1

Data Science Startup Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Applied Data Scientist

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

$120K - $170K/yr

Take ownership of data science projects from initial problem definition and hypothesis building to ... Bonus program and equity in a fast-growing startup * Competitive medical, dental, and vision ...

Lean Startup lets us turn those ideas into business models that work, quickly and for the least cost. Our world class data scientists wring the value from data, and Agile helps us deliver solutions ...

Data Engineering Lead

Washington, DC · On-site

$129K - $155K/yr

If you are passionate about data engineering and are eager to contribute to the success of a startup, we would love to hear from you. Expected Duties: * Collaborate closely with data scientists ...

Showing results 41-60

Data Science Startup information

See Washington salary details

$25.2K

$121.2K

$226K

How much do data science startup jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for data science startup in Washington is $121,197.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,735.00 and $168,565.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a data science startup?

A Data Science Startup job involves working at an early-stage company that leverages data science to build innovative products or services. Employees typically wear multiple hats, working on data analysis, machine learning models, data pipelines, and sometimes even product or business strategy. The role often requires strong programming skills (Python, SQL), statistical knowledge, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, evolving environment. Since startups have limited resources, adaptability, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to experiment are crucial. It’s a great opportunity to gain diverse experience and make a significant impact in shaping a company's data strategy.

What are the typical challenges faced when working at a data science startup?

Working at a data science startup often involves managing ambiguity, adapting to frequently changing priorities, and balancing multiple roles due to lean team structures. You may be responsible for the entire data pipeline—from data collection and cleaning to building models and presenting findings—making flexibility and resourcefulness essential. Tight project timelines, evolving business goals, and limited initial resources can also be common, so being proactive and self-motivated helps you thrive. On the positive side, these challenges offer significant opportunities to learn rapidly, take ownership of impactful projects, and shape both the company's products and your own career trajectory.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a data science startup, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Data Science Startup, you need strong analytical skills, proficiency in programming languages like Python or R, and a solid understanding of statistics and machine learning. Familiarity with data visualization tools, cloud platforms, and relevant certifications such as Certified Data Scientist or AWS Certified Data Analytics are highly valued. Adaptability, creative problem-solving, and effective communication are key soft skills that set standout professionals apart in this environment. These skills are vital for driving innovation, efficiently handling rapidly changing projects, and collaborating in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial setting.

What are the most commonly searched types of Data Science Startup jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Data Science Startup jobs in Washington are:

What job categories do people searching Data Science Startup jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Data Science Startup jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Data Science Startup jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Data Science Startup job openings:

Infographic showing various Data Science Startup job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,197 per year, or $58.3 per hour.

Applied Data Scientist

Shift5

Arlington, VA • On-site, Remote

$120K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

About Shift5

Shift5 is building the data platform for onboard operational technology (OT). We deliver cybersecurity, predictive maintenance, and compliance capabilities that enable defense and commercial fleets to operate with greater readiness, resilience, and mission assurance.

Shift5 is seeking an Applied Data Scientist to join our growing Data Science team. In this role, your primary responsibility will be to collaborate with customers and internal stakeholders to discover critical insights, deconstruct complex business problems into testable hypotheses, and build end-to-end data science solutions that scale back into Shift5's core product line.

What You'll Do
  • End-to-End Project Scoping: Take ownership of data science projects from initial problem definition and hypothesis building to final, actionable deliverable.
  • Product Generalization: Take one-off customer insights and solutions and build them back into the broader, deployable suite of Shift5 core products.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with embedded analysts, deployment strategists, and forward-deployed engineers to translate complex analyses into immediate customer value.

  • Advanced Data Analysis: Perform complex statistical analyses to push the envelope, interpret trends, and break new ground in leveraging operational data for diagnosis and prediction.

  • System Optimization: Work closely with programmers, engineers, and leadership to identify process improvements, propose system modifications, and devise long-term data strategies.

What Success Looks Like
  • You are proactive at identifying critical open questions and customer needs - often far ahead of the customer's own articulation of them.
  • You maintain a "no task too small" mindset, successfully managing multiple engagements simultaneously while staying focused on scalable solutions.

  • You efficiently break down unstructured, highly ambiguous problems into smaller, manageable parts and execute them independently.

What We're Looking For
  • Technical Skills: Fluency in a generic analytics coding language (Python, SQL, R, or Matlab) and strong data needs analysis skills (identifying data and technical tests required to validate hypotheses).
  • Communication & Mindset: Excellent communication skills with a track record of translating highly technical information for non-technical audiences. A humble, receptive attitude toward feedback.

  • Logistics: Ability and willingness to travel up to 40% of the time (US only).

  • Security & Citizenship: US Citizenship and an active (or ability to hold/obtain) US Government Top Secret security clearance.
  • Preferred Experience: Experience with time-series data, and a background/education blend (ideally a Master's or Doctorate program) in Data Science. Industry experience in defense, aerospace, or cybersecurity is a major plus.

Compensation & Benefits
  • Base Salary: $120,000 - $170,000

  • Bonus program and equity in a fast-growing startup

  • Competitive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families

  • Health Savings Account with annual employer contributions

  • Employer-paid Life and Disability Insurance 

  • Uncapped paid time off policy 

  • Flexible work & remote work policy 

  • Tax-deferred public transit benefits with Metro SmartBenefits (DC/MD/VA)  

We are committed to building an inclusive culture of belonging that embraces the diversity of our people and represents the communities in which we work and the customers we serve. We know the happiest and highest performing teams include people with diverse perspectives and ways of solving problems. We strive to attract and retain talent from all backgrounds and create workplaces where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.   

Shift5 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, age, marital status, ancestry, projected veteran status, or any other protected group or class.  

Privacy Policy and Notice for Shift5, Inc. Job Applicants, Employees & Contractors