Data and AI Systems Engineer (Systems Engineer I) at Fairfax County Government

Wayne State University; Fairfax (VA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Fairfax County Government seeks a Data and AI Systems Engineer to bridge backend data infrastructure with frontend analytics, driving county-wide data-informed decision making. Hybrid role with at least 40% onsite work at the Fairfax County Government Center, supporting responsible AI usage and data governance.

The role comprises building rapid prototypes, ETL/ELT pipelines, and enterprise AI platforms, collaborating across agencies to advance a resilient, connected data ecosystem and improve

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science or closely related field.
• Proficiency in SQL and Python for data manipulation, analysis, and pipeline scripting.
• Hands-on experience with Snowflake, Databricks, or Azure.
• Deep understanding of relational databases, data modeling, and core ETL/ELT pipeline design.
• Experience with Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Studio, or AI workflow tools.
• Experience designing, validating, and optimizing data architectures.
• Competency building intuitive dashboards with Power BI or Tableau.
• Interest or experience in the public sector or handling large-scale, structured data environments.
• Proactive problem-solvers who take initiative in fast-paced environments.
• Strong technical communication across data, AI, and multi-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop rapid innovation prototypes, automation scripts, and automated workflows.
• Design and maintain optimized ETL/ELT pipelines within Snowflake using Airflow or Azure Data Factory.
• Monitor, tune, and manage central database engines across on-prem SQL Server, Azure, and Snowflake.
• Deploy BI tools and dashboards using Power BI or Tableau with advanced SQL and DAX.
• Configure and deploy centralized AI systems leveraging Copilot and related tools.
• Enforce data governance, security, and ethical controls for AI/data workflows.
• Collaborate with cross-departmental teams and vendors to share capabilities and documentation.
• Perform other duties to support Innovation Division initiatives.

Skills

SQL

Python

Data manipulation

Pipeline scripting

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science or closely related field

Tools

Snowflake

Databricks

Azure

Power BI

Tableau

Copilot

Job description

Data and AI Systems Engineer (Systems Engineer I)

This position works within our Innovation Division. In this foundational role, you will become a key contributor and driving force behind the county’s unified data and enterprise artificial intelligence ecosystem, bridging the gap between backend data infrastructure and frontend analytics to drive county-wide data‑informed decision‑making, boost transparency, and enhance operational efficiency. This is an opportunity to participate in high‑impact data engineering initiatives, develop future‑ready database integrations, and help build next‑generation artificial intelligence upgrades that directly support critical county operations, public safety, and public service delivery.

We are looking for an energetic, future‑focused innovator who is excited to learn, grow, and help shape the roadmap of our expanding data and enterprise AI portfolio. If you are passionate about collaborating with agency analysts, supporting inter‑agency workgroups, and implementing operational policies for responsible, ethical AI usage, this position offers the platform to truly make your mark and launch your career. Join us to support next‑generation data solutions and help lead Fairfax County’s data and artificial intelligence program into a more resilient, connected, and innovative future.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop rapid innovation prototypes, automation scripts, and automated workflows to solve practical business problems.
• Design and maintain optimized ETL/ELT pipelines within Snowflake using frameworks like Apache Airflow or Azure Data Factory.
• Monitor, tune, and manage central database engines across on‑premises SQL Server, Azure cloud platforms, and Snowflake.
• Deploy enterprise business intelligence tools and interactive dashboards using Power BI or Tableau with advanced SQL and DAX.
• Configure and deploy centralized AI systems and machine learning platforms leveraging Microsoft Copilot, Copilot Studio, AI Builder, ChatGPT, and Gemini.
• Enforce data governance, security, and ethical controls to ensure AI systems and data workflows are secure, transparent, and compliant.
• Collaborate with cross‑departmental teams, regional partners, and vendors to share technical capabilities, best practices, and system documentation.
• Perform other duties as required to support Innovation Division related efforts.

Notes

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies

This role operates on a hybrid model requiring at least 40% onsite work at the Fairfax County Government Center.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:

(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")

Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with a bachelor's degree in computer science or closely related field.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check to the satisfaction of the employer.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Proficiency in SQL and Python for data manipulation, analysis, and pipeline scripting.
• Hands‑on experience with modern cloud data platforms such as Snowflake, Databricks, or Azure.
• Deep understanding of relational databases, data modeling, and core ETL/ELT pipeline design.
• Experience with the Microsoft 365 suite, specifically leveraging Copilot, Copilot Studio, or advanced AI agentic and workflow automation tools.
• Experience designing, validating, and optimizing data architectures to ensure alignment with business requirements.
• Competency building intuitive dashboards and operational data visualizations using Power BI or Tableau.
• Interest or experience working within the public sector or handling large‑scale, highly structured data environments.
• Proactive problem‑solver who takes initiative on complex issues independently, providing sound technical recommendations in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong technical communication skills with a proven ability to collaborate effectively across data, AI, and multi‑disciplinary teams or agencies.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work is generally sedentary, performed in a normal office environment. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Panel interview and may include exercise.

DIVERSITY AND EEO

Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others.) We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. [e-mail] EEO/AA/TTY.