Data Engineering - Research Assistant

UM01 University of Maryland College Park (UMCP); United States; On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence & Security (ARLIS) at the University of Maryland is seeking a Data Engineering Research Assistant to help build Python-based data pipelines, validate data, and support search and retrieval components under senior staff guidance.

Responsibilities include preparing data in databases, loading pipelines, and ensuring tests with Pytest, while collaborating with researchers, engineers, and analysts to deliver reliable data solutions.

Qualifications

• Proficient in Python programming and data pipeline development.
• Experience with ETL/ELT design, data transformation, and loading into databases.
• Hands-on experience with relational or document databases, schema design, and data validation.
• Familiarity with Linux command line and Git-based workflows (branches, PRs).
• Experience writing and running tests in Python (Pytest).
• Knowledge of containerization using Docker for app run/troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Build and run Python-based data pipelines
• Prepare, load, and validate data in databases
• Assist in implementing search and retrieval components under senior guidance

Skills

Python programming

ETL/ELT design

Database design and querying

Linux command line

Git workflow

Testing in Python (Pytest)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field

Tools

Docker

Git

Pytest

Job description

Job Description Summary

The Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence & Security (ARLIS) at the University of Maryland is a University-Affiliated Research Center (UARC) dedicated to advancing research, innovation, and technology transition to improve decision making for U.S. national security. ARLIS combines deep scientific expertise with operational insight to address challenges in intelligence analysis, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence / machine learning, quantum science, and human-machine teaming. Researchers, scientists, engineers, and analysts at ARLIS collaborate with government agencies, industry partners, and academic institutions to deliver actionable insights and transformative solutions through research and development. Employees at ARLIS work on projects of critical importance, contribute directly to the nation’s security, and are supported by a culture that values integrity, collaboration, and professional growth. The Data Engineering Research Assistant [TW2.1]works directly with project teams to build and run Python-based data pipelines, prepare, load, and validate data in databases, and help implement search and retrieval components under the guidance of senior technical staff.

Physical Demands

Sedentary work performed in a normal office environment; exerts up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Ability to attend meetings both on and off campus. Spending long hours in front of a computer screen.

Licenses/ Certifications

N/A

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field from an accredited college or university.

Experience

• Professional or substantial project-based experience programming in Python.
• Experience designing and implementing data pipelines or ETL/ELT jobs that read from one or more sources, transform data, and load into a database.
• Hands‑on experience with at least one database (document or relational), including schema design, writing queries, and validating loaded data.
• Experience using Linux command-line tools and working in a Git‑based workflow (branches and pull requests).
• Experience writing and executing tests in Python (e.g., using Pytest).
• Experience using Docker or similar containerization tools to run or troubleshoot applications.