Data Engineer

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and retirement plans

On-site fitness

Relocation assistance

Flexible work hours

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, TN, is seeking a Data Engineer to automate image processing and geospatial analytics in a secure environment. You will develop scalable pipelines, ingest and transform imagery and geospatial data, and build dashboards and artifacts to communicate findings to researchers and sponsors.

The role requires strong Python/SQL skills, experience with data systems, and the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights while maintaining accuracy,

Qualifications

• BS degree in computer science or related field with relevant data science experience.
• Experience building end-to-end data systems or automated analytics workflows.
• Experience handling large geospatial and imagery datasets.
• Proficiency with Python, SQL, and data analysis libraries.
• Experience with relational databases, ETL pipelines, and data wrangling.

Responsibilities

• Develop and automate image processing and data science workflows for mission-driven analysis.
• Design and maintain scalable pipelines for ingesting and analyzing imagery and geospatial data.
• Assess data science requirements and select methods and tools for automation and analytics.
• Define processes ensuring data integrity, scalability, and reproducibility.
• Build and optimize data models and databases for data quality and interoperability.
• Support preprocessing, feature extraction, and metadata exploitation for datasets.
• Deliver results and communicate with peers and sponsors to align with objectives.
• Contribute to dashboards, documentation, and software prototypes.
• Support ORNL's mission values through professional conduct and teamwork.

Skills

Python

SQL

Data engineering

Geospatial analysis

Image processing

Dashboard development

Communication

Education

BS degree in computer science or a related field

Equivalent combination of education and experience considered

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

PostGIS

GeoPandas

Docker

Linux

Cloud platforms

Job description

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TheGeospatial Science & Engineering Division (GSED), of the National Security Sciences Directorate (NSSD), isseekinga highly motivatedData Engineerto support the automation of image processing and data science workflows in aclassified environment. This position will contribute to the development of scalable analytic pipelines, automated exploitation tools, and reproducible computational workflows that improve the processing, integration, and interpretation of imagery, geospatial, and operational datasets.

The successful candidate will assess research and operational needs and develop more complex data science solutions that advance organizationalobjectives. This role will conduct sophisticated analyses, integrate methodologies, and interpret outcomes to support innovation and improve efficiency. The selected individual will define systems and processes that enhance accuracy, scalability, security, and reproducibility of results across projects.

This position requires a strong background in image processing, data engineering, workflow automation, geospatial data systems, and applied analytics, along with experience working in secure mission environments. The ideal candidate will be capable of translating complex datasets into actionable insights through dashboards, reports, technical artifacts, and user-facing tools, while supporting both research and operationalobjectives.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develop and automate image processing and data science workflows that support mission-driven analysis in classified environments.
• Design, implement, andmaintainscalable pipelines for ingesting, cleaning, transforming, integrating, and analyzing imagery, geospatial, and structured operational data.
• Assess data science project requirements and determineappropriate methods, tools, and technologies for workflow automation, image exploitation, and analytic delivery.
• Define systems and processes that ensure data integrity, scalability, auditability, and reproducibility of results across projects.
• Build andoptimizedata models, schemas, and databases that improve data quality, usability, and interoperability across systems.
• Support the automation of preprocessing, feature extraction, metadata exploitation, validation, and quality control for image and geospatial datasets.
• Deliver project results and confer with peers and stakeholders to ensure alignment with research, operational, and sponsorobjectives.
• Contribute to dashboards, technical documentation, reports, software prototypes, briefings, and other artifacts that communicate methods and findings.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• BS degree in computer science or a related field, and two years of relevant experience data science, image processing, geospatial analysis, data engineering, software engineering, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing end-to-end data systems or automated analytical workflows.
• Experience processing and analyzing large, complex datasets, including imagery, geospatial data, and operational or mission-relevant data sources.
• Experience with Python, SQL, and common libraries/frameworks for data analysis, workflow automation, and image or geospatial data processing.
• Experience with relational databases, data modeling, ETL pipelines, and data wrangling to support scalable and reliable analytical workflows.
• Experience translating analytical outputs into dashboards, reports, visualizations, or briefings for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and apply data science methods to improve efficiency, accessibility, and decision-making.
• Experience working in secure or classified environments with strong attention to compliance, auditability, and proper data handling practices.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively on multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to work independently, plan and arrange own work, and coordinate with management to prioritize projects.

Preferred Qualifications:

• BS degree in data science, computer science, geospatial science, remote sensing, engineering, applied mathematics, or a related discipline.
• Experience with image processing, imagery analysis, computer vision, or geospatial exploitation workflows involving satellite imagery, full-motion video, or related sensor data.
• Experience with ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Enterprise,PostGIS,GeoPandas, or other geospatial analytics and visualization tools.
• Experience developing natural language interfaces, retrieval-augmented generation systems, or other AI-enabled tools that improve access to structured or unstructured data.
• Experience with machine learning, artificial intelligence, and/or natural language processing applied to operational or analytical workflows.
• Experience operating LLM or AI workflows in secure or air-gapped environments.
• Experience building guardrails, validation mechanisms, and controlled execution workflows for automated analytic systems.
• Experience with Docker, Linux, cloud platforms, or other technologies supporting deployment and reproducible software workflows.
• Experience coaching team members in technical skill development and promoting proper data practices.
• Certification in data science, machine learning, geospatial analysis, or a related field.

Special Requirements:

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Active TS//SCI clearancerequiredat time of hire.
• This position requires work on-site insecurefacilities and may not be eligible for remote work.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract andretainindividuals whodemonstrateexceptional work behaviors. The laboratoryprovidesa range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following:

• Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email [e-mail].

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.