Data Engineer – Data Architecture for Data Science & Machine Learning

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 146,000 - 319,000; Full time

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is seeking a Senior Data Engineer to design scalable PostgreSQL-based data systems that support data science and ML workflows. You will optimize storage, govern data, and evaluate NoSQL/graph options to fit various use cases.

Collaborate with data scientists and ML engineers, tune queries, and guide architectural choices across relational and non-relational databases while partnering with software engineers.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of data engineering, database architecture, or related roles.
• Expert-level PostgreSQL (schema design, indexing, partitioning, replication).
• Experience with non-relational databases (MongoDB, Cassandra, Neo4j, Redis, or DynamoDB).
• Familiarity with ML workflows and data for training/evaluation/deployment.
• Experience with cloud database services (AWS RDS/Aurora, Cloud SQL, Azure).
• Proficiency in SQL and Python.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain scalable, high-performance database solutions for data science workflows and ML experimentation.
• Partner with data scientists to understand data access patterns and storage needs.
• Serve as internal PostgreSQL SME (schema, indexing, partitioning, tuning).
• Evaluate and integrate alternative databases where advantageous.
• Lead data pipeline optimization for structured and unstructured data.
• Ensure data integrity, security, and governance across storage systems.
• Implement monitoring and performance tools for all databases.
• Advise on data lifecycle management balancing access and compliance.

Skills

PostgreSQL expert

SQL

Python

Data modeling

NoSQL

Graph databases

Time-series databases

Cloud databases

Data security

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in CS/Engineering/Data

Tools

MongoDB

Neo4j

Redis

Cassandra

DynamoDB

PostgreSQL

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are seeking a Senior Data Engineer with deep expertise in database design, optimization, and data access strategies to support our growing data science and machine learning initiatives within the Information Science Division of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. In this role, you will architect and optimize data systems that empower our data scientists to efficiently research, train, and deploy both traditional and ML-based algorithms and applications.

The ideal candidate is a PostgreSQL expert who also brings hands‑on experience with other modern data storage technologies—such as NoSQL, graph, and time‑series databases—and can guide the organization in choosing the right tools and structures for each data use case.

Located in either State College, PA or Reston, VA

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

• Design and maintain scalable, high-performance database solutions to support data science workflows and ML experimentation
• Partner with data scientists to understand data access patterns and develop storage strategies that accelerate analysis and model training
• Serve as the internal subject matter expert on PostgreSQL—including schema design, indexing, partitioning, and query optimization
• Evaluate and integrate alternative database technologies (e.g., MongoDB, Neo4j, Redis, Cassandra) where they provide clear advantages
• Lead efforts to optimize data pipelines for both structured and unstructured data used in algorithm development
• Ensure data integrity, security, and governance across storage systems
• Implement monitoring, automation, and performance‑tuning tools for all database environments
• Advise on data lifecycle management—balancing accessibility for R&D with efficiency and compliance requirements

Required skills/experience includes:

• 5+ years of experience in data engineering, database architecture, or related technical roles
• Expert-level proficiency in PostgreSQL (query tuning, schema design, indexing, partitioning, replication)
• Strong understanding of data modeling, normalization vs. denormalization tradeoffs, and query optimization
• Experience with non-relational databases (e.g., MongoDB, Cassandra, Neo4j, Redis, or DynamoDB)
• Familiarity with machine learning workflows and how data is consumed for training, evaluation, and deployment
• Experience with cloud database services (AWS RDS/Aurora, GCP Cloud SQL, Azure Database)
• Proficiency in SQL and one or more scripting languages (Python preferred)
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills—comfortable working closely with data scientists, ML engineers, and software developers

Preferred skills/experience includes:

• Experience architecting hybrid data ecosystems spanning relational, NoSQL, and analytical databases.
• Knowledge of data lake, warehouse, and feature store architectures (e.g., Snowflake, Redshift, BigQuery, Feast)
• Familiarity with ETL/ELT frameworks and data orchestration tools (e.g., Airflow, dbt)
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, or a related field

Work location can be fully on‑site located in State College, PA or Reston , VA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

If filled as R&D Engineer - Data Science (ARL) - Principal Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 19+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None

If filled as R&D Engineer - Data Science (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None

If filled as R&D Engineer - Data Science (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 14+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None

ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website at

www.arl.psu.edu

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL): Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $146,040.00 - $318,840.00. This salary range includes an adjustment based on required geographic work location.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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