Junior Data Engineer

re-zoo-me; Herndon, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Dark Wolf, a defense-focused data engineering team, seeks a Junior / Entry-Level Data Engineer to develop, maintain, and monitor scalable data pipelines in secure environments. You will ingest, clean, and transform data to ensure high quality for mission-critical applications.

You will collaborate with senior engineers to implement ETL/ELT pipelines using Python and SQL, deploy modules with Docker, and participate in Agile practices while upholding security standards and polygraph requirements.

Qualifications

• US Citizenship with an active TS/SCI security clearance including Full‑Scope Polygraph.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 0–4+ years of data engineering experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist with constructing and maintaining ETL/ELT pipelines using Python and SQL.
• Ingest data from structured and unstructured sources into relational and NoSQL databases.
• Perform data profiling, quality checks, and schema validation.
• Build and run application modules using Docker for deployment.
• Execute automated security scans and unit tests to ensure code quality and compliance.
• Participate in daily Agile activities, code reviews, and backlog refinement.

Skills

SQL

Python

Bash scripting

Docker

Agile methodologies

Cloud basics

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/IS/Engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

PostgreSQL

NoSQL concepts

Apache Spark

Pandas

Job description

Dark Wolf constructs and deploys data management and analytics solutions for the defense and intelligence communities. We’re proud to boast a world-class engineering team that thrives on rolling up their sleeves to solve your mission’s biggest challenges.

Dark Wolf is seeking a Junior / Entry-Level Data Engineer to support the development, maintenance, and monitoring of scalable data pipelines in secure, high-assurance environments. In this role, you will work alongside senior data architects and engineers to ingest, clean, and transform structured and unstructured datasets, ensuring high data quality and system dependability for mission‑critical applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with constructing and maintaining ETL/ELT pipelines using Python and SQL.
• Support data ingestion from structured and unstructured sources into relational and non-relational databases.
• Perform basic data profiling, quality checks, and schema validation.
• Build, run, and maintain application modules using Docker for deployment.
• Execute automated security scanning tools and perform unit tests to ensure code quality and compliance.
• Participate actively in daily Agile activities, code reviews, and backlog refinement sessions.

Qualifications

• Clearance: Must be a US Citizen holding an active TS/SCI security clearance with an active Full‑Scope Polygraph.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related technical field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Experience: 0-4+ years of data engineering experience.

Technical Competencies

• Data Processing Frameworks: Basic familiarity with Apache Spark, Pandas, or SQL-based transformation frameworks.
• Database Systems: Core understanding of relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL) and foundational NoSQL concepts.
• Data Modeling: Basic knowledge of dimensional modeling, normalization, and relational schema design.
• Programming & Scripting: Strong fundamental proficiency in SQL, Python, and Bash scripting.
• Containerization: Experience building and running basic Docker containers.
• Agile Frameworks: Working knowledge of Agile, Scrum, or Kanban workflow practices.
• Multi-Cloud Architecture: Basic familiarity with cloud object storage and data services in AWS or Azure.
• Security Scanning Tooling: Hands‑on exposure to static code analysis and security scanning tools (e.g., SonarQube).

Desired Qualifications

• Experience writing automated SQL and Python unit tests.
• Basic certifications such as AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner or AWS Certified Developer.

Position Clearance Requirement

US Citizenship with an active TS/SCI security clearance with Full‑Scope Polygraph

Location:

Chantilly/Herndon, VA.

Target Salary Range:

$90,000.00 – $130,000.00 (Commensurate with specialized expertise and technical skillset).

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity, confirm US Citizenship, and complete the required employment eligibility verification upon hire.

We are strictly looking for direct, full‑time W2 employees. We do not engage with third‑party staffing agencies, C2C, or 1099 independent contractors for this role.