Data Engineer - Security Clearance Eligibility Required

recruit22; Springfield (VA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Recruit22 is seeking a Data Engineer in Springfield, VA with a hybrid onsite schedule (minimum 3 days weekly) to support AI/ML initiatives for government-oriented programs. The role requires U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance.

You will build and optimize data pipelines, perform ETL on diverse datasets, and collaborate with data scientists, engineers, and government stakeholders to enable secure analytics across environments.

Qualifications

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable data pipelines for AI/ML initiatives.
• Extract, transform, and load data from multiple sources.
• Optimize data processing workflows and automate manual processes where possible.
• Parse, clean, and prepare datasets for machine learning environments.
• Communicate findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Coordinate datasets and priorities with customers and internal teams.
• Document data workflows, standards, and procedures.

Skills

Python

PySpark

SQL

Education

Bachelor's degree in Data Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Data Science

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Bachelor's degree in Information Management

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Databricks

AWS

Azure

Job description

Data Engineer
Springfield, VA (Hybrid) Salary: $110,000 - $165,000 + Benefits Security Clearance Eligibility Required
About The Opportunity
Recruit22 has partnered with a leading federal technology and AI solutions organization to identify a talented Data Engineer to support mission-critical Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning initiatives within the U.S. Government sector.
This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside data scientists, engineers, and government stakeholders on cutting-edge AI programs. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing, optimizing, and maintaining data pipelines that enable AI/ML solutions across multiple secure environments and classification levels.
The position offers a hybrid work arrangement with a minimum of three days onsite weekly in Springfield, VA, with occasional requirements for additional onsite support.
What You'll Do
Data Engineering & Pipeline Development

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable data pipelines for AI and ML initiatives.
• Extract, transform, and load (ETL) structured and unstructured data from multiple sources.
• Optimize data processing workflows and automate manual processes where possible.
• Parse, clean, and prepare complex datasets for machine learning development environments.
  

Data Analysis & Stakeholder Support

• Perform detailed data analysis and communicate findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Participate in customer, vendor, and internal technical meetings to coordinate AI-related datasets and priorities.
• Identify data quality issues and develop recommendations for improvement.
• Serve as a trusted advisor for data-related decisions and best practices.
  

Collaboration & Process Improvement

• Work closely with program leadership, engineers, data scientists, and customer stakeholders.
• Document data workflows, standards, and procedures.
• Conduct root cause analysis and resolve technical challenges independently.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance data delivery and operational efficiency.
  

Required Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI Clearance with Polygraph.
• Bachelor's degree in:
• Data Engineering
• Data Science
• Computer Science
• Information Management
• Engineering
• Or a related technical discipline
• 2+ years of experience in:
• Data Engineering
• Data Science
• Computer Science
• Software Engineering
• Related technical fields
• Strong proficiency in:
• Python
• PySpark
• SQL
• Experience building and optimizing data pipelines.
• Advanced understanding of database concepts and technologies.
• Experience transforming and preparing data for machine learning applications.
• Strong data parsing and text processing skills.
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Databricks or similar cloud-based data platforms.
• Exposure to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning initiatives.
• Experience supporting computer vision projects.
• Knowledge of:
• Amazon Web Services (AWS)
• Microsoft Azure
• Other cloud platforms
• Experience handling geospatial datasets and data formats.
• Familiarity with secure or classified environments.
  

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Work on advanced AI and ML initiatives supporting critical government missions.
• Join a highly collaborative and technically talented team.
• Exposure to modern data engineering, cloud, and AI technologies.
• Strong career growth and advancement potential.
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.
  

Location
Hybrid

• Springfield, VA
• Fairfax, VA
• Minimum 3 days onsite weekly
• Potential for additional onsite support based on project needs
  

CompensationBase Salary: $110,000 - $165,000
Compensation will be determined based on experience, technical expertise, education, certifications, security clearance status, and overall qualifications.