Research Data Engineer

Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement

Bozeman (MT)

On-site

USD 81,000 - 99,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement seeks a Data Engineer to join the Software Engineering and Cybersecurity Lab (SECL). You will tackle mission-critical problems at the intersection of data science, cybersecurity, and empirical software engineering, building state-of-the-art solutions that influence national security.

The role emphasizes developing data pipelines, modeling data storage, and communicating results to diverse stakeholders, with a focus on scalable, reliable

Qualifications

Master’s Degree in a STEM related field is required.
PhD in a STEM related field is preferred.
Demonstrated ability to write code, analyze data, and create graphical reports in air gapped systems without any use of AI.
Proven track record of delivering high-quality work on-time with minimal oversight.

Responsibilities

Develop and optimize big data pipelines for storage, processing, and analysis of large-scale, high-frequency datasets.
Design and implement data models, including relational databases, for efficient data storage, retrieval, and integration.
Conduct time series analysis, including interpolation and aggregation of heterogeneous data streams.
Apply software engineering principles, including object-oriented programming, networking concepts, and best practices in software design.
Utilize Linux command-line tools to manage data workflows and processing tasks.
Implement source code management and build tools, such as GitHub and MAVEN, to maintain and deploy software solutions.
Communicate technical results and insights effectively to multidisciplinary teams, including both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Skills

Code writing

Data analysis

Graphical reports

Air-gapped systems

Audience communication

Independent work

Education

Master’s degree in STEM

PhD in STEM

Tools

Git

GitHub

Maven

SQL

R language

Job description

Position Details

Position Information

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 26465 For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Dr. Ann Marie Reinhold

(406) 994-5093

reinhold@montana.edu

Classification Title Research Scientist and/or Research Engineers Working Title Research Data Engineer Brief Position Overview

Join a fast-moving, high-impact research environment where data scientists work with real-world datasets, cutting-edge infrastructure, and engineering teams to push the boundaries of data science, analytics, and cyber intelligence.

If you thrive on solving hard problems, publishing meaningful work, and creating technologies that matter beyond the lab, this is an opportunity to lead innovation rather than simply follow it.

Position Number 4C0184 Department Gianforte School of Computing Division College of Engineering Appointment Type Professional Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA Exempt Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary $90,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications Contract Type LOA If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open

General Statement

The Software Engineering and Cybersecurity Lab (SECL), is a dynamic environment where you will tackle mission-critical problems at the intersection of data science, cybersecurity, and empirical software engineering—building state-of-the-art solutions that directly influence national security.

Duties and Responsibilities

Develop and optimize big data pipelines for storage, processing, and analysis of large-scale, high-frequency datasets.
Design and implement data models, including relational databases, for efficient data storage, retrieval, and integration.
Conduct time series analysis, including interpolation and aggregation of heterogeneous data streams.
Apply software engineering principles, including object-oriented programming, networking concepts, and best practices in software design.
Utilize Linux command-line tools to manage data workflows and processing tasks.
Implement source code management and build tools, such as GitHub and MAVEN, to maintain and deploy software solutions.
Communicate technical results and insights effectively to multidisciplinary teams, including both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

Master’s Degree in a STEM related field.
Demonstrable ability to write code, analyze data, and create graphical reports in air gapped systems without any use of AI.
audiences – from the lay person to specialized audiences.
Proven track record of working successfully with minimal oversight for long periods of time without internet access.
Proven track record of delivering high-quality work, on-time.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

PhD in a STEM related field, strong statistics, analytical problem solving skills and software development.
Demonstrable mastery of data-product pipelines for integrating complex data streams.
Demonstrable mastery of the R programming language and applications for statistics, simulation, and data science workflows.
Demonstrable mastery of version control for complex workflows using Git.
5-10 years of experience creating, maintaining, and updating complex relational databases. Mastery of SQL.
5-10 years experiences preparing graphical, written, and oral presentations suitable for diverse

The Successful Candidate Will

Executive presence and the ability to confidently communicate with senior leaders, government officials, and external stakeholders
Strong teamwork mindset with a “mission-first” attitude and willingness to support others
Humility and low ego in highly collaborative, interdisciplinary environments
Transparency, integrity, and accountability in research, communication, and decision-making
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences
Adaptability and comfort operating in fast-paced, high-impact research settings
Professionalism and discretion when working on sensitive or restricted projects
Intellectual curiosity and a continuous-learning mindset
Self-motivation and initiative with minimal supervision
Reliability and follow-through on commitments and deadlines

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

This individual must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret DOD Security Clearance.

Successful candidate must be able to comply with the federally mandated requirements of U.S. export control laws, which may require proof that candidate is a U.S. person. Per 22 CFR

120.15, U.S. person means a person who is a lawful permanent resident as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

This position is contingent upon continued grant funding

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

This position has supervisory duties? No

Posting Detail Information

Number Of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date Upon Completion Of a Successful Search. Position End Date (if Temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications Will Be

Screening of applications will begin on July 14th 2026 ; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions

Successful candidate must be able to comply with the federally mandated requirements of U.S. export control laws, which may require proof that candidate is a U.S. person. Per 22 CFR

120.15, U.S. person means a person who is a lawful permanent resident as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). EEO Statement Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents