Senior Data Engineer

GovCIO is currently hiring for a Senior Data Engineer with an active Secret clearance to serve as an on-site technical resource, responsible for developing, maintaining, and modernizing data systems across low-side and high-side enclaves. This position will be located in Merrifield, VA and will be a hybrid position.

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.

Key Responsibilities:

• 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.

High School with 10+ years of application development (or commensurate experience)
Clearance Required: Active Secret with the ability to obtain and hold DEA suitability

Required Qualifications:

• Active Secret clearance enabling access to low side and high side systems.

• Hands-on experience with Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server database administration, tuning, and optimization.

• Strong proficiency in Apache NiFi pipeline development and maintenance.

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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 Dev Sec Ops  practices and CI/CD tools.

• Familiarity with secure networking, segmentation, and classified data workflows.