Data Engineer (FedD024)

Devconnectplatform; United States; Remote; USD 149,000 - 201,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Company stock options

Home office budget

Paid time off

401k retirement plan

Parental leave

Learning reimbursements

Job summary

Defense Unicorns is seeking a Data Engineer to design and operate scalable data pipelines across AWS and on-prem environments, with a focus on Kubernetes-based streaming solutions like Kafka/Redpanda. You will implement best practices for security, configuration management, and performance optimization, while collaborating with platform teams to automate provisioning and monitoring.

The role requires 5+ years in production data engineering, strong cloud and containerization skills, and the

Qualifications

• 5+ years building production data pipelines on Kubernetes.
• Experience with Kafka/Redpanda data streaming on Kubernetes.
• Proficiency with Docker and container orchestration.
• Familiarity with AWS/GCP/Azure clouds and Terraform.

Responsibilities

• Design data workflows and ETL/ELT pipelines across AWS and on-prem.
• Architect and operate streaming systems (Kafka/Redpanda/Kinesis) on Kubernetes.
• Automate infrastructure provisioning and monitoring with Terraform.
• Ensure security, compliance with DoD standards, and data protection.

Skills

Data workflows

ETL/ELT design

Security compliance

Communication

Problem solving

Tools

Kubernetes

Docker

Kafka

Redpanda

Terraform

Pulumi

AWS

GCP

Azure

Job description

# Data Engineer (FedD024)Defense Unicorns149k–201k USDFull-timeremote· midUSAawskubernetesterraformdockergcpazureListed via Jobicy · posted 19 Sept 2026. The application happens there, not on DevConnect.Apply on Jobicy## DescriptionEMPLOYER IS A CONTRACTOR FOR THE U.S. GOVERNMENT. THIS POSITION WILL REQUIRE U.S. CITIZENSHIP.Responsibilities:- Designing data workflows, pipelines, and pathways to support ETL/ELT, while ensuring data-quality and exchange of sensitive information across AWS cloud and on-prem environments.- Implementing systems engineering principles to ensure the reliability, scalability, and maintainability of data layer systems, including backup and recovery strategies- Architecting, deploying, and operating data streaming technologies (Kafka, Redpanda, Kinesis, etc ) on Kubernetes with an emphasis on declarative definitions to reduce complexity in day-2 operations- Working with a platform team to implement best practices for configuration management, security, and performance optimization within Kubernetes and AWS environments- Working with a platform team to automate infrastructure provisioning, monitoring, and scaling using tools such as Terraform working with cybersecurity SMEs to incorporate best practices and techniques to defend our data layer against potential threats- Ensuring that our data layer systems are compliant with industry and DoD regulations, standards, and best-practices- Staying up-to-date with industry trends and emerging technologies related to Kubernetes, containerization, and data engineeringTravel Expectations/Requirements: 6-10 times per yearThe listed responsibilities are not exhaustive and additional responsibilities may be assigned based on the evolving needs of the organization. We are seeking a dynamic individual who is able to adapt and take on new responsibilities as they arise.\\*Preferred Experience and Qualifications:- Demonstrated experience (minimum 5 years) in building and maintaining production data pipelines, databases, and data exchange services on Kubernetes Experience in designing, deploying, and operating Kafka / Redpanda data streaming solutions on Kubernetes- Experience in creating data pipelines from scratch with the ability to process data in large volumes and manage data stores- Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker and container orchestration systems like Kubernetes- Knowledge of systems engineering principles to ensure the reliability, scalability, and maintainability of data layer systems Familiarity with API Security, Container Security, AWS Cloud Security Familiarity with cybersecurity principles and best practices for securing data layer systems- Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas to both technical and non-technical team members- The selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background check (\"CBI\") and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret-level DoD security clearance- Experience with machine learning and generative AI modelsFull compensation packages are based on candidate experience. Compensation ranges are established using national benchmarking data and apply across all geographic locations within the United States.Remote - USA$148,750—$201,250 USDWho We AreDefense Unicorns delivers mission value by streamlining software delivery so our customers can focus on the most important challenges. We share a vision of freedom and security for the advancement of progress and innovation. Our commitment to this vision, and to our mission-driven customers, means a commitment to speed, user experience and optionality, without compromising security. Our team is composed of innovators, software engineers, and veterans with decades of experience delivering technology programs across the federal market.What We DoWe create and deliver secure solutions for continuous software integration and delivery. Defense Unicorns consolidates the best practices for security pipelines, testing, and deployment automation in order to meet the high security requirements valued by mission owners. Our solutions are agnostic by design and we believe that growing a robust ecosystem of secure, cloud-native software solutions can help enterprise customers inside and outside the federal market buy and integrate software more easily.Who We ServeDefense Unicorns’ customers are mission-focused leaders across public and private enterprises. We proudly support defense and civil agencies across the U.S. government and we work closely with the creators of leading-edge software solutions to deliver value to the mission-owner by improving the security and consumability of commercial software products.What We Work On- Kubernetes- Cloud Environments (AWS/GCP and Azure)- Infrastructure-as-code (like Terraform/Pulumi)- Continuous Delivery and automation tooling- GitOps- Containers- CNCF projects and open source products and packages- Helm/Kustomize-Value Stream Mapping- Building and improving security delivery- Building Kubernetes and cloud native applicationsBenefits Our Unicorns EnjoyHealth:- Medical/Dental/Vision- Premiums are 100% Company Paid- Health Savings Account- Life Insurance- Disability InsuranceFinancial:- 401k Retirement Plan- Company Stock Options- Home Office BudgetLeave:- We offer all full-time Unicorns Flexible Time Off (FTO) plus all Federal Holidays, one week for Thanksgiving, and two weeks for Christmas and New Year’s- Paid Parental LeaveLearning:- Reimbursement for approved trainings/subscriptions- Conferences (travel, lodging, and fees)Don’t have all the preferred experience or qualifications? Studies show that underrepresented groups like women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs if they don't meet every requirement listed.At Defense Unicorns, we're committed to diversity. If you're enthusiastic about the role but don't match every criteria, we encourage you to apply. You could be the perfect fit for this or another role! Defense Unicorns is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.