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Data Scientist Contract Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Smart Data

Data Scientist III

Chantilly, VA

Data Scientist III Chantilly, VA (on-site at client facility) Full-Time, Long-Term Contract (1-Year Assignment, Temp-to-Perm Possible) Clearance Required: Active TS/SCI with Polygraph (Required ...

New

Brillient

Data Scientist

Silver Spring, MD

Brillient is seeking an experienced Data Scientist to join our team supporting a federal contract in Silver Spring, MD. This position requires U.S. Citizenship or a permanent resident and the ability ...

Applied Information Sciences

Data Scientist

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$116K - $174K/yr

Project Summary AIS is seeking a Data Scientist for an AI Engineering contract supporting a federal customer onsite in Alexandria, VA. Key Responsibilities * The Data Scientist will help develop and ...

THOMSON REUTERS

Data Scientist

Mclean, VA · Hybrid

Outside of contract work, TRSS Data Scientists contribute to internal innovation by participating in research and development (R&D),developingandmaintaining shared capabilities, strengthening ...

Thomson Reuters

Data Scientist

Mclean, VA · On-site

Outside of contract work, TRSS Data Scientists contribute to internal innovation by participating in research and development (R&D), developing and maintaining shared capabilities, strengthening ...

Thomson Reuters

Data Scientist

Mclean, VA · On-site

Outside of contract work, TRSS Data Scientists contribute to internal innovation by participating in research and development (R&D), developing and maintaining shared capabilities, strengthening ...

THOMSON REUTERS

Data Scientist

Mclean, VA · Hybrid

Outside of contract work, TRSS Data Scientists contribute to internal innovation by participating in research and development (R&D), developing and maintaining shared capabilities, strengthening ...

Altus Consulting Corp

Data Scientist

Herndon, VA · On-site

Altus Consulting is seeking a talented Data Scientist to join our team and drive data-driven ... However, it is not intended to be a contract, and we reserve the right to modify the at any time.

Altus Consulting Corp

Data Scientist

Herndon, VA · On-site

Altus Consulting is seeking a talented Data Scientist to join our team and drive data-driven ... However, it is not intended to be a contract, and we reserve the right to modify the at any time.

NAVA Software Solutions

Data Scientist

Merrifield, VA · On-site

Data Scientist Location: Merrifield, VA(Hybrid) Duration: 12 Months Contract Responsibilities: * Advanced skill in descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics and modeling; demonstrated ...

Altus Consulting Corp

Data Scientist

Herndon, VA · On-site

Altus Consulting is seeking a talented Data Scientist to join our team and drive data-driven ... However, it is not intended to be a contract, and we reserve the right to modify the at any time.

CACI

Data Scientist

Washington, DC

$75K - $158K/yr

Job Title: Data Scientist Job Category: Information Technology Time Type: Full time Minimum ... and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies ...

New

Redhorse Corporation

Data Scientist

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

Data Scientist About the Organization Now is a great time to join Redhorse Corporation. Our mission ... This is not a contract and may be adjusted as deemed appropriate in Redhorse's sole discretion. EOE ...

CACI International, Inc.

Data Scientist

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$75K - $158K/yr

Job Title: Data Scientist Job Category: Information Technology Time Type: Full time Minimum ... and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies ...

CACI

Data Scientist

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$75K - $158K/yr

Job Title: Data Scientist Job Category: Information Technology Time Type: Full time Minimum ... and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies ...

New

GRVTY

Data Scientist

Chantilly, VA

$150K - $250K/yr

What You'll be Owning GRVTY is seeking a Data Scientist with a TS/SCI + Poly clearance (applicable ... federal contract labor categories, wage rates, prior experience, skillsets, education, and ...

KBR

Data Scientist

Chantilly, VA

$161K - $221K/yr

This position is contingent upon contract award. Primary Responsibilities: * Conducts scientific Research and Development towards the tasking, collection, processing, and dissemination of data.

Nyla Technology Solutions

Data Scientist

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

As a Data Scientist, you will contribute to the end-to-end development of AI/ML models--assisting ... contract* (over 40 hrs/week). There's even an option to earn 1.3 times your hourly rate once you ...

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All JobsData Scientist Contract JobsData Scientist Contract Jobs in Reston, VA

Data Scientist Contract information

See Reston, VA salary details

$39K

$127.7K

$204.4K

How much do data scientist contract jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for data scientist contract in Reston, VA is $127,692.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,500.00 and $141,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a data scientist contract?

Data Scientist contract jobs are temporary positions where professionals analyze and interpret complex data to help organizations make informed decisions. Unlike full-time roles, contract data scientists are hired for a specific period, often to work on particular projects or to provide specialized expertise. These contracts can range from a few months to a year or more, and may be offered through staffing agencies, consultancies, or directly by companies. Contract roles offer flexibility and exposure to diverse industries, but typically do not include employee benefits such as health insurance or paid time off.

What does a contract data scientist do?

As a contract data scientist, your job is to provide independent support to a client for a freelance project or assignment. In this role, you may analyze a database to obtain useful information, use statistics to interpret the results, help identify trends within the industry, and make recommendations about the best course of action. Contract data scientists often help analyze historical data, build or refine templates and dashboards, assist full-time employees, and use predictive modeling to evaluate future company needs. The length of each contract varies, but it's possible to work with the same company for a year or more.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract data scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Data Scientist Contract, you need a strong background in statistics, data analysis, and programming, usually supported by a degree in a quantitative field. Proficiency with tools such as Python, R, SQL, machine learning libraries, and data visualization platforms is typically required, along with knowledge of cloud-based data environments. Excellent problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and strong communication skills help you translate complex data findings into actionable business insights. These skills ensure that contract data scientists can quickly deliver high-impact solutions and integrate seamlessly into diverse project teams.

What are some common challenges faced by data scientists working on a contract basis, and how can they be addressed?

Contract data scientists often face challenges such as quickly adapting to new teams and workflows, managing varying project scopes, and ensuring clear communication with stakeholders who may not have technical backgrounds. To address these, it's important to establish clear objectives and deliverables at the outset, maintain proactive communication, and document work thoroughly. Building strong relationships with both technical and non-technical team members can also help ensure project success and smooth collaboration.

What is the difference between Data Scientist Contract vs Data Analyst Contract?

AspectData Scientist ContractData Analyst Contract
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Data Science, Statistics, or related fields; experience with machine learningBachelor's in Statistics, Mathematics, or related fields; proficiency in data visualization and SQL
Work EnvironmentAdvanced analytics, predictive modeling, machine learning projectsData cleaning, reporting, data visualization tasks
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, finance, healthcare, consultingRetail, marketing, finance, government agencies

Data Scientist Contract roles focus on advanced analytics and machine learning, requiring higher-level skills and credentials. Data Analyst Contract positions involve data reporting and visualization, often with less emphasis on predictive modeling. Both roles are common in various industries, but they differ in complexity and scope.

More about Data Scientist Contract jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Data Scientist jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Data Scientist jobs in Reston, VA are:

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For Data Scientist Contract jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Data Scientist Contract jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Data Scientist Contract jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Data Scientist Contract jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Data Scientist Contract job openings:

Data Scientist Contract jobs near you
Infographic showing various Data Scientist Contract job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,692 per year, or $61.4 per hour.

Data Scientist III

Chantilly, VA

Smart Data
IT Services • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Smart Dataexternal

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Data Scientist III


Chantilly, VA (on-site at client facility)


Full-Time, Long-Term Contract (1-Year Assignment, Temp-to-Perm Possible)


Clearance Required: Active TS/SCI with Polygraph (Required — must be a U.S. Citizen)


Job Summary


We are seeking a Data Scientist III to support a mission-critical program in the Chantilly, VA area. This role focuses on applying data science, machine learning, and data engineering techniques to advanced science and technology (S&T) mission challenges. The ideal candidate is technically curious, comfortable working across diverse and multi-source data, and skilled at turning complex data into actionable insight.


Responsibilities


- Collect, organize, and analyze technical information from multiple sources to drive mission objectives and quick-turn tasks in fast-paced environments

- Aid in the design and implementation of machine learning and data engineering techniques applied to advanced S&T missions

- Apply technical proficiency in data collection and analysis tools to S&T mission areas, improving existing techniques and devising new ones to solve mission-critical data science challenges

- Collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment while working independently and leading tasks on time and on budget

- Independently propose, develop, and execute creative solutions to unique data science problems, including suggestions for new data sources and data exploitation techniques

- Deliver thorough, polished work products requiring only minor revision

- Proactively manage expectations and meet deadlines in a fast-moving, agile environment

- Maintain excellent communication with both co-located and geographically dispersed team members


Required Qualifications


- Experience using tools for collecting, assembling, interpreting, translating, and analyzing multi-source data (S&T information, network, open source, databases) and synthesizing it into actionable intelligence

- Experience applying machine learning, statistics, and/or data mining techniques to gain insights from data

- Experience automating data pipelining processes, data transformation, databases, and/or repositories

- Experience assessing and technically reporting on technologies and scientific topics (e.g., Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) and Critical Technology Elements (CTE))

- Experience working with diverse media and advanced S&T data

- BS with 8+ years of relevant experience; MS with 5+ years of relevant experience; PhD in a relevant field with 3+ years of experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience in a relevant field

- Genuine excitement for learning new technical subject areas and curiosity about S&T missions

- Experience supporting national security, defense, and/or intelligence community missions

- Must be a U.S. Citizen with an active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph (non-negotiable)


Additional Details


- Assignment Length: 1 year (temp-to-perm possible)

- Schedule: Standard hours (40/week)

- Work Location: On-site required

- Interview Process: Video interview with hiring manager and technical team

- Relocation Candidates: Will consider hiring via video interview for non-local candidates willing to relocate

- Target Start Date: 09/01/2026


Smart Data Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.