Senior Data Engineer; Governance Focus

Senior Data Engineer (Governance Focus)

We are looking for a Senior Data Engineer with a strong foundation in modern data engineering and Dev Ops, and a clear focus on data and AI governance. This role goes beyond traditional pipeline development and plays a critical part in establishing governance-by-design across our data and analytics platform.

• Design, build, and operate batch and streaming data pipelines on modern cloud data platforms.
• Develop robust ETL/ELT processes using SQL, Python, and PySpark with strong error handling, monitoring, and cost awareness.
• Implement layered / medallion data architectures and analytics-ready data models to support BI and AI workloads.
• Partner with analysts and data scientists to deliver trusted, production-grade data assets.

• Lead the implementation and evolution of data governance practices using Microsoft Purview or comparable governance platforms.
• Define and operationalize governance standards for data products, AI/ML features, and agent-based workflows.
• Ensure governance is embedded into platform workflows rather than handled as an after-the-fact process.
• Act as a de facto owner for data and AI governance patterns as standards continue to evolve.

• Design and build AI agents and intelligent automation workflows that support data platform and governance operations.
• Develop agents to assist with metadata enrichment, data quality checks, anomaly detection, and governance workflows.
• Ensure AI agents operate only on approved, governed data sources with appropriate logging and auditability.
• Contribute to evolving AI governance patterns, including agent lifecycle management and input/output traceability.

• Implement and maintain CI/CD pipelines for data and AI assets.
• Promote infrastructure-as-code practices (Terraform, Bicep, or equivalent) for repeatable, governed environments.
• Define environment promotion paths (dev, test, prod) with embedded governance and policy checks.

• Data and AI assets are discoverable, trusted, and auditable.
• Governance is built into the platform rather than enforced manually.
• AI agents safely automate platform and governance workflows.
• Teams scale analytics and AI capabilities without increasing risk or operational overhead.

• Bachelor’s degree AND 5+ years of experience in data engineering or data platform engineering in a production environment.
• SQL and hands-on experience with Python and PySpark.
• Experience in data engineering on at least one major cloud or data platform (Azure, AWS, Databricks, or equivalent), with transferable skills across platforms.
• Experience with Git-based development and CI/CD practices.
• Experience with data governance concepts such as cataloging, lineage, data quality, and access control.
• Experience with engineering judgment and balancing speed, safety, and governance.

• Hands-on experience with Microsoft Purview or comparable data governance platforms.
• Experience building AI agents, LLM-based automation, or intelligent assistants for operational or platform workflows.
• Experience embedding governance controls into Dev Ops workflows (policy-as-code mindset).
• Familiarity with Microsoft Fabric or Databricks-centric architectures, and the ability to learn new platforms quickly.

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at c We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is: $98,614.00 - $, Nationwide Remote Office (US99).

ICF is an equal opportunity employer. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Reasonable accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email c and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

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