibilities

Summary: Serves as a key contributor to the organization's data-driven decision-making capabilities by developing, deploying, and maintaining advanced analytics and machine learning solutions within the Databricks platform. Leverages expertise in statistical analysis, predictive modeling, and large-scale data processing to transform complex data into actionable insights. Independently manages and optimizes Databricks environments, including clusters, workflows, and compute resources, to ensure reliable and efficient analytics operations. Collaborates with technical and business stakeholders to identify opportunities, define analytical approaches, and communicate findings that support mission and business objectives. Ensures analytical solutions adhere to organizational data governance, security, and compliance requirements while promoting best practices for model development, performance monitoring, reproducibility, and operational excellence.

• Design, develop, and deploy machine learning and statistical models using Databricks.
• Build and optimize data pipelines using Databricks notebooks and workflows
• Collaborate with data architect, and stakeholders to translate business requirements into analytical solutions.
• Develop and maintain feature engineering processes and model training pipelines.
• Implement MLOps best practices including model versioning, monitoring, and automated deployment.
• Ensure data quality, governance, security, and compliance standards are met.
• Document methodologies, models, and technical solutions.
• Manage workspace assets, notebooks, jobs, repositories, and development workflows.
• Monitor resource utilization and recommend optimization strategies for cost, performance, and reliability.
• Partner with platform teams when necessary but maintain ownership of day-to-day Databricks operations within the project environment.
• Analyze large structured and unstructured datasets to identify trends, patterns, and business opportunities.
• Communicate findings through visualizations and presentations.
• Other data-related and mission support tasks as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics or a related field; may accept additional equivalent experience in lieu of degree
• 8+ years of experience in data science, machine learning, or advanced analytics
• Understanding of data architecture, data modeling, and data lifecycle management
• 3+ years of hands-on experience administering and developing solutions within Databricks production environments, including cluster management, job orchestration, performance optimization, security, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to independently support Databricks operations without requiring dedicated platform administration support.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to translate business requirements into actionable data science solutions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for preparing documentation, reports, and presentations
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
• Active Secret Clearance required

Preferred Qualifications

• Department of State experience
• Prior government experience
• Demonstrable experience leading teams and building collaborative projects

Job Details

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location:

• Washington, D.C.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Regularly required to sit, talk, and hear
• Frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Equal Employment Opportunity

Bright Star is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Pay: $140,000.00 - $170,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have experience managing workspaces, assets, notebooks, jobs, repositories in Databricks?
• Do you have experience in developing and deploying machine learning or statistical models on large structured and unstructured data sets?

Security clearance:

• Secret (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Washington, DC 20451