Assistant Data Analyst Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Geo Owl • SDVOSB • Est. 2013
Data Analyst
NGA MAVEN PROGRAM • GEOINT • DATA ANALYTICS • MIDDLE
Great AI/ML models start with great data - and great data starts with analysts who understand what they're looking at. As the Data Analyst on NGA Maven, you'll dig into complex geospatial datasets, surface patterns and compliance gaps, and translate raw data holdings into recommendations that sharpen machine learning development.
Role Overview
The Data Analyst supports the maintenance of data holdings, ensures compliance to data standards, and performs quantitative analysis of data. You'll transform data, develop visualizations to assist with understanding, and conduct analysis to make recommendations on data strategies to improve Machine Learning model development. Day-to-day, you'll work with the GEOSPI team to automate standard processes, build lightweight analytics tools, manage data dictionaries, and ensure the pipeline stays compliant and productive.
Source-Derived Role Summary
The Data Analyst shall support the maintenance of data holdings, ensure compliance to data standards, and perform quantitative analysis of data. Data analysis will involve transforming data, developing visuals to assist with data understanding, and conducting analysis to make recommendations on data strategies to improve Machine Learning (ML) model development.
A Day in the Life

• Analyze Maven data holdings to assess diversity, coverage, and compliance with government-directed standards; surface findings in visualizations the team can act on
• Apply statistical and mathematical methods to examine data quality, pipeline efficiency, and preprocessing progress against government goals
• Build and maintain lightweight analytic tools to track, visualize, and report data pipeline metrics and preprocessing status
• Ingest and rectify non-standard data formats new to the Data Management Platform; generate and maintain data dictionaries as tables evolve
• Support ETL workflows and data cleaning operations; help automate standard processes to increase preprocessing productivity
• Provide analysis expertise to determine whether imagery curation techniques effectively identify images of value for model development

Why This Role Matters
Mission Impact
The quality and diversity of NGA Maven's training data directly determines the performance of the AI/ML models that support national security operations. Your analysis identifies gaps, validates compliance, and recommends curation strategies that make those models better.
Geo Owl Impact
You contribute to Geo Owl's track record of delivering reliable, high-quality GEOINT data support on Maven - a program that reflects our core identity as a mission-first geospatial company.
Your Growth
You'll build applied experience in geospatial data analytics and ML pipeline support within a high-stakes intelligence community environment - a strong foundation for advancing toward data science or senior analyst roles.
Core Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct projects using advanced statistical, mathematical, and scientific techniques to derive insights from complex geospatial datasets
• Apply statistical and analytic methods to answer intelligence questions, support mission requirements, and advance data strategy recommendations
• Build lightweight analytic tools to visualize data metrics and assess preprocessing progress against government goals
• Design tracking and reporting mechanisms to monitor pipeline data movement for timeliness and compliance
• Develop automated checks on data and processes to guarantee continuous pipeline support
• Ingest and rectify non-standard data and new formats within the Data Management Platform; generate and maintain data dictionaries
• Support ETL capabilities: data analytics, cleaning, analyst workflow efficiencies, and transformation
• Work with the GEOSPI team to enhance workflows, automate standard processes, and improve overall preprocessing productivity

Required Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Minimum 5 experience points required (see experience point calculation below)
• Experience preparing data, performing statistical analysis, and applying tools and algorithms to gain insights from large, complex geospatial datasets
• Experience with programming languages and tools such as Python, R, SQL, GIS, or Tableau
• Experience developing visualizations to communicate analytical results to both technical and non-technical audiences

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in AI/ML-relevant fields related to imagery exploitation

Experience Point Requirement
This is a Middle-level (Level 3) position requiring a minimum of 5 experience points. Points are calculated as follows:

• Education: Associate's = 2 pts • Bachelor's = 3 pts • Master's = +2 pts • PhD = +3 pts
• Professional / Military Experience: 1 pt per year of relevant experience
• Certifications: 0.5 pts each
• Specialized Training: 0.25 pts per relevant course
• Professional Impact (publications, presentations, patents): up to 3 pts total

Tools, Technologies & Tradecraft
Python R SQL GIS Tableau Statistical Analysis ETL Data Visualization AI/ML Workflows [Preferred]
What Makes Someone Successful in This Role

• You're analytically curious - you don't stop at the surface finding; you dig until you understand what the data is actually telling you
• You build tools and visualizations that others can use - your outputs are clear, actionable, and designed for the people making decisions
• You take pride in data standards - you understand that a dirty or non-compliant dataset wastes downstream effort and you address it proactively
• You collaborate well across technical disciplines - you can work alongside imagery scientists, data engineers, and program managers without losing the thread
• You're a self-starter who can identify a workflow inefficiency, design an improvement, and implement it

Is This Role For You?
• Great Fit
You are a mid-level data or geospatial analyst who wants to apply quantitative skills to a mission that matters. You're comfortable working with large geospatial datasets, building analytical tools, and making evidence-based data strategy recommendations in an environment where the work supports national security outcomes.
✘ May Not Be For You
This may not be the right fit if you prefer pure research roles with limited operational accountability, or if working with structured data governance requirements and compliance standards feels limiting rather than grounding.
Career Growth & Professional Value
This role gives you hands-on experience with geospatial data analytics in a real intelligence community environment - working alongside imagery scientists, data engineers, and AI/ML practitioners on one of NGA's most technically demanding programs. Experience supporting ML data operations at scale is increasingly valuable across the defense and commercial geospatial markets.
Benefits:
Health Insurance (Geo Owl pays 80%+ of the premium).
401k matching.
Dental, Vision, and other supplemental insurance plans available.
Company-paid short-term and long-term disability and life insurance.
Peer-to-Peer spot bonuses.
120 hours of PTO per year plus federal holidays.
Fully Paid Military Leave: *You make your full Geo Owl salary while you are on military duty*
Exiting the Military? Apply to our Military Transition Program for key insights into making the transition to civilian life from people who have been there before!
Engage with Your Team!
About Us:
Our mission is to empower EVERYONE with geospatial technologies.
Geo Owl is a premier provider of geospatial intelligence services, delivering cutting-edge solutions to the Department of Defense, intelligence agencies, and enterprises around the globe. Our comprehensive products and services include advanced geospatial analysis, imagery intelligence, remote sensing analysis, data science, and space-based custom intelligence solutions. At Geo Owl, we are dedicated to leveraging the latest analytic principles and technology to support and enhance the missions of our clients.
Our core values-innovation, integrity, and excellence-drive everything we do. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of geospatial intelligence to ensure our clients receive the most accurate, timely, and actionable intelligence possible. Integrity is at the heart of our operations; we uphold the highest standards of ethics and accountability in our work. Striving for excellence is not just a goal but a standard; we consistently aim to exceed expectations in every project.
Geo Owl's culture is built on collaboration, continuous learning, and respect. We cultivate an environment where team members can grow both personally and professionally. Our team is composed of passionate, dedicated experts who are always ready to support each other. We value work-life balance, offering flexible working arrangements and a supportive workplace where everyone feels valued.
At Geo Owl, we invest in our employees' growth and development. We provide ongoing training, career advancement opportunities, and a platform to work on impactful projects that make a real difference. Our team enjoys a strong sense of camaraderie and purpose, knowing that their work contributes to national security and global stability. If you are looking for a dynamic, rewarding career in geospatial intelligence, Geo Owl is the place for you. Join us and be part of a team that is shaping the future of geospatial intelligence.
A Note From Our CEO:
Our 14 Principles:
Equal Opportunities
Geo Owl is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, marital status, military status, genetic predisposition, or any other basis protected by law.
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