Data Engineer - CDAO

Agile Defense; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Agile Defense is seeking a Data Engineer to design, develop, and deploy scalable, AI-enabled data solutions within the DoD CDAO framework. You will shape data pipelines, feature engineering, and ML services in secure, containerized environments.

The ideal candidate brings strong Python/SQL skills, experience with Palantir Foundry, and a track record of building data-driven decision tools in agile settings.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in data engineering or software engineering with data pipelines.
• 4+ years of experience in applied data science or data pipeline development.
• Proficient in Python, SQL, and distributed data frameworks.
• Experience developing ML models from training to deployment.
• Familiarity with MLOps, API development, and secure cloud environments.
• Strong data validation, model testing, and evaluation techniques.
• Excellent technical communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy scalable, AI-enabled data solutions.
• Shape and deployment of data pipelines, pre-processing workflows, and feature engineering strategies.
• Collaborate with product managers, full‑stack developers, platform engineers, and stakeholders to turn data into insights.

Skills

Python

SQL

Spark

Databricks

PySpark

ML models

MLOps

APIs

Cloud (AWS/Azure)

Data validation

Model testing

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Information Systems/Data Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Palantir Foundry

Palantir MSS Workshop

Slate

Databricks

AWS

Azure

Job description

About Agile Defense

At Agile Defense we know that action defines the outcome and new challenges require new solutions. That’s why we always look to the future and embrace change with an unmovable spirit and the courage to build for what comes next.

Our vision is to bring adaptive innovation to support our nation's most important missions through the seamless integration of advanced technologies, elite minds, and unparalleled agility—leveraging a foundation of speed, flexibility, and ingenuity to strengthen and protect our nation’s vital interests.

Requisition #:1757

Job Title: Data Engineer - CDAO

Location: On-Site, Washington, D.C.

Clearance Level: Top Secret/ SCI, Must Have Clearance to Start

Agile Defense is seeking a Data Scientist / Engineer to support the design, development, and operational deployment of scalable, AI-enabled data solutions within the Department of Defense’s CDAO ADA IR program. This role is part of a multidisciplinary team integrating advanced analytics, machine learning, and engineering practices into mission-critical environments at Combatant Commands.

You will help shape and deploy data pipelines, pre-processing workflows, feature engineering strategies, and machine learning services within secure, containerized environments. The ideal candidate brings a hybrid of statistical modeling fluency and hands‑on software engineering expertise. You will collaborate closely with product managers, full-stack developers, platform engineers, and mission stakeholders to transform raw data into meaningful insights and decision-support tools.

This role requires strong technical communication skills, a collaborative mindset, and experience working in agile environments that value reproducibility, testing, and continuous delivery. Familiarity with cloud-based data platforms such as Databricks, Palantir, or AWS-native data services is highly preferred.

Typically has a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Engineering, or a related field (masters degree preferred).

3+ years of experience in data engineering or software engineering, with demonstrated experience in designing and managing complex data pipelines. or equivalent relevant work experience; e.g., each year of work experience may be substituted for each year of education required.

• Experience with data visualization and storytelling using tools such as Palantir's MSS Workshop and Slate applications
• 4+ years of experience in applied data science, Palantir Foundry development, or data pipeline development.
• Proficient in Python, SQL, and distributed data frameworks (e.g., Spark, Databricks, PySpark).
• Experience developing ML models from training to deployment using industry-standard tools and libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, XGBoost).
• Familiarity with MLOps, API development, and secure cloud-based environments (e.g., AWS, Azure, Palantir Foundry).
• Strong understanding of data validation, model testing, and performance evaluation techniques.
• Excellent technical communication skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts to non-technical audiences.

Must be able to work onsite at a SCIF

Our Core Values

Employees of Agile Defense are our number one priority, and the importance we place on our culture here is fundamental. Our culture is alive and evolving, but it always stays true to its roots. Here, you are valued as a family member, and we believe that we can accomplish great things together. Agile Defense has been highly successful in the past few years due to our employees and the culture we create together.

What makes us Agile? We call it the 6Hs, the values that define our culture and guide everything we do. Together, these values infuse vibrancy, integrity, and a tireless work ethic into advancing the most important national security and critical civilian missions. It's how we show up every day. It's who we are.

• Happy - Be Infectious. Happiness multiplies and creates a positive and connected environment where motivation and satisfaction have an outsized effect on everything we do.
• Helpful - Be Supportive. Being helpful is the foundation of teamwork, resulting in a supportive atmosphere where collaboration flourishes, and collective success is celebrated.
• Honest - Be Trustworthy. Honesty serves as our compass, ensuring transparent communication, and ethical conduct, essential to who we are and the complex domains we support.
• Humble - Be Grounded. Success is not achieved alone, humility ensures a culture of mutual respect, encouraging open communication, and a willingness to learn from one another and take on any task.
• Hungry - Be Eager. Our hunger for excellence drives an insatiable appetite for innovation and continuous improvement, propelling us forward in the face of new and unprecedented challenges.
• Hustle - Be Driven. Hustle is reflected in our relentless work ethic, where we are each committed to going above and beyond to advance the mission and achieve success.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities