Data Labeling Specialist

NextGen Federal Systems is seeking a detail-oriented Mid-Level Data Labeling Specialist to support Artificial Intelligence Operations (AIOPS) initiatives within the Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) environment. This role will focus on preparing, annotating, categorizing, and validating structured and unstructured data for use within existing AI platforms and operational applications.

AIOPS supports the operational adoption and use of AI-enabled capabilities across NGC2. Accurate, consistently organized, and traceable data helps ensure these existing platforms can effectively support operational workflows and user requirements.

The ideal candidate will have practical experience in data annotation, data quality assurance, and dataset organization, with the ability to apply defined labeling standards independently. This role requires collaboration with technical personnel, functional subject matter experts, and government stakeholders to clarify data requirements and resolve quality issues.

Key Responsibilities

• Annotate and classify operational datasets, including specific modalities, using approved taxonomies, metadata standards, and task-specific instructions.
• Prepare and organize labeled datasets for use within existing AI platforms and applications.
• Review annotations for accuracy, completeness, consistency, and adherence to approved labeling conventions.
• Identify, document, and resolve data discrepancies, ambiguous records, duplicate entries, and inconsistent labels; elevate unresolved cases to appropriate subject matter experts.
• Coordinate with technical teams and functional subject matter experts to clarify labeling criteria and data interpretation.
• Perform first and second-pass quality reviews using defined sampling plans, acceptance criteria, and annotation-agreement measures; document findings and complete required rework.
• Maintain data labeling records, change history, quality findings, and supporting documentation to preserve traceability.
• Support the refinement of annotation instructions, review checklists, and repeatable data quality workflows.
• Handle data in accordance with applicable government security, access, and information management requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Data Analytics, Computer Science, or a related discipline; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• 3–5 years of relevant experience in data labeling, data annotation, data quality assurance, data management, or comparable data operations.
• Demonstrated experience reviewing, categorizing, and validating structured or unstructured datasets.
• Ability to apply labeling guidelines, metadata conventions, and documented quality standards consistently.
• Experience identifying data discrepancies and documenting corrective actions.
• Proficiency with spreadsheet applications and common data organization tools.
• Strong attention to detail, analytical judgment, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating with technical teams and nontechnical subject matter experts.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Active Security Clearance Required: Secret or higher

Desired Qualifications

• Experience supporting DoD or other government data operations programs.
• Familiarity with data annotation or labeling platforms such as Label Studio, CVAT, or comparable tools.
• Experience preparing data for use in existing AI-enabled applications or operational analytics platforms.
• Familiarity with metadata management, controlled vocabulary, taxonomies, and dataset versioning.
• Experience with quality sampling, annotation agreement checks, and repeatable data review processes.
• Familiarity with CSV, JSON, SQL, or other common data formats and query tools.
• Experience working in controlled-access or secure government computing environments.

About NextGen:

NextGen Federal Systems is an innovative technology and professional services provider specializing in advanced software solutions and comprehensive mission and business support services. We work in close collaboration with our customers to truly understand their business and mission goals. Our approach is to design, build, implement, and manage solutions that measurably improve our client’s organizational performance. We have established and foster a corporate culture where we:

• Treat employees with fairness and respect regardless of their position, sexual identity, race, or tenure.
• Communicate the importance of our mission and our employees’ contributions to it, ensuring they understand how their job role contributes to the greater good.
• Openly promote and communicate our ideas for change and adaptability.
• Strive to achieve results as an organization.
• Hold employees accountable to their commitments and provide incentives that encourage positive and productive behaviors.
• Value the talents and contributions of our employees as the key factor for our success.
• Create an environment where people can engage at all levels.
• Encourage people to take risks and allow them to make mistakes.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.

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