Data Engineer

Insight Xcite; Virginia; On-site; USD 140,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision insurance (

401(k) with 7% employer contribution

Flexible PTO

Education reimbursement up to $5,250

Life and disability insurance

Parental leave

Referral rewards

Pet insurance starting 2027

Job summary

Insight Xcite is recruiting Data Engineers for mission-focused opportunities in Virginia. Build reliable paths from raw data to people and systems, integrating diverse sources and transforming data with Python, SQL, and modern data tooling.

Onsite work is required in Chantilly, McLean, or Herndon, with strict TS/SCI clearance. Candidates will review requirements with the matching team, work to improve data quality, and document data models and pipelines.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of relevant professional experience.
• Hands-on experience building or maintaining data pipelines and performing ETL/ELT.
• Experience with Python, SQL, or comparable tools for data processing and integration.

Responsibilities

• Build, maintain, and troubleshoot data ingestion and ETL/ELT pipelines.
• Transform and integrate data from multiple sources using suitable tools.
• Validate accuracy, completeness, and consistency; investigate broken feeds and unreliable results.
• Develop or support data models, storage, metadata, and source-to-target documentation.
• Improve pipeline reliability and performance through testing and automation.
• Collaborate with engineering teams and stakeholders to clarify requirements.

Skills

Data engineering

ETL/ELT pipelines

Python

SQL

Data modeling

Documentation

Communication

Tools

AWS

Spark

PySpark

HDFS

Cloudera

Presto

NoSQL

NiFi

Cribl

Splunk

CI/CD

Containers

Job description

Insight Xcite is recruiting Data Engineers for current and upcoming mission-focused opportunities. Build reliable paths from raw data to the people and systems that need it. Work may include integrating diverse sources, transforming structured and unstructured data, and improving data quality within appropriate security boundaries.

Specific tools, seniority, education, certifications, and experience requirements depend on the assignment. We will review those requirements, the work location, and the schedule with candidates during the matching process. The examples below describe different types of work; applicants are not expected to have every skill or technology listed.

What you may do

• Build, maintain, and troubleshoot data ingestion and ETL/ELT pipelines.
• Transform and integrate data from multiple sources using suitable programming, querying, and processing tools.
• Validate accuracy, completeness, and consistency; investigate broken feeds and unreliable results.
• Develop or support data models, storage, metadata, and source-to-target documentation.
• Improve pipeline reliability, maintainability, and performance through testing and automation.
• Work with engineering teams and stakeholders to clarify requirements and explain technical results.
• At least 6 years of relevant professional experience.
• Hands‑on experience building or maintaining data pipelines and performing data extraction, transformation, and loading.
• Experience with Python, SQL, or comparable tools for data processing and integration.
• Ability to work across data sources, apply data‑quality checks, and troubleshoot failures.
• Ability to document technical work and communicate with technical and nontechnical audiences.

Examples of work

• Cloud and distributed processing: platforms and tools such as AWS, Spark, PySpark, HDFS, Cloudera, Presto, SQL, or NoSQL stores.
• Operational data integration: ingestion and flow tools such as NiFi or Cribl, log-data analysis, feed troubleshooting, or Splunk integration.
• Software‑intensive data engineering: batch or real‑time pipelines, APIs, microservices, containers, CI/CD, or infrastructure as code.
• Analytics pipelines: data mapping, JSON/XML processing, relational data models, and documented transformations.

Clearance Requirement

Applicants must currently possess an active TS/SCI with Full‑Scope Polygraph. Insight Xcite does not sponsor or process security clearances at this time.

Onsite Work Location

These opportunities require onsite work in Chantilly, McLean, or Herndon, Virginia, at the designated location. Remote and hybrid arrangements are not offered.

Compensation

Compensation within the advertised range is based on relevant experience, demonstrated technical skills, and the requirements of the specific assignment. The upper end is reserved for candidates who meet the most advanced requirements.

Benefits That Support You

• Company-paid medical, dental and vision through Blue Cross Blue Shield, with optional plan upgrades.
• 7% employer contribution to your 401(k), vested immediately, with no match required, starting with your first paycheck.
• Flexible PTO from day one without accrual.
• Annual Flex Bonus opportunities up to 5%.
• Up to $5,250 education reimbursement for approved courses after six months of full‑time employment and successful completion.
• Company-paid life and short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Referral rewards of $500 per month for qualifying referrals.
• Annual compensation reviews.
• Starting January 2027: pet insurance with a 100% company-paid premium for one pet.

Candidate Authenticity and Use of AI

AI tools may be used to help format or draft application materials. All submitted information must accurately represent your own experience, qualifications, and work history. Be prepared to discuss and verify the information provided. Do not include classified or sensitive customer information.

About Insight Xcite:

Insight Xcite is a mission-focused consulting firm supporting critical government programs through data-driven engineering, technology, cybersecurity, analytics, and operational expertise. We partner with customers across the national security community to deliver innovative solutions in highly secure, fast-paced environments.

Our teams are composed of experienced professionals who thrive on collaboration, accountability, and supporting mission success. We value technical excellence, integrity, and employees who are committed to solving complex challenges and making an impact.

The pay range for this role is:

140,000 - 220,000 USD per year (Chantilly, McLean, and Herndon, VA)