Data Engineer; junior career

Position: Data Engineer (junior career)
** Standard

Job Description *
* Join our classified Aero Data and AI enablement organization where you'll design and build the data solution powering next-generation AI capabilities. This is an opportunity to work on enterprise-scale data platforms that directly support mission-critical objectives in a secure environment.

As an AI Data Engineer, you'll architect and deliver data solutions that fuel AI/ML innovation across the program. Working in classified facilities, you'll build the pipelines, data warehouses, and feature stores that transform raw data into mission-ready insights. You'll partner with AI/ML teams, data scientists, and mission stakeholders to create scalable platforms using technologies like SAP HANA, and modern data engineering practices-all while navigating the unique requirements of classified operations.

This role offers the chance to shape how data and AI solutions are built and delivered for our mission.

** Key Responsibilities*
* ** Data Platform & Engineering** :
You'll design, build, and maintain enterprise-grade data pipelines and warehouse solutions that power AI/ML initiatives. This means creating scalable systems that collect, ingest, process, store, and deliver data at the speed and scale the mission demands. You'll work across local, distributed, and cloud-based technologies, implementing data virtualization, smart caching, and the security controls required to protect classified information.

** AI/ML Data Solutions** :
Partner with AI/ML developers to deliver data ready for model training and deployment. You'll build feature stores, create model-ready datasets, and design ontology models that give structure and meaning to complex mission data. Your work enables data scientists and engineers to move faster-from raw data to deployed AI capabilities.

** Full Lifecycle Data Engineering** :
Own the entire data solution lifecycle. You'll profile and analyze data, create conceptual, logical, and physical data models, and architect ETL processes that turn unorganized data into analytics-ready sources. Working through requirements gathering to production deployment, you'll define functional capabilities, security specifications, backup and recovery strategies, and performance optimization approaches.

** Classified Program Operations** :
Work within secure facilities and classified environments, obtaining required clearances and following all security and authentication protocols. You'll implement the controls and mechanisms required to protect sensitive data while enabling teams to move quickly and deliver value.

** Basic Qualifications*
* Degree in Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or related field

** 2-4 years of experience in data engineering
** or related data/analytics roles

** 1+ years of experience supporting AI/ML systems or data science teams*
* Understanding of traditional business intelligence and data warehousing concepts (ETL, data modeling, and reporting)

Proficiency with Python and SQL databases, demonstrated through coursework, projects, internships, or professional experience

Understanding of foundational data engineering concepts, including relational databases, data modeling, ETL or ELT pipelines, and data quality

Ability to analyze problems, learn new technologies, and communicate clearly in a collaborative team environment

Ability to work in an Agile development environment and use version-control tools such as Git

Able to obtain special program clearance

Active U.S. Government Secret Security Clearance

** Desired Skills*
* Familiarity with SAP HANA, Neo4j, Eqube or similar data integration, graph database, and data pipeline tools

Exposure to AI or machine-learning workflows, including data preparation for model training and analysis

Familiarity with…