Senior Data Engineer

Socket.dev; Fairfax (VA); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

GovCIO in Merrifield, VA is seeking a Senior Data Engineer with an active Secret clearance to design, develop, and modernize data systems across low-side and high-side enclaves. This on-site resource will work in a hybrid model to support mission-critical data workloads.

Responsibilities include building NiFi pipelines, administering Oracle and SQL Server databases, optimizing performance, and aligning data platforms with security and compliance requirements in classified environments.

Qualifications

• Active Secret clearance required.
• Experience administering Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server databases.
• Strong Apache NiFi pipeline development skills.
• Proficiency with Linux and Windows server environments.
• Experience in a government or classified environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and modernize low-side and high-side databases.
• Design, optimize, and troubleshoot NiFi data pipelines.
• Administer Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server databases across enclaves.
• Enhance backend performance and data flows for applications.
• Provide on-site support in Merrifield with hybrid work schedule.
• Collaborate with government stakeholders to meet mission goals.
• Maintain documentation of configurations, data models, and workflows.

Skills

Data engineering

Security/compliance

Cloud capabilities

Tools

Oracle Database

Microsoft SQL Server

Apache NiFi

AWS

Azure

Job description

Responsibilities

GovCIO is currently hiring for a Senior Data Engineer with an active Secret clearance to serve as an on-site technical resource, responsible for developing, maintaining, and modernizing data systems across low-side and high-side enclaves. This position will be located in Merrifield, VA and will be a hybrid position.

This role focuses on improving performance, reliability, and scalability for data-centric applications. The engineer will design and optimize data pipelines, manage enterprise databases, and lead modernization efforts using cloud-capable technologies while ensuring compliance with strict security and operational constraints.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and modernize low-side and high-side database environments, ensuring stability, performance, and scalability.


• Design, optimize, and troubleshoot NiFi-based data pipelines supporting high-volume mission workflows.


• Administer, tune, and support Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server databases across secure enclaves.


• Enhance backend performance for applications by improving data flows, query efficiency, and system integration.


• Support Linux and Windows server environments used for database operations, data workflows, and pipeline infrastructure.


• Apply cloud platform experience (AWS and/or Azure) to support modernization, migration, or hybrid data processing efforts as permitted by mission requirements.


• Perform on-site diagnostics, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis to resolve complex data and system issues.


• Collaborate closely with development teams, system administrators, and government stakeholders to ensure alignment with mission goals.


• Maintain thorough documentation of technical processes, data models, configurations, and workflows.


• Ensure all activities adhere to security, compliance, and data handling requirements in classified environments.

Qualifications

• High School with 10+ years of application development (or commensurate experience)


• Clearance Required: Active Secret with the ability to obtain and hold DEA suitability

Required Qualifications

• Active Secret clearance enabling access to low side and high side systems.


• Hands-on experience with Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server database administration, tuning, and optimization.


• Strong proficiency in Apache NiFi pipeline development and maintenance.


• Experience with Linux and Windows server systems in enterprise or secure environments.


• Cloud platform experience (AWS and/or Azure) supporting modernization and migration efforts.


• Experience working within a classified Government environment.


• Experience working with Government product owners and stakeholders.


• Experience working on an agile development team.


• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex data pipeline and database issues in secure onsite environments.


• Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with generative AI such as Claude Code, Copilot, and ChatGPT.


• Experience supporting mission systems or sensitive data environments within federal agencies.


• Knowledge of ETL methodologies, data modeling, and performance optimization strategies.


• Experience modernizing legacy data systems into cloud, virtualized, or containerized architectures within classified environments.


• Relevant technical certifications (Oracle DBA, MCSE, AWS/Azure certs, Linux admin certs).


• Familiarity with DevSecOps practices and CI/CD tools.


• Familiarity with secure networking, segmentation, and classified data workflows.

Posted Salary Range

USD $130,000.00 - USD $190,000.00 /Yr.