This position is located within the Office of Research, Development, and Technology (HRT) in McLean, VA. HRT leads a highway research and technology program to improve the safety, durability, & performance of the Nation's highways. The incumbent serves as a strategic artificial intelligence (AI) and data science leader and provides technical support to the AI Deployment Center of Excellence.
This role drives the integration of safe, responsible AI across all surface transportation applications.
As a Data Scientist, you will: Direct and provide strategic direction on all phases of the data science and statistical analysis process, to support national AI adoption, including strategic planning and operationalization. Plan and execute national research, development, and deployment efforts, including technical assistance to integrate advanced analytical methods and AI into highway research, deployment, and vital business processes.
Lead the research, development, and deployment of new technologies related to: (1) advanced data science and analytics; (2) AI transportation applications; (3) AI assurance and data governance; (4) advanced simulation and modeling techniques; and (5) statistical modeling. Design and provide technical assistance on original experimental frameworks for data collection and perform exceptionally difficult research to evaluate the statistical properties of complex sample designs.
Provide technical expertise and guidance on machine learning, data engineering, and natural language processing to identify new insights from large, disparate transportation datasets. Develop new computational algorithms and statistical modeling techniques to solve unprecedented challenges and support FHWA's mobility, safety, and infrastructure goals.
Provide strategic direction and standardized guidance for applications and AI models, including risk considerations, testing and evaluations, governance issues, and security for surface transportation infrastructure owners and operators nationwide. Serve as the principal expert on the application of data science and AI, providing authoritative technical support for the testing, evaluation, and post-deployment maintenance of AI in the transportation environment.
Adapt and innovate mathematical methods for statistical processes and direct advanced analysis, modeling, simulation initiatives, including establishing standards for performance and risk assurance. Serve as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), preparing detailed research prospectuses, monitoring contract performance, and reviewing deliverables for data science projects.
Lead and direct strategic partnerships with senior leadership in external organizations, including State DOTs and academia, to establish a national research and technology agenda and prioritize national deployment work. Provide authoritative direction in the nationwide transfer of innovative AI and statistical methods, ensuring the integration of advanced data science advancements into critical highway practices and policy.
The ideal candidate brings deep expertise across data science and AI. They have a proven track record of leading cross-functional initiatives, effectively engaging diverse stakeholders, and bridging the gap between technical teams, program managers, and executive leaders. This individual demonstrates exceptional analytical and research capabilities, leveraging rigorous evaluation to solve complex challenges and drive organizational objectives at a national scale.
Degree: Mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science or field directly related to the position. The degree must be in a major field of study (at least at the baccalaureate level) that is appropriate for the position. or Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major field of study (30 semester hours) as shown in paragraph A above, plus additional education or appropriate experience.
TRANSJOBS@dot.gov · 000-000-0000
This position is with Federal Highway Administration, Department of Transportation.
The posted pay range is $121785 – $187093/yr.
This position is eligible for telework.
Applications close on 2026-10-21.
This is a Full Time position.
This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-10-14 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
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