Senior Data Engineer

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Senior Data Engineer to support a company focused on advancing enterprise geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) data management and cloud-based data platforms within the national security and intelligence industry. This position is on-site in Springfield, VA and requires an active TS/SCI CI Poly.

The Senior Data Engineer will lead the design, development, integration, and operation of scalable data platforms that enable analysts and mission stakeholders to efficiently access, process, and deliver critical intelligence data. Join a mission-driven team helping transform how GEOINT data is discovered, integrated, governed, and shared across the intelligence community.

Responsibilities for the Senior Data Engineer include:

• Lead the architecture, development, and maintenance of scalable data pipelines, ETL/ELT processes, and cloud-based data solutions supporting mission operations.
• Design and oversee secure API integrations and data ingestion frameworks connecting enterprise systems and external data sources.
• Establish best practices for data quality, governance, monitoring, performance optimization, and production support.
• Collaborate with mission, product, analytics, security, and engineering teams to define requirements and implement technical solutions.
• Mentor engineers, support Agile delivery efforts, and provide technical leadership on architecture decisions, tooling, and engineering standards.

Required Qualifications for the Senior Data Engineer include:

• 5+ years of experience in data engineering, software engineering, or related technical disciplines (3+ years with a related master's degree).
• Experience developing production code using Python, Scala, Java, or similar programming languages.
• Strong knowledge of ETL/ELT architectures, data modeling, data quality frameworks, and secure API integrations.
• Experience designing, deploying, and supporting scalable production data pipelines handling structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data.
• Experience with Git, CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and modern software development practices.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex data integration, performance, and operational issues.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams and mentoring technical staff.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain technical decisions and tradeoffs.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field; or a related master's degree.
• Active TS/SCI Clearance with CI Polygraph.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of metadata standards and metadata management practices.
• Experience with enterprise search technologies, indexing strategies, cataloging, and search result optimization.
• Experience supporting GIS-related applications and geospatial data environments.

Compensation for the Senior Data Engineer includes:

Salary Range: $140,000 - $170,000+ depending on experience

Full Benefits Package: PTO, Paid Holidays, Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), Tuition Reimbursement, Sick Leave as Required by Law

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