Data Engineer SME

Iron EagleX (IEX), a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics Information Technology, delivers agile IT and Intelligence solutions. Combining small-team flexibility with global scale, IEX leverages emerging technologies to provide innovative, user-focused solutions that empower organizations and end users to operate smarter, faster, and more securely in dynamic environments

Job Description:

We are seeking a Data Engineer SME to design, build, and maintain data collection, processing, and integration pipelines that centralize and structure data from various web-based applications. You will work closely with software developers, data analysts, and product teams to ensure seamless data flow, high-quality data storage, and efficient retrieval methods. This role is ideal for someone passionate about data-driven decision-making and optimizing data aggregation processes while exploring and identifying right-sized technologies and computing resources.

This is not a Data Science, Big Data, ML-Ops, or AI-related role. Instead, this position focuses on wrangling disparate data sources into unified, consumable data APIs for internal and external stakeholders. This is an onsite position in Crystal City, VA.

Job Duties Include (but not limited to):

Design, develop, and implement scalable data pipelines and ETL processes using Apache Airflow, with a focus on data for AI applications.
• Develop messaging solutions utilizing Kafka to support real-time data streaming and event-driven architectures.
• Build and maintain high-performance data retrieval solutions using ElasticSearch/OpenSearch.
• Implement and optimize Python-based data processing solutions.
• Integrate batch and streaming data processing techniques to enhance data availability and accessibility.
• Ensure adherence to security and compliance requirements when working with classified data.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to define data strategies and develop technical solutions aligned with mission objectives.
• Deploy and manage cloud-based infrastructure to support scalable and resilient data solutions.
• Optimize data storage, retrieval, and processing efficiency.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Experience with Apache Airflow for workflow orchestration.
• Strong programming skills in Python.
• Experience with ElasticSearch/OpenSearch for data indexing and search functionalities.
• Understanding of vector databases, embedding models, and vector search for AI applications.
• Expertise in event-driven architecture and microservices development.
• Hands-on experience with cloud services (e.g. MinIO), including data storage and compute resources.
• Strong understanding of data pipeline orchestration and workflow automation.
• Working knowledge of Linux environments and database optimization techniques.
• Strong understanding of version control with Git.
• Due to US Government Contract Requirements, only US Citizens are eligible for this role.

Nice to Have Skills:

• Proficiency in Kafka for messaging and real-time data processing.
• Understanding of LLM prompt engineering and associated ETL applications.
• Knowledge of SuperSet for data visualization and analytics.
• Familiarity with Kubernetes for container orchestration.
• Exposure to Apache Spark for large-scale data processing.

Education & Certifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience). Advanced degrees are a plus.

Security Clearance:

• An active TS/SCI security clearance is REQUIRED. Candidates without this clearance will not be considered.

Benefits:

• National Health, vision and dental plans
• 20 days of PTO and 11 paid holidays
• Life Insurance
• Short - and long-term disability plans
• 401(K) retirement plans
• Incentive and recognition programs
• Relocation opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans