Forward Deployed Data Scientist (New Grad)

About This Role

Palantir is hiring Forward Deployed Data Scientists — a hybrid role combining data analysis, client-facing problem-solving, and technical deployment. You will embed with government agencies, healthcare systems, or financial institutions and use Palantir's platforms (Foundry, Gotham, AIP) to turn complex operational data into usable intelligence.

Job Overview

• Job Title: Forward Deployed Data Scientist (New Grad)
• Company: Palantir
• Location: New York, NY / Washington, DC / Palo Alto, CA / Seattle, WA / Denver, CO
• Job Type: Full-time
• Experience Level: Entry-level (less than 6 months industry experience)
• Salary Range: $45–$62/hr
• Posted Date: 2026-06-04
• Application Deadline: 2026-07-04

Role Context

Unlike traditional data science roles, forward deployed scientists work directly at client sites, sometimes for months at a time. You will build pipelines, configure data models, and develop custom analytics for mission-critical operations. Clients include US defense agencies, healthcare networks, and Fortune 100 companies. Travel is frequent and involvement in live operations is common.

Key Responsibilities

• Integrate diverse client datasets into Palantir Foundry or Gotham pipelines
• Build analytical workflows, dashboards, and ontologies on the Palantir platform
• Work directly with client operators and analysts to understand and solve data problems
• Develop Python-based data transforms, statistical models, or ML workflows within AIP
• Communicate technical constraints and solutions to non-technical client leadership
• Iterate rapidly based on client feedback with short deployment cycles

Requirements & Skills

• Bachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Statistics, Engineering, or a related field (Fall 2025 or Spring 2026 grad)
• Strong Python skills — data manipulation, scripting, and light ML
• SQL proficiency for joining and transforming complex operational datasets
• Comfort with ambiguity and client-facing communication
• Ability and willingness to travel to client sites, including government facilities
• US citizenship required for roles supporting government clients

Benefits & Work Conditions

• $45–$62/hr with Palantir stock options and annual bonus
• Travel expenses fully covered for client deployments
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
• Unlimited PTO policy and 401(k) plan
• Rapid career progression — most FDEs move to technical leads within 2–3 years

Who Should Apply

Technically strong graduates who want hands-on impact in consequential domains — healthcare, defense, supply chain, or law enforcement. This role is not a typical desk job; you will be embedded in operational environments and expected to solve real problems under real constraints, fast.

About the Company

Palantir Technologies builds data integration and AI platforms for the US government and large enterprises. Founded in 2003, it is known for its work with the DoD, CIA, NHS, and major financial institutions. Its Forward Deployed Engineering model distinguishes it from traditional software vendors.

How to Apply

Apply through Palantir's Early Talent portal. The process includes a technical phone screen, a take-home project, and an onsite final round consisting of coding, data analysis, and a decomposition interview that tests your problem-solving approach under time pressure.