Data Scientist -Geospatial

Graham Technologies is seeking a highly skilled Geospatial Quality Assurance Engineer / Data Scientist to support a mission-critical cloud-based geospatial data platform for a federal intelligence community customer.

The ideal candidate will combine strong software quality assurance expertise with geospatial data knowledge, cloud technologies, and hands-on experience validating complex data systems.

This position will serve as a primary testing and quality assurance lead, ensuring the reliability, accuracy, performance, and usability of geospatial data pipelines, cloud services, APIs, and GIS applications.

The selected candidate will work closely with software developers, cloud engineers, and government stakeholders to support testing, defect resolution, user acceptance testing (UAT), and continuous improvement of mission-critical systems.

Key Responsibilities

Software Testing & Quality Assurance

• Develop and execute comprehensive test strategies, plans, cases, and requirements traceability matrices.

• Conduct integration, end-to-end, regression, functional, and user acceptance testing.

• Validate cloud-based geospatial data ingestion, transformation, storage, and retrieval processes.

• Identify, document, prioritize, and track software defects through resolution.

• Collaborate with engineering teams to troubleshoot technical issues and verify corrective actions.

• Monitor testing metrics, defect trends, and release readiness.

Geospatial Data Validation & Analytics

• Validate geospatial datasets for accuracy, completeness, consistency, and integrity.

• Perform testing of coordinate reference systems, map projections, datums, and spatial relationships.

• Verify geometry validity, geospatial attributes, and spatial query results.

• Work with vector and raster data formats, including GeoJSON and Shapefiles.

• Use SQL to validate database records, transformations, and data quality.

• Support testing and validation of geospatial services integrated with ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, and other GIS applications.

Cloud & API Testing

• Test RESTful APIs and cloud-hosted data services for accuracy, security, reliability, and performance.

• Support troubleshooting of AWS services, including Lambda, ECS, SQS/SNS, and Aurora PostgreSQL.

• Validate data flows across cloud-based ingestion pipelines and distributed applications.

• Use Postman, curl, or scripted testing tools to verify API functionality and error handling.

• Collaborate with DevOps teams to support testing across development, staging, and production environments.

User Acceptance Testing & Stakeholder Engagement

• Plan, coordinate, and lead UAT sessions with government customers and mission users.

• Translate operational requirements into executable test scenarios.

• Serve as an advocate for end-user usability and system functionality.

• Communicate technical findings and recommendations to technical and nontechnical stakeholders.

• Support release planning, customer demonstrations, and acceptance activities.

Technical Documentation & Training

• Develop and maintain test plans, test reports, data dictionaries, and requirements traceability documentation.

• Prepare user guides, release notes, and system documentation.

• Develop and deliver end-user training.

• Support documentation for security accreditation, audits, and release approvals.

Required Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance with CI Polygraph is mandatory.

• Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Information Systems, GIS, Geography, Engineering, or a related discipline; equivalent experience may be considered.

• Typically 3+ years of professional software quality assurance or testing experience, preferably supporting data-intensive or geospatial applications.

• Demonstrated experience with integration, end-to-end, regression, and user acceptance testing.

• Experience developing test plans, test cases, test reports, and requirements traceability matrices.

• Proficiency with Jira, Xray, Zephyr, TestRail, or comparable test management tools.

• Experience testing REST APIs using Postman, curl, or automated testing scripts.

• Working knowledge of SQL for data validation and backend verification.

• Understanding of GIS fundamentals, including coordinate reference systems, projections, datums, and vector/raster data models.

• Experience with ArcGIS Pro and/or QGIS.

• Familiarity with AWS cloud services and cloud-hosted application architectures.

• Knowledge of Git and multi-environment software release processes.

• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and technical writing skills.

• Experience collaborating directly with government stakeholders or end users.

• Ability to work on-site in a secure environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing automated tests using Python, pytest, Selenium, or Playwright.

• Experience with PostGIS and spatial SQL.

• Experience with performance and load testing tools such as JMeter, Locust, or k6.

• Familiarity with AWS Lambda, ECS, SQS/SNS, and Aurora PostgreSQL.

• Experience supporting DoD or intelligence community software programs.

• Knowledge of Risk Management Framework (RMF), Authority to Operate (ATO), and security accreditation documentation.

• ISTQB, CSTE, AWS Cloud Practitioner, or Esri technical certifications.

• CompTIA Security+ or another applicable DoD 8140 baseline certification for positions requiring privileged system access.

Work Environment & Additional Requirements

• Work location includes Herndon, Virginia, and designated government customer facilities.

• Approximately 70% of work is expected to occur in a classified environment, with 30% in an unclassified environment.

• AWS Green Badge access is required; eligible candidates may complete the crossover process.

• Active customer accounts are preferred.

• Must be able to meet applicable customer facility and system access requirements.

Compensation:

At Graham Technologies, we believe in treating everyone with fairness and respect. Our compensation package is designed to ensure fair pay for work, reflecting our commitment to integrity.

Many IT companies offer similar services, but what truly sets us apart is our people! We care deeply about our employees and consistently show our appreciation-not just for the final outcomes, but also for the effort and dedication shown every step of the way. Additionally, our generous benefits package supports our team members in living fulfilling and prosperous lives.

Here are just a few highlights of what we offer:

• Four Weeks of Accrued PTO in the First Year
• Eleven Paid Federal Holidays
• Comprehensive Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan with Annual Employer Contributions
• Flexible Schedules
• Reimbursements for Continued Education and Training

Why Graham Technologies?

Our core values define who we are:

• Value our Customers
• Care about our Employees
• Passionate about Innovation
• Believe in a Strong Work Ethic
• Rely on Teamwork
• Integrity Matters

Founded in 2007, GTech is a consulting services firm passionate about delivering tailored solutions that meet our clients' needs and maximize the value of their investments. We achieve this by providing top-notch professionals across the IT industry. Our team embodies integrity, commitment, and reliability, which are at the heart of everything we do.

We are also dedicated to fostering a culture of support for our employees-the lifeblood of our business. At Graham Technologies, we've built a family-oriented environment where team members are encouraged to maintain a healthy work-life balance, pursue their passions, and grow professionally through flexible schedules, continued education, and a strong sense of community.