Role overview
The Data Scientist is primarily responsible for developing models and insights on top of both 2D player tracking and 3D skeletal player tracking data. The role will involve modeling player movement and working with both Coaching and Integrated Performance Support staff to understand this player movement in a tactical, performance and medical context. They will be required to have a basic understanding of modelling with large data sets and a basic understanding of human and object movement principles.
*Primary Responsibilities
Player Movement Modeling & Applied Analytics**
- Develop advanced models of player movement within a soccer-specific and competition-driven context.
- Translate 2D tracking and event data into tactical and interaction-based performance insights.
- Advance the Federation’s capabilities in 3D skeletal tracking and spatial modeling of player interactions.
- Model off-ball movement, defensive contribution, possession value, and contextual performance metrics.
- Integrate biomechanics and physics principles to enhance the interpretation of human movement patterns.
What we're looking for
- Advanced degree in Physics or a related quantitative field, or strong applied foundation in physical modeling principles.
- Strong understanding of soccer performance and the broader U.S. soccer landscape.
- Experience working within a professional sporting organization or sports technology company.
- Experience working with optical or tracking-based player movement datasets.
- Demonstrated experience collaborating with coaching staff and translating complex analytical outputs into concise, actionable insights.
- Strong verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage data collection, planning, and cross-functional coordination.
- Coaching and/or playing experience in soccer preferred.
- Bilingual proficiency (Spanish or additional languages preferred).
- Working knowledge of U.S. Soccer’s mission, technical framework, and performance objectives.
U.S. Soccer offers a comprehensive compensation package, casual work environment, an inclusive culture, and an atmosphere for professional development.
U.S. Soccer is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, citizenship, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, military status, political belief, or any other characteristic protected under the law. This policy applies to all our employment practices within our organization. We strongly encourage women, people of color, LGBTQIA, veterans, parents, and persons with disabilities to apply.