Data Operations Technical Lead

Towards AI, Inc.; Tampa (FL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Towards AI, Inc. seeks a Data Operations Technical Lead to design, build, and maintain scalable data pipelines for ETL/ELT and real-time streams in Tampa, FL.

You will collaborate with stakeholders to ensure data quality, reliability, and seamless data flow across systems. The role requires 5+ years in data or software engineering, expertise in streaming tech (Kafka, Flink), and an active Top Secret/SCI clearance, with a Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Master’s preferred).

Qualifications

• Five+ years of experience in data or software engineering, designing and managing complex data pipelines.
• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance required.
• SOF Enterprise customer project experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Engineering, or related field; Master’s preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain scalable data pipelines for ETL/ELT and real-time streaming.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand data requirements and ensure data quality.
• Oversee data model development and schema design for high-performance storage.
• Mentor junior engineers and evaluate new technologies for infrastructure improvements.
• Troubleshoot performance issues and optimize data workflows.

Skills

AI

Data Engineer

Data Infrastructure

Data Lakes

ETL/ELT

Streaming

Security

Data Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science/Information Systems/Data Engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Flow

Apache Kafka

Flink

Job description

# Data Operations Technical Lead## Agile DefensePublished 17 Jul 2026### Share this jobTampa, FL, USARegular## Role Highlights### Languages usedS3### Key skillsAIData EngineerData InfrastructureData LakesComputer ScienceIntegrationsInformation SystemsData ProcessingData QualityAgileOperationsETLELTStorageStreamingSecurityGoogle AnalyticsData ManagementConsole### Tools, Libraries and FrameworksFlowApacheKafkaFlink## DescriptionThe role involves designing, building, and maintaining scalable and efficient data pipelines for extracting, transforming, and loading data. The individual will collaborate with stakeholders to understand requirements and ensure the effective flow of data across various systems. Responsibilities include developing real-time data streaming solutions and optimizing data workflows to handle increasing volumes. The position requires overseeing data model development and schema designs to support high-performance storage. Additionally, the role entails ensuring data quality through validation and monitoring while troubleshooting performance issues. Finally, the lead will mentor junior engineers and recommend new technologies to enhance infrastructure.## Required Qualifications and SkillsThe role requires a minimum of five years of experience in data or software engineering, specifically in designing and managing complex data pipelines. Candidates must possess an active Top Secret/SCI clearance and at least five years of experience managing digital projects for SOF Enterprise customers. A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Engineering, or a related field is typically required, though equivalent work experience may be substituted for education. A Master’s degree is preferred.