Data Engineer Expert with Security Clearance

Cornerstone Defense LLC; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision Plans

401(k)

Generous PTO

Job summary

Cornerstone Defense LLC is actively seeking a Data Engineer Expert in Herndon, VA. You will design and maintain data pipelines, collaborate with development teams, and enable data-driven insights across large datasets.

The role requires strong Python, SQL, and AWS experience, plus a TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance. Ideal candidates have 8+ years of pipeline experience, with hands-on work in Linux, SPARC environments, and relational databases such as PostgreSQL, Oracle, or MySQL.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance.
• Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field.
• Build and maintain reliable data pipelines for ingestion, transformation and delivery of large datasets.
• Partner with software developers to integrate data solutions into existing systems.
• Develop and optimize SQL queries for data retrieval and analysis.
• Work with relational databases like PostgreSQL, Oracle, and MySQL.
• Develop scripts using Python, Linux, and shell scripting for data processing tasks.
• Operate within AWS environments for cloud-based data infrastructure.
• Prepare data outputs in usable formats including JSON.
• 8+ years of experience in developing or maintaining data pipelines with development teams.
• 4+ years of Python experience.
• Experience with AWS cloud services.
• Experience with SPARC environments and relational databases.
• Experience writing and maintaining SQL queries.
• 4+ years of Linux experience, including shell scripting.
• Experience handling structured and unstructured data, including JSON formats.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Experience with Apache NiFi or Apache Airflow.
• 4+ years development experience with Java or Scala.
• Experience managing or supporting EMR or SPARC clusters.
• Performance tuning and optimization of data pipelines or large data systems.
• 4+ years working with Hive or Iceberg.
• Familiarity with cloud-based security practices.
• Experience using ACM processes for code deployment.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain data pipelines to support ingestion, transformation and delivery of large datasets.
• Collaborate with software developers and engineering teams to integrate data solutions into existing systems.
• Develop and optimize SQL queries for data retrieval and analysis.
• Work with PostgreSQL, Oracle, and MySQL to store and access data.
• Create scripts and automation with Python, Linux and shell scripting for data processing tasks.
• Operate within AWS environments for cloud-based data infrastructure.
• Prepare and structure data outputs including JSON for analysis and downstream systems.
• Support data pipeline development in collaboration with development teams.

Skills

Excellent communication

Collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Master's degree in CS/IS/Engineering

Tools

Python

Linux

Shell scripting

SQL

AWS

PostgreSQL

Oracle

MySQL

JSON

Apache NiFi

Apache Airflow

Java

Scala

EMR

SPARC

Hive

Iceberg

Job description

Title: Data Engineer Expert Location: Herndon, VA

• Clearance:
• Active TS/SCI w/ Polygraph needed to apply
• Company Overview: Cornerstone Defense is the Employer of Choice within the Intelligence, Defense, and Space communities of the U.S. Government. Realizing early on that our most prized assets are our employees, we continually focus our attention on improving the overall work/life experience they have supporting the mission. Our Team is pushed every day to use their industry leading knowledge to provide end-to-end solutions to combat our nation's toughest and most secure problems. If you are looking for a place to not only be professionally challenged, but encouraged and supported by a company that cares, don't look any further than Cornerstone Defense.
• Benefits Overview : Cornerstone Defense offers a very comprehensive benefits package including, but not limited to: Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
• Generous PTO Policy
• 401(k)
• HSA and FSA options
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement and Training
• Perks at Work Discount Program
• Referral Program
• Leads Generation Program
• CollegeAmerica 529
• Fitness Reimbursement Program
• Travel Assistance
• Norton Lifelock Benefit Solutions
• Life Planning Financial & Legal Services
• Seeking a highly motivated, self-directed professional for a Data Engineering role. In this role, you will design and maintain data pipelines, collaborate closely with development teams, and help deliver reliable data solutions that enable teams to transform data into actionable insights. Required Qualifications:
• Active TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance.
• A Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or additional years of specialized experience in a scientific or technical discipline.
• Build and maintain reliable data pipelines that support ingestion, transformation, and delivery of large datasets
• Partner with software developers and engineering teams to integrate data solutions into existing systems and applications
• Develop and optimize SQL queries to support data retrieval, transformation, and analysis
• Work with relational databases such as PostgreSQL, Oracle, and MySQL to store, manage, and access data
• Develop scripts and automation using Python, Linux, and shell scripting to support data processing tasks
• Operate within AWS environments to support cloud-based data infrastructure and workflows
• Prepare and structure data outputs in usable formats for analysis and downstream systems, including JSON
• 8+ years of experience developing or maintaining data pipelines in collaboration with development teams
• 4+ years of hands‑on experience with Python
• Experience working with AWS cloud services
• Familiarity with SPARC environments and relational databases including PostgreSQL, Oracle, or MySQL
• Demonstrated experience writing and maintaining SQL queries
• 4+ years of experience working in Linux environments, including shell scripting Experience preparing and managing structured and unstructured datasets, including JSON formats Desired Qualifications:
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Experience with workflow orchestration tools such as Apache NiFi or Apache Airflow
• 4+ years of development experience with Java or Scala
• Experience managing or supporting EMR or SPARC clusters
• Background in performance tuning and optimization of data pipelines or large data systems
• 4+ years of experience working with Hive or Iceberg
• Familiarity with implementing cloud-based security practices
• Experience using ACM processes for code deployment