Junior Data Engineer

themarlinalliance; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Marlin Alliance is seeking a Data Engineer to design, build, and maintain data pipelines that transform raw operational data into analytics-ready datasets for a Navy DoD client. You will work in a cross-disciplinary team to deliver practical, data-driven solutions while ensuring governance and data quality.

The role requires 3–5 years of data engineering experience, strong Python and SQL skills, and the ability to obtain/maintain a Secret security clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience in a related field.
• 3–5 years of data engineering experience.
• Experience with Databricks and PySpark for large-scale data processing.
• Strong programming in Python.
• Experience writing, optimizing, and troubleshooting SQL queries.
• Ability to infer analytics from datasets without predefined requirements.
• Clear communication skills and ability to collaborate with diverse teams.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain scalable data pipelines.
• Develop and optimize Python and SQL-based data transformations.
• Analyze datasets lacking predefined requirements and identify insights.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate data problems into analytic solutions.
• Ensure data quality, governance, and consistency across pipelines.
• Document data engineering processes and architectures.
• Integrate data outputs into dashboards and downstream apps.
• Troubleshoot data pipelines to ensure timely delivery.

Skills

Databricks

PySpark

Python

SQL

US Citizenship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Data Science or related field

Tools

React

Palantir Foundry

Job description

Data Engineer

The Marlin Alliance is seeking a dedicated Data Engineer to support our Navy client. The successful candidate will support a DoD client program by designing, building, and maintaining data pipelines that transform raw operational data into governed, analytics-ready datasets. This role plays a key part in enabling the client's mission systems to make effective use of complex, evolving data sources, often in the absence of pre-defined analytic requirements. The position sits within a cross-disciplinary technical team delivering practical, results-driven data solutions.

Incorporated in 2002, The Marlin Alliance is a digital transformation company dedicated to ensuring our clients compete and win in tomorrow's digital world. We specialize in creating technical solutions that allow for seamless execution of automated business processes and the generation of governed, machine-consumable data. From strategic planning to advanced analytics and cybersecurity, our team provides cutting-edge, cross-disciplinary solutions. We are seeking motivated professionals who share our agile, solution-oriented mindset and are ready to deliver the real, practical results relied upon by our clients.

Location: San Diego, CA, Hybrid
Clearance: Ability to obtain a Secret security clearance required
Travel: Minimal travel may be required

Responsibilities:

• Design, build, and maintain scalable data pipelines using Databricks and PySpark
• Develop and optimize Python and SQL based data transformation workflows
• Analyze datasets that may lack predefined analytic requirements and independently identify valuable, actionable insights
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate ambiguous data problems into clear analytic solutions
• Ensure data quality, governance, and consistency across pipelines and outputs
• Document data engineering processes, pipeline architecture, and analytic approaches
• Partner with cross-functional team members to integrate data outputs into downstream applications and dashboards
• Troubleshoot and resolve data pipeline issues to maintain reliable, timely data delivery

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field; equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
• 3 to 5 years of experience in data engineering or a related field
• Demonstrated experience with Databricks and PySpark for large scale data processing
• Strong programming ability in Python
• Experience writing, optimizing, and troubleshooting SQL queriesDemonstrated ability to infer and define valuable analytics from datasets without established analytic requirements
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts to diverse audiences
• Ability to analyze technical challenges and contribute to effective solutions in a team environment
• Must be a US citizen and able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with React for front end development
• Experience with Palantir Foundry
• Prior experience supporting Department of Defense programs
• Active security clearance

Work Environment and Mental/Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• Typical office environment with no unusual hazards
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
• Constant sitting while using the computer terminal
• Constant use of sight abilities while reviewing documents
• Constant use of speech/hearing abilities for communication
• Occasional reaching, stooping, kneeling, or crouching may be required
• Occasional lifting up to 20 pounds
• Constant use of mental alertness
• Frequent work under deadlines

Job Classification:

Associate
$85,000 to $100,000 (recommended estimate, pending internal validation)

Disclaimer:

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job related instructions and to perform any other job related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an at will relationship.

An Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.

• Seniority Level

  Entry level

• Employment Type

  Full-time

• Job Functions

  • Information Technology

• Skills

  • Business Process
  • Computer Science
  • Communication
  • Data Transformation
  • Data Science
  • Communication Training
  • Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE)
  • Plays
  • Azure Dat