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New Grad Data Scientist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

... 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 ...

As a technical leader, you'll identify new opportunities to use data science solutions to help your clients meet their toughest challenges. Ultimately, you'll provide a deep understanding of the data ...

As a technical leader, you'll identify new opportunities to use data science solutions to help your clients meet their toughest challenges. Ultimately, you'll provide a deep understanding of the data ...

As a technical leader, you'll identify new opportunities to use data science solutions to help your clients meet their toughest challenges. Ultimately, you'll provide a deep understanding of the data ...

As a technical leader, you'll identify new opportunities to use data science solutions to help your clients meet their toughest challenges. Ultimately, you'll provide a deep understanding of the data ...

As a technical leader, you'll identify new opportunities to use data science solutions to help your clients meet their toughest challenges. Ultimately, you'll provide a deep understanding of the data ...

Data Scientist

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$135K - $180K/yr

Enthusiasm for learning new technical subject areas and curiosity about science and technology missions * Must be a U.S. citizen with an active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph Compensation Data ...

Data Scientist

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$135K - $180K/yr

Enthusiasm for learning new technical subject areas and curiosity about science and technology missions * Must be a U.S. citizen with an active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph Compensation Data ...

Data Scientists supporting these efforts work at the intersection of data science, applied research, and software engineering to develop advanced capabilities, prototype new applications, and help ...

Data Scientist General Information Requisition #715 Locations USA-VA-Arlington Posting Date 06/12 ... Comfortable learning new tools, methodologies, and domains, including working outside your comfort ...

ECS is seeking a Data Scientist to work onsite at our Springfield, VA customer's office. ECS seeks ... The candidate is highly motivated and enthusiastic about implementing new technologies in a small ...

Data Scientist General Information Requisition # 713 Locations USA-VA-Arlington Posting Date 06/12 ... Comfortable learning new tools, methodologies, and domains, including working outside your comfort ...

In this role, the Data Scientist is responsible for gathering and analyzing data, organizing, and documenting findings of studies, and preparing recommendations for implementing new systems ...

Data Scientist General Information Requisition # 714 Locations USA-VA-Arlington Posting Date 06/12 ... Comfortable learning new tools, methodologies, and domains, including working outside your comfort ...

Data Scientist General Information Requisition # 716 Locations USA-VA-Arlington Posting Date 06/12 ... Comfortable learning new tools, methodologies, and domains, including working outside your comfort ...

Data Scientist General Information Requisition # 674 Locations USA-VA-Arlington Posting Date 03/04 ... Comfortable learning new tools, methodologies, and domains, including working outside your comfort ...

Data Scientists supporting these efforts work at the intersection of data science, applied research, and software engineering to develop advanced capabilities, prototype new applications, and help ...

As a Data Scientist, you will support the Internal Revenue Service's mission to improve tax ... Comfortable learning new tools, methodologies, and domains, including working outside your comfort ...

As a Data Scientist, you will support the Internal Revenue Service's mission to improve tax ... Comfortable learning new tools, methodologies, and domains, including working outside your comfort ...

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Showing results 1-20

New Grad Data Scientist information

See Virginia salary details

$37.2K

$121.7K

$194.8K

How much do new grad data scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for new grad data scientist in Virginia is $121,686.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,700.00 and $134,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a new grad data scientist?

New Grad Data Scientists are recent graduates who have completed a degree in a related field such as computer science, statistics, mathematics, or engineering, and have started their careers in data science. They apply statistical analysis, machine learning, and data visualization techniques to help organizations make data-driven decisions. Typically, new grads in these roles work closely with experienced data scientists, learning best practices and gaining practical experience while contributing to real-world projects. Employers generally expect them to have experience with programming languages like Python or R, and familiarity with data analysis tools and concepts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a new grad data scientist?

To thrive as a New Grad Data Scientist, you need a solid background in statistics, mathematics, and programming—typically with a degree in a relevant field such as computer science or data science. Familiarity with tools and languages like Python, R, SQL, and experience with machine learning frameworks or data visualization platforms is highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, curiosity, and effective communication skills help you interpret data and convey insights to stakeholders. These competencies are crucial for transforming data into actionable business solutions and contributing to data-driven decision-making.

What are some common challenges new grad data scientists face when transitioning from academia to industry?

New grad data scientists often find that real-world data is messier and less structured than academic datasets, requiring strong data cleaning and wrangling skills. Additionally, they may need to adapt to working within cross-functional teams, collaborating closely with engineers, product managers, and business stakeholders to align their analyses with organizational goals. Prioritizing impactful projects under tight deadlines and communicating complex findings in a clear, actionable manner are also key challenges. Building these practical skills early can significantly accelerate both learning and career advancement.

What is the difference between New Grad Data Scientist vs Data Analyst?

AspectNew Grad Data ScientistData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Data Science, Statistics, or related fieldBachelor's in Statistics, Mathematics, or related field
Work EnvironmentTech companies, startups, research labsBusiness, finance, marketing departments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across industries for predictive modeling and researchUsed for reporting, data visualization, and descriptive analysis

New Grad Data Scientists typically focus on building models and advanced analytics, requiring knowledge of programming and machine learning. Data Analysts mainly handle data reporting and visualization, often using tools like Excel and SQL. Both roles are entry-level but differ in technical depth and project scope, with Data Scientists often engaging in more complex data modeling tasks.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for New Grad Data Scientist jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most New Grad Data Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various New Grad Data Scientist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,686 per year, or $58.5 per hour.

Data Scientist III

Chantilly, VA

Smart Data
IT Services • 51 - 200 employees

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


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.