Data Engineer

ICF International; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

ICF is seeking a Data Engineer to join our Corporate IT organization in Reston, VA. You will design, build, and maintain data infrastructure that powers decision-making across practices and support teams.

This high-visibility role reports to the Enterprise Data Architect and collaborates with data analytics, cloud architecture, and application development teams in a fast-paced, client-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• 4+ years of experience in data engineering, data architecture, or a closely related role.
• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining production data pipelines at scale.
• Hands-on experience with a major cloud data platform (AWS, Azure, or GCP).

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and optimize scalable ETL/ELT pipelines across on-prem, cloud, and hybrid environments.
• Implement and manage enterprise data warehouses, data lakes, and Lakehouse solutions (Microsoft Fabric).
• Write production-quality SQL, Python, and Spark code for data transformation, enrichment, and validation.
• Enforce data governance, lineage tracking, and cataloging standards across the organization.
• Ensure data quality through automated monitoring, testing frameworks, and SLA adherence.
• Partner with data analysts, data scientists, and business stakeholders to understand and fulfill data requirements.
• Support CI/CD practices and infrastructure-as-code for data platform deployments.
• Document data models, pipeline flows, and technical specifications to support knowledge transfer.

Skills

SQL

Python

PySpark

Bash/Shell

Scala

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Fabric

Azure Synapse

Azure Data Factory

Databricks

Kafka

Spark

Terraform

Docker

Kubernetes

GitHub Actions

Job description

ICF is seeking a skilled Data Engineer to join our Corporate IT organization. You will design, build, and maintain the data infrastructure that powers insights and decision-making across our practices and support organizations. Working at the intersection of enterprise data platforms and client-facing analytics, you will have direct impact on how our firm manages and monetizes its most asset - data.

This is a high-visibility role reporting to the Enterprise Data Architect. You will collaborate closely with data analytics, cloud architecture, and application development teams in a fast-paced, client-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, build, and optimize scalable ETL/ELT pipelines that move data across on-prem, cloud, and hybrid environments
• Implement and manage enterprise data warehouses, data lakes, and Lakehouse solutions (Microsoft Fabric)
• Write production-quality SQL, Python, and Spark code for data transformation, enrichment, and validation
• Implement and enforce data governance, lineage tracking, and cataloging standards across the organization
• Ensure data quality through automated monitoring, testing frameworks, and SLA adherence
• Partner with data analysts, data scientists, and business stakeholders to understand and fulfill data requirements
• Support CI/CD practices and infrastructure-as-code for data platform deployments
• Document data models, pipeline flows, and technical specifications to support knowledge transfer

Technical skills

Languages & querying

SQL (advanced) Python PySpark Bash/Shell Scala

Cloud & platforms

Microsoft Fabric Azure Synapse Azure Data Factory

Orchestration & pipelines

Apache Airflow dbt Databricks Kafka Spark

Infrastructure & DevOps

Terraform Docker Kubernetes GitHub Actions CI/CD

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• 4+ years of experience in data engineering, data architecture, or a closely related role

Additional Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining production data pipelines at scale
• Experience working in a professional services, consulting, or enterprise IT environment preferred
• Advanced SQL and proficiency in at least one scripting language (Python strongly preferred)
• Hands-on experience with a major cloud data platform (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
• Strong understanding of data modeling concepts and frameworks - star schema, Data Mesh
• Practical experience with workflow orchestration tools such as Apache Airflow or Azure Data Factory
• Familiarity with version control (Git) and software development best practices

Preferred Skills/Experience

• Familiarity with streaming/real-time data processing (Kafka, Fabric Event Streams, or Spark Streaming)
• Exposure to data governance frameworks and metadata management tools (Microsoft Purview, Collibra, Alation)
• Cloud certifications (Azure Data Engineer Associate, or equivalent)
• Master's degree in a relevant field

Professional Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to data accuracy and quality
• Effective communicator - able to translate complex technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders
• Collaborative team player comfortable working across cross-functional teams
• Self-directed with ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment

Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we're not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer . Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.

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 [e-mail] 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.

Read more about workplace discrimination righ t s or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.