Secret Data Engineer (SME)

Job Description

The Database & Data Pipeline Engineer will serve as an on-site technical resource in Merrifield, responsible for developing, maintaining, and modernizing data systems across the low-side and high-side enclaves. This role focuses on improving performance, reliability, and scalability for data-centric applications. The engineer will design and optimize data pipelines, manage enterprise databases, and lead modernization efforts using cloud-capable technologies while ensuring compliance with strict security and operational constraints. Responsibilities include:

• Develop, maintain, and modernize low-side and high-side database environments, ensuring stability, performance, and scalability.
• Design, optimize, and troubleshoot NiFi-based data pipelines supporting high-volume mission workflows.
• Administer, tune, and support Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server databases across secure enclaves.
• Enhance backend performance for applications by improving data flows, query efficiency, and system integration.
• Support Linux and Windows server environments used for database operations, data workflows, and pipeline infrastructure.
• Apply cloud platform experience (AWS and/or Azure) to support modernization, migration, or hybrid data processing efforts as permitted by mission requirements.
• Perform on-site diagnostics, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis to resolve complex data and system issues.
• Collaborate closely with development teams, system administrators, and government stakeholders to ensure alignment with mission goals.
• Maintain thorough documentation of technical processes, data models, configurations, and workflows.
• Ensure all activities adhere to security, compliance, and data handling requirements in classified environments.

Skills and Requirements

• Active Secret clearance
• Hands-on experience with Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server database administration, tuning, and optimization.
• Experience with Linux and Windows server systems in enterprise or secure environments.
• Cloud platform experience (AWS and/or Azure) supporting modernization and migration efforts.
• Experience working within a classified Government environment
• Experience working with Government product owners and stakeholders
• Experience working on an agile development team
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex data pipeline and database issues in secure onsite environments.
• Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong proficiency in Apache NiFi pipeline development and maintenance.
• Experience working with generative AI such as Claude Code, Copilot, and ChatGPT.
• Experience supporting mission systems or sensitive data environments within federal agencies.
• Knowledge of ETL methodologies, data modeling, and performance optimization strategies.
• Experience modernizing legacy data systems into cloud, virtualized, or containerized architectures within classified environments.
• Relevant technical certifications (Oracle DBA, MCSE, AWS/Azure certs, Linux admin certs).
• Familiarity with DevSecOps practices and CI/CD tools
• Familiarity with secure networking, segmentation, and classified data workflows.

We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to [email protected].