Data Scientist - HR Analytics and Reporting

Peraton is seeking a Data Scientist to join our Talent Analytics & Reporting team. This role is ideal for a quantitatively rigorous analyst who thinks like a social scientist - someone who frames problems as hypotheses, applies statistical and machine learning methods appropriately, and translates complex analyses into clear, decision-ready insights for senior leaders.

You will partner closely with HR and business stakeholders to investigate critical workforce questions such as attrition drivers, workforce planning, internal mobility, and performance outcomes. The work requires intellectual curiosity, strong technical acumen, and excellent communication skills.

This is not a back-end data engineering role. We are looking for someone who enjoys applied research, analytical storytelling, and solving real organizational problems using data.

While work may be performed remotely, preference will be given to qualified candidates able to work occasionally from our Reston, VA office.

Primary Responsibilities:

Design and execute rigorous statistical analyses and machine learning models to identify drivers of talent outcomes (e.g., attrition, promotion, engagement) and forecast future workforce trends
• Apply hypothesis testing, regression modeling, classification methods, and other quantitative techniques to answer complex workforce questions
• Distinguish signal from noise and assess causal relationships where appropriate
• Extract, join, transform, and validate data from enterprise data warehouse and HR systems using SQL
• Translate ambiguous business questions into structured analytical approaches and defensible methodologies
• Communicate findings clearly to senior HR and business leaders, including implications, limitations, and recommended actions
• Automate recurring analyses and reporting workflows to improve efficiency and scalability
• Partner across HR functions throughout the lifecycle of analytics initiatives-from scoping and research design through delivery and implementation
• Design and validate reporting solutions in Workday and other enterprise systems
• Ensure the integrity, accuracy, and confidentiality of highly sensitive workforce data

• A bachelor's degree with 8+ years of relevant experience, a Masters Degree with 6+ years of experience.
• 12+ years of work experience may be considered in lieu of degree
• At least 5 years of experience in applied data analytics
• Strong grounding in statistics, including hypothesis testing, regression modeling, experimental or quasi-experimental methods, and model validation
• Demonstrated experience applying machine learning techniques in practical business contexts
• Advanced proficiency in SQL for querying, joining, aggregating, and transforming structured data from relational data warehouse environments
• Proficiency in a statistical programming language (e.g., R or Python) to build, evaluate, and refine statistical and predictive models
• Ability to assess model assumptions, interpret coefficients correctly, and communicate uncertainty and limitations
• Strong executive communication skills - able to explain complex analytical findings in clear, practical terms
• Proven ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and deliver high-quality results
• Demonstrated integrity and experience handling highly sensitive data

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting organizational research, workforce analytics, or people analytics in a corporate setting
• Experience with Workday reporting and HRIS data structures
• Experience using Alteryx or similar tools for data preparation and workflow automation

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.