Sr. Data Engineer

Job Title: Sr. Data Engineer

Location: Fort Belvoir, VA

Eligibility: Candidate must possess an active Top Secret clearance

Job Description:

We are seeking a versatile AI/Data Engineer with a strong Full Stack Development background to lead the technical realization of our Emerging Technology initiatives. This role requires a "builder" mindset-someone who can develop robust data pipelines, integrate advanced AI/ML models, and build the interfaces that make those insights actionable. Crucially, you will navigate the complexities of federal deployments, including ATO (Authority to Operate) management and the creation of rigorous technical documentation.

Key Responsibilities:

AI & Data Engineering:

• Design and implement scalable data pipelines (ETL/ELT) to ingest, clean, and structure data for AI consumption.
• Develop and integrate AI/ML solutions, including Large Language Models (LLMs) and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) frameworks.
• Optimize model performance and manage data versioning and model registry.

Full Stack Development:

• Build responsive, user-centric front-end interfaces and robust back-end APIs to support AI-driven applications.
• Ensure seamless integration between the data layer, AI services, and the user interface.
• Write clean, maintainable code following modern software engineering best practices.

Deployment & ATO Management:

• Manage the deployment lifecycle using CI/CD pipelines in cloud-native environments (AWS/Azure).
• ATO Leadership: Partner with security and compliance teams to ensure all solutions meet federal security standards (NIST/FedRAMP).
• Navigate the Risk Management Framework (RMF) to move prototypes into production-ready, accredited environments.

Technical Documentation:

• Author comprehensive technical documentation, including System Security Plans (SSP), API documentation, architectural diagrams, and user manuals.
• Maintain rigorous documentation of data lineage, governance protocols, and deployment procedures.

Requirements:

• 6+ years of experience in software engineering, with at least 3 years focused on AI/Data Engineering.
• Full Stack Proficiency: Professional experience with modern frameworks (e.g., React, Vue, Python/FastAPI, Node.js, or Go).
• Cloud & DevOps: Strong experience with AWS or Azure services, Docker, Kubernetes, and CI/CD tools.
• Deployment Expertise: Demonstrated knowledge of the federal ATO process and security compliance requirements.
• Data Mastery: Expert-level SQL and experience with both SQL and NoSQL databases (PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Pinecone, etc.).
• Documentation: Proven ability to translate complex technical architectures into clear, professional documentation for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred Requirements:

• Experience with DLA or other DoD agencies and their specific security protocols.
• Background in building AI solutions that handle sensitive or unclassified (CUI) data.
• Certifications in AWS/Azure Solutions Architecture or DevSecOps.

Work Schedule:

• Hybrid - 2-3 days remote, 2-3 days on-site at Fort Belvoir, VA

Start Date: ASAP