Data Engineer - Senior

Cherokee Federal; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Paid time off

Medical/dental/vision

Life/AD&D

Disability

HSA/FSA

Job summary

Cherokee Strategic Edge, part of Cherokee Federal, seeks a Senior Data Engineer to support Defense analytical requirements and enhance all-source analysis for warfighters and policymakers. The role requires an active Top Secret/SCI clearance with polygraph as a condition of employment.

The starting salary range is $150,000–$175,000 with full benefits, 401(k) match, and professional development opportunities. Work is performed in a security-conscious environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, information technology, or related STEM field or four years of equivalent experience.
• US citizenship required and ability to obtain clearance.
• Experience implementing security baselines and managing Linux/Windows servers.

Responsibilities

• Designs, implements, and operates data management systems for intelligence needs.
• Plans and optimizes data throughput and query performance.
• Directs data architecture and integration across regimes and systems.

Skills

Data design

Security awareness

Linux

Windows servers

Networking basics

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/CE/IT

4 years related experience

Tools

Citrix

VMware ESXi

LDAP

PKI

Job description

Prepared Date: 10/5/2026

A government contract requires that this position be restricted to U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. You must provide documentation that you are a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident to qualify.

This position requires an active Top Secret/SCI clearance with a polygraph. Candidates holding an active Top Secret/SCI clearance without the polygraph may be selected; the ability to obtain the required polygraph is a condition of the position and will be completed as part of the hiring process.

Position Summary

Cherokee Strategic Edge is seeking a Data Engineer to support Defense analytical requirements with enhanced scientific research, and contribute to the DIE’s integrated all-source analysis of foreign defense capabilities for warfighters, Defense planners and policymakers.

Starting Salary Range for Data Engineer - Senior: $150,000 – $175,000

Benefits That Set Us Apart

When considering your next opportunity, compensation is only part of the picture. We offer a benefits package designed to invest in your future and support your life outside of work.

Highlights Include

• Up to a 6% 401(k) company match to help you build long-term financial security
• Paid time off as part of our comprehensive benefits package, so you have the flexibility to rest, recharge, and enjoy what matters most
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus prescription drug coverage
• Basic life and AD&D insurance, with supplemental life options
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options
• Professional development, training, and certification support
• Voluntary benefits including accident, critical illness, and identity theft protection

Because taking care of our employees isn’t just a promise, it’s part of who we are.

Benefits Are Subject To Change And Eligibility Requirements Apply.

Essential Functions, Duties & Responsibilities:

Includes The Following

• Designs, implements, and operates data management systems for intelligence needs.
• Designs how data will be stored, accessed, used, integrated, and managed by different data regimes and digital systems.
• Works with data users to determine, create, and populate optimal data architectures, structures, and systems.
• Plans, designs, and optimizes data throughput and query performance.
• Participates in the selection of backend database technologies
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Experience implementing and enforcing security baselines to conform to network security policies on host workstations as well as on servers, typically Linux (Ubuntu & Redhat) and windows based
• Ability to standup and manage a compute and storage architecture using Citrix and/or VMWare's ESXi
• Experience with installing, configuring, and updating hardware and software
• Experience overseeing or conducting backup, recovery, and reconstitution activities
• Experience implementing controls
• Experience installing and maintaining servers (physical and virtual) used for network services, engineering storage solutions, and engineering virtual test environments
• DIA CIO 8570 compliant (SEC+ or higher) with the ability to gain Privileged Access Account authorization
• Experience creating and managing user accounts utilizing LDAP and experience implementing and managing PKI for authentication
• Experience managing Linux and Windows servers hosted on VMWare ESXi hypervisor
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology or related STEM degree program, or four years of equivalent level experience as a client Server Engineer.
• Must be a US Citizen.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer; may occasionally require standing or moving about the office for extended periods.
• Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of 12 years of related experience with at least a portion of the experience within the last 2 years preferred
• Master’s Degree in a related field preferred

Work is performed primarily in a climate-controlled environment.

Company Information

Behind every government mission stands skilled, mission-driven talent: people whose expertise and dedication turn complex challenges into successful outcomes. Cherokee Strategic Edge, part of Cherokee Federal, the federal contracting division of Cherokee Nation Businesses, is that team. We modernize aging systems, deliver care where it’s needed most, and keep missions supplied, staffed, and moving across defense, intelligence, and civilian agencies. For more than 60 federal clients, we take on the work others won’t and deliver where it counts. If that’s the kind of work you’re looking for, you’ve found your team. Learn more at cherokee-federal.com.

Cherokee Federal is a military friendly employer. Veterans and active military transitioning to civilian status are encouraged to apply.

Legal Disclaimer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

Cherokee Federal is a federal contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA). As required by VEVRAA, we take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans. Protected veterans are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.

Cherokee Federal takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.

Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities or those with sincerely held religious beliefs. To request an accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail].