Data Engineer - Entry to Expert Level (Maryland)

CNSS • National Security Systems; Fort Meade (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

National Security Agency and Central Security Service seek Data Engineers to design, build, and maintain data systems that support intelligence and cybersecurity missions. You will create scalable data pipelines, transform diverse data sources, and ensure data quality for fast, reliable access across teams in a security-focused environment.

From entry to senior levels, you will collaborate with data scientists, software engineers, and subject-matter experts to deliver practical, mission-ready

Qualifications

• Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Information Systems, Information Science, Information Technology, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Operations Research, Engineering, or Physical Sciences.

Responsibilities

• Design scalable data infrastructure to collect, transform, and manage data at scale using cloud, open source, and custom solutions.
• Create data models, schemas, databases, and optimized pipelines for large, complex datasets.
• Implement ETL processes and automated data validation methods.
• Derive structured data from unstructured sources and combine datasets for a complete picture.
• Address missing or conflicting data via cleaning and curation.
• Conduct exploratory data analysis using mathematical and statistical methods.
• Collaborate with collectors, data scientists, software engineers, and domain experts to design integrated solutions.
• Elicit customer needs and translate them into technical implementations.
• Document processes, analyses, and results for technical and non-technical audiences.

Skills

ETL processes

Workflow orchestration

Cloud solutions

AWS

Azure

GCP

Database technologies

Distributed computing

Serverless design

Python

Perl

R

JSON

XML

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in CS/Engineering/Data Science or related field

Tools

Open-source data engineering tools

Job description

At the National Security Agency (NSA) and Central Security Service (CSS), Data Engineers play a vital role in tackling key national security issues. Applicants will design, build, and maintain systems that handle data to support our mission goals, from intelligence gathering to cybersecurity.

In this role, applicants will create and improve data pipelines and databases, helping our teams quickly access and search through both structured and unstructured data transforming raw information into standardized, usable formats that power our operations and protect the nation.

Drawing on skills in data design, computer science, and specific knowledge of our field, applicants will turn mission needs into practical technical solutions. This includes building data structures, connecting different data sources, and ensuring data moves smoothly between systems.

Applicants will also communicate the capabilities and limitations of data systems to subject matter experts and key decision-makers. Using cutting-edge tools, applicants will have opportunities to solve real-world problems in collecting, organizing, storing, and processing data.

We're looking for talent at all levels, from those just starting out to seasoned experts, ready to make a real difference in national security. The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.

Degree must be in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Information Systems, Information Science, Information Technology, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Operations Research, Engineering, or Physical Sciences.

Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: data mining, analytical algorithms, software engineering, systems administration, data science, data flow management, designing/implementing machine learning, data management, database design, data architecture, system architecture, or database administration (e.g., developing, maintaining, troubleshooting).

ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL

Entry is with an Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree and no experience, or a Master's degree and no experience.

FULL PERFORMANCE

Entry is with an Associate's degree plus 5 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree and no experience.

SENIOR

Entry is with an Associate's degree plus 8 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree plus 6 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 4 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 2 years of relevant experience.

Experience must also include formal or informal leadership.

EXPERT

Entry is with an Associate's degree plus 11 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree plus 9 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 7 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 5 years of relevant experience.

Experience must also include formal or informal leadership. As a Data Engineer at NSA/CSS, you will transform and deliver high-priority datasets to enable exploitation and analysis for critical intelligence and cybersecurity missions.

Design and Build Scalable Data Infrastructure

• Design and architect systems that collect, transform, and manage data at scale using cloud, open source, and custom solutions
• Create data models, schemas, databases, and optimized pipelines that process large, complex datasets
• Implement ETL (extract, transform, load) processes and automated data validation methods

Data Engineering and Analysis

• Derive structured data from unstructured sources and combine multiple datasets to create a complete picture
• Address conflicting, missing, or inconsistent data through cleaning and curation
• Conduct exploratory data analysis using mathematical and statistical methods
• Identify data features required to solve mission challenges

Collaboration and Communication

• Partner with collectors, data scientists, software engineers, and domain experts to design integrated solutions
• Elicit customer needs and translate them into technical implementations
• Document processes, analyses, and results for technical and non-technical audiences
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to team members Technical Skills and Experience
• Experience with ETL processes, workflow/container orchestration, and cloud solutions (AWS, Azure, GCP)
• Proficiency with database and search technologies, distributed computing, and serverless design patterns
• Experience analyzing or processing large, sparse, or complex bulk datasets
• Understanding of scaling and performance optimization for distributed/cloud systems
• Proficiency in scripting languages (Python, Perl, R) and programming concepts
• Familiarity with various data formats, database architectures, and open-source data engineering tools
• Experience with Serialization Formats: JSON, XML, etc.

Domain Knowledge

• Experience with signal/image processing, geospatial modeling, or voice/data communications
• Understanding of data science concepts, AI/ML applications, and automation
• Experience working with conflicting, missing, or inconsistent data

Competencies

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make sound decisions with limited information
• Creativity in generating new ideas, processes, or solutions for complex challenges
• Ability to adapt interpersonal style to accommodate different approaches and perspectives
• Resilience in high-pressure situations, bouncing back from setbacks while staying positive and focused.
• Experience building collaborative information and knowledge-sharing networks
• Strong skills in oral and written communication, tailored effectively for both technical and non-technical audiences