AI/ML Data Engineer (TS/SCI with Poly Required)

GCI Incorporated; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

GCI Incorporated is seeking an AI/ML Data Engineer to design and develop scalable solutions for data ingestion and processing. This role requires expertise in backend engineering and a passion for creating efficient data pipelines.

The ideal candidate will have at least five years of software engineering experience, strong skills in NodeJS or Python, and familiarity with APIs and distributed systems. Candidates must be US citizens with active TS/SCI clearance.

Qualifications

• At least five (5) years of related software engineering experience.
• Strong understanding of APIs, microservices, and distributed systems.
• Familiarity with Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop scalable backend services and data ingestion solutions.
• Perform data modeling, data mapping, and large-scale file manipulation.
• Collaborate across disciplines in an Agile environment.

Skills

NodeJS

Python

APIs

microservices

ETL workflows

NoSQL datastores

Large Language Models

MLOps

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or related discipline

Tools

Flask

RabbitMQ

Elastic

AWS

Job description

GCI embodies excellence, integrity and professionalism. The employees supporting our customers deliver unique, high-value mission solutions while effectively leverage the technological expertise of our valued workforce to meet critical mission requirements in the areas of Data Analytics and Software Development, Engineering, Targeting and Analysis, Operations, Training, and Cyber Operations. We maximize opportunities for success by building and maintaining trusted and reliable partnerships with our customers and industry.

At GCI, we solve the hard problems. As an AI/ML Data Engineer, a typical day will include the following duties:

Job Description

We’re looking for a Data Engineer who is passionate about building modern, scalable solutions for ingesting and transforming data. This role blends back-end engineering with data pipeline development and is perfect for someone who enjoys designing modular services and bringing structure to complex data environments.

As part of our Agile team, you’ll design and develop software products and services that efficiently ingest, process, and manage data from a variety of sources. You’ll play a key role in building robust, reusable APIs and data pipelines that support critical operational and analytical systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop scalable backend services and data ingestion solutions.
• Perform data modeling, data mapping, and large-scale file manipulation.
• Collaborate across disciplines in an Agile environment with minimal supervision.
• Drive innovation and process improvement with a hands‑on development approach.
• Optimize application for maximum speed and scalability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering or a related technical discipline, or the equivalent combination of education, technical training, or work/military experience.
• At least five (5) years of related experience software engineering experience.

Required Knowledge/Skills

• In-depth knowledge of NodeJS or Python
• Strong understanding of APIs, microservices, and distributed systems.
• Strong understanding of Large Language Models (LLMs) and using them to enrich data
• Solid experience in building and maintaining ETL workflows and data pipelines.
• Excellent organizational, coordination, interpersonal and team building skills.
• Familiarization with NoSQL datastores.
• Familiarization with MCP Servers and API management

Desired Knowledge/Skills

• NiFi experience
• Experience with Flask Application Development
• Experience with Claude Code, Codex, NemoClaw, Aider, Kiro, Gemini CLI, OpenCode or other AI harness.
• Familiarity with Machine Learning Operations (MLOps)
• Hands‑on experience working with Elastic and RabbitMQ
• NoSQL experience (i.e. MongoDB)
• Cloud based and Distributed architecture creation or experience
• Experience developing on the Amazon Web Services Cloud or other cloud provider.
• Graph Databases (Janus/Cassandra).
• Graph Query Languages.
• A candidate must be a US Citizen and requires an active/current TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans