Senior Data Engineer - Joint

MINDEF; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

MINDEF is seeking a Senior Data Platform Engineer to design, build, and maintain robust data solutions for JIC's operational data, enabling scalable platforms for intelligence operations and software teams. You will architect on-prem data platforms with Kafka and PostgreSQL, develop resilient pipelines and APIs, mentor engineers, and apply GitOps and IaC practices within Kubernetes environments.

The role requires deep problem solving in ambiguous contexts and strong collaboration with

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in data or platform engineering.
• Proven ability to select and apply architectural techniques.
• Experience with on-prem data platforms using Kafka and PostgreSQL.
• Familiar with Kubernetes, GitOps, and IaC deployment.

Responsibilities

• Architect and maintain data ecosystems across operational and analytical domains.
• Design and manage cloud-native data platforms deployed in on-prem environments.
• Develop and automate resilient data pipelines and APIs using event-driven architectures.
• Mentor engineers and guide the team through technical best practices and code reviews.

Skills

Data architecture

Kafka

PostgreSQL

Kubernetes

GitOps

IaC

Open formats

Stream processing

Independent work

Communication

Education

Engineering / IT / CS degree

Tools

Docker

Terraform

ArgoCD

Job description

What the role is

You are responsible for designing, building, and maintaining data solutions to marshal Joint Intelligence Command (JIC)'s operational data, enabling robust and scalable platforms that support intelligence operations and software engineering teams.

What you will be working on

• Architect and maintain comprehensive data ecosystems across operational and analytical domains, advising on optimal technologies and design patterns to implement
• Design and manage cloud‑native data platforms deployed in on‑premises environments
• Develop and automate resilient data pipelines, integration interfaces, and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) leveraging event‑driven architectures
• Mentor junior engineers and guide the section through technical best practices, code reviews, and architectural design evaluations

Challenge(s): Navigating ambiguity to determine the right design patterns to apply, as architectural choices regarding specific structural patterns and techniques are not pre‑defined. Rapidly building foundational domain knowledge of intelligence operations to design platforms that effectively support software engineers and operational tool development.

What we are looking for

• Education in Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field
• At least 6 years of experience in data or platform engineering, with a proven track record of bringing clarity to ambiguous environments by independently selecting and applying appropriate architectural techniques and data design patterns
• Demonstrated expertise in building robust on‑premises data platforms, particularly with Apache Kafka and PostgreSQL, alongside practical experience with stream processing engines, open table formats, and scalable operational and analytical data architectures
• Extensive hands‑on experience with containerisation and orchestration in Kubernetes environments, seamlessly integrated with a strong grasp of GitOps workflows and Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) deployment practices
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Highly motivated and independent working style
• User‑centric mindset with strong analytical and meticulous attention to detail

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

About MINDEF

The mission of MINDEF and the Singapore Armed Forces is to enhance Singapore's peace and security through deterrence and diplomacy, and should these fail, to secure a swift and decisive victory over the aggressor. The Defence Executive Officer (DXO) scheme is the non‑uniformed career scheme of MINDEF that offers myriad opportunities in various job functions, such as corporate communications, cyber security, data analytics and visualisation, defence policy, finance, HR, psychology, and more. Embodying the same level of commitment towards defence, DXOs work together with their military counterparts to contribute to MINDEF/SAF’s mission and ensure Singapore's security and stability. United by this common cause, our lines of defence complement each other to secure the prosperity and progress of our nation.