Data Engineer
First seen by Alion on Sep 1, 2026.
Summary
Data Engineers in the Directorate of Mission Systems (DMS) solve critical data challenges by building data pipelines, transforming data, and delivering data to systems to advance CIA's mission.
Duties
As a Directorate of Mission Systems (DMS) Data Engineer at CIA, you will transform and deliver high-priority datasets to enable exploitation and analysis for CIA's intelligence mission.
Using computer programming and other capabilities, DMS Data Engineers develop processes to transform raw structured or unstructured data into useful, actionable information for critical mission systems. They design and build scalable data pipelines using commercial cloud, open source, and custom software solutions to process large datasets. DMS Data Engineers create automated data validation methods to load data into systems accurately and consistently. Through partnerships with collectors, data scientists, and software engineers, DMS Data Engineers design how data will be integrated and stored for optimal effectiveness.
DMS Data Engineers are curious and use their skills to identify problems and build solutions, applying updated expertise in areas such as ETL, workflow and container orchestration, database and search technologies, distributed computing, serverless design, and cloud solutions. DMS encourages and supports continual learning. Opportunities exist for continued professional development, to include advanced technical training. Travel opportunities may be available.
Requirements
Conditions of employment- You must be physically in the United States or one of its territories when you submit your resume via MyLINK.
- You must be registered for the Selective Service, if applicable.
- You must be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years of age (dual-national US citizens are eligible).
- You must be willing to move to the Washington, DC area.
- You must successfully complete a thorough medical and psychological exam, a polygraph interview, and a comprehensive background investigation.
- For further requirements information, please visit: https://www.cia.gov/careers/how-we-hire/requirements/
Minimum Qualifications
Interested candidates should be passionate about the ideals of our American republic, committed to upholding the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution, and committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government. Hiring decisions will not be based on race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.
- Proficiency with computer programming languages like Python, Java, Scala, or equivalent Object-Oriented Programming Language and knowledge of SQL
- Knowledge of data ingestion, transformation, modeling, and storage:
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and in groups within a team environment.
- Curiosity, creativity, and initiative
- Ability to meet the minimum requirements for joining CIA, including U.S. citizenship and a background investigation
- Prior experience related to data engineering, data science, data architecture, database and search technologies
- Experience analyzing or processing bulk datasets
- Experience with signal/image processing, geospatial modeling or voice/data communications
- Prior application of serverless design patterns, such as serverless applications or websites
- Understanding of scaling and performance of distributed/cloud systems
- Understanding of data science concepts, AI/ML, automation, and scripting
- Bachelor's degree in one of the following fields or related studies:
- Computer Science
- Computer/Electrical Engineering or related field
- Data Science or related quantitative field
- Information Science/Technology
- Forensics (Digital Forensics, Forensic Science, and Technology)
- Mathematics/Statistics
- At least a 3.0 GPA on a 4-point scale
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. .
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
For more information, please visit: Data Engineer.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. .
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
For further information, please visit: Data Engineer.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
This post is for viewing purposes only. To get started, please visit https://www.cia.gov/careers/, where you can read more about this position and express your interest in up to four jobs. Upon expressing your interest, you will be taken to MyLINK, which allows you to submit your resume and job rankings and provide basic information about yourself.
Agency contact information Central Intelligence Agency Website https://cia.gov/careers Next stepsAfter you express interest for up to four positions on cia.gov/careers, a CIA recruiter may contact you for further discussion if your qualifications meet our needs. See the MyLINK FAQs on our website for more information.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.