Principal Data Scientist

At BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), we are People Strong, Innovation Driven. A U.S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering innovator that provides safe and effective nuclear solutions for global security, clean energy, environmental restoration, nuclear medicine and space exploration. With more than 7,800 employees, BWXT has 14 major operating sites in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers. Our company supplies precision manufactured components, services and fuel for the commercial nuclear power industry across four continents. Our joint ventures provide environmental restoration and operations management at a dozen U.S. Department of Energy and NASA facilities. BWXT’s technology is driving advances in medical radioisotope production in North America and microreactors for various defense and space applications. For more information, visit www.bwxt.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.

BWXT is currently seeking a Principal Data Scientist for its Lynchburg, VA location!

BWXT is People Strong, Innovation Driven - be part of BWXT’s innovation hub. BWXT’s Advanced Technologies (AT) group researches, designs, and develops innovative new nuclear reactors, nuclear rocket propulsion systems, and radioisotope production systems for both internal and external customers.

BWXT Advanced Technologies (AT) is seeking a Principal Data Scientist with significant industry experience and a desire to apply their skills and knowledge to building data driven models and understanding of complex manufacturing processes.  Your skills in statistics, analytics, machine learning, and deep learning will support the research and development of a wide range of nuclear products for space applications, clean power, and propulsion.

This position is in Lynchburg, Virginia and can be eligible for relocation benefits dependent on the candidate. This position also requires light travel.  

If you are looking for a career where your experience is valued, innovative thinking is fostered, and barrier-free teamwork is embraced every day, then this opportunity is for you. 

Job Description / Duties:

• Develop physics informed and constrained machine learning models that are integrated with both direct numerical simulation models and other reduced order models, to identify and classify manufacturing defects and process variation.
• Work on image classifiers, object detectors, video understanding models, multi-modal classifiers, etc.
• Develop and improved sensor systems and hardware based directly on model performance.
• Work closely with engineering teams to implement model pipeline and deploy the service at scale.
• Collaborate with data analysts to understand and find data patterns.
• Travel (20-30%) domestic and international is required.

Job Qualifications / Requirements:

• This is an innovation role, must be self-starting and comfortable supporting multiple teams, systems and developing products.
• A minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience. An Engineering degree can substitute for three (3) years of experience.
• A bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD in Statistics, Physics, Engineering or a related field, or equivalent professional experience is required. Depending on the degree, some experience can be substituted.
• Deep expertise in fundamentals of machine learning and deep learning, both from a theoretical perspective and an application perspective
• Demonstrated understanding and grasp of advanced statistical concepts and methods, including but not limited to Bayesian methods, Causal Inferecing, Optimal Designed Experiments, Bayesian Optimization, Uncertainty Quantification and Sesnsitivity Analysis.
• Experience with modern programing techniques, languages, and ML libraries, including Python, Tensorflow, PyTorch, Matlab, git, etc.
• Knowledge of modern vision data methods, such as 3D Gaussian Splatting, neural volume rendering, is a plus
• Must be a US Citizen with no dual citizenship.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) or Department of Defense (DOD) security clearance, whichever is required.

Benefits:

• 12 paid holidays.
• Tuition Assistance.
• Free access to our 24/7 gym onsite in Lynchburg, Virginia.
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• BWXT employees have access to exclusive perks and discounts on everything from cars and electronics to banking services and a host of popular brands / products through Perks@Work.
• Medical, dental, vision, short term disability, service-based retirement contributions with additional 401k match and more!
• New in 2025: Enhanced Fertility Coverage, Back-Up Child, Elder, and Pet Care, Enhanced Mental Health Care Benefits and Diabetes and Weight Management Benefits!

Pay: $85,000.00 - $145,000.00

The base salary range for this position in Virginia (US-VA) at the start of employment is expected to be between $85,000.00 and $145,000.00 per year. However, the base salary offered is based on local job market factors, and may vary further depending on factors specific to the selected job candidate, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to these considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as an annual cash incentive in addition to a full range of medical, retirement, and/or other benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided at such time the selected job candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, the selected job candidate will be employed 'at-will,’ unless employed at a location and in a position subject to a collective bargaining agreement.  The company further reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment, compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and other market factors.

As a federal government contractor, BWX Technologies, Inc. and any subsidiaries, affiliates and related entities (“BWXT” or the “Company”) complies with all federal, state, and local laws and customer requirements regarding health and safety protocols.  As such, all BWXT new hires will be required to adhere to applicable Company health and safety requirements within the workplace as a condition of employment.

Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Position requires U.S. citizenship with (no dual citizenship) ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance which involves an extensive criminal and financial background investigation, drug test and previous employment reference verifications.

BWXT supports diversity and is committed to the concept of Equal Employment Opportunity. We have established procedures to ensure that all personnel actions such as recruitment, compensation, career development, benefits, company-sponsored training and social recreational programs are administered without regard to race, color religion, gender, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or veteran status.

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/OFCCP_EEO_Supplement_Final_JRF_QA_508c.pdf

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