Senior Principal AI Data Engineer

General Dynamics Information Technology; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

IronEagleX (IEX), a subsidiary of General Dynamics Information Technology, seeks a Senior Principal AI Data Engineer to design and operate data pipelines for AI/ML workloads in Crystal City, VA. You will build model-ready datasets, enable low-latency AI retrieval, and collaborate with software, analytics, and product teams to support innovation.

Role requires TS/SCI clearance eligibility, 10+ years of related experience, and a BA/BS in CS or related field.

Qualifications

• Experience with Apache Airflow for workflow orchestration.
• Strong programming skills in Python.
• Experience with ElasticSearch/OpenSearch for data indexing and search functionalities.
• Understanding of vector databases, embedding models, and vector search for AI applications.
• Expertise in event‑driven architecture and microservices development.
• Hands‑on experience with cloud services (e.g., MinIO), including data storage and compute resources.
• Strong understanding of data pipeline orchestration and workflow automation.
• Working knowledge of Linux environments and database optimization techniques.
• Strong understanding of version control with Git.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement scalable data pipelines and ETL processes using Apache Airflow, with a focus on data for AI.
• Build and tune search and retrieval capabilities using ElasticSearch/OpenSearch, including indexing strategies, schema mappings, and relevance/performance optimization.
• Enable low-latency retrieval for AI inference and RAG applications by optimizing data access patterns, caching approaches, and index refresh strategies.
• Collaborate with analytic teams to define requirements, schemas, and interfaces for downstream consumption.
• Use Git for version control, peer code reviews, CI/CD workflows, and reproducible pipeline deployments across environments.
• Operate within Linux environments and perform performance tuning across pipeline components, storage layers, and compute resources.

Skills

Python programming

Airflow

Data pipelines

Linux

Git

Vector databases

Embedding models

Vector search

Event-driven architecture

Microservices

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Software Engineering or related field

Tools

Apache Airflow

ElasticSearch/OpenSearch

MinIO

Linux

Git

Job description

YOUR IMPACT

Own your opportunity to work with the largest government agency in the nation. Make an impact by advancing the Department of War’s mission to keep our country safe and secure.

OUR COMPANY

IronEagleX (IEX), a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), delivers agile IT and Intelligence solutions. Combining small-team flexibility with global scale, IEX leverages emerging technologies to provide innovative, user-focused solutions that empower organizations and end users to operate smarter, faster, and more securely in dynamic environments.

JOB DESCRIPTION

IronEagleX is seeking a Senior Principal AI Data Engineer to support our AI team in Crystal City, VA. In this role, you will design, build, and operate data pipelines that ingest, store, and process high-volume, multi-source data primarily for modern AI/ML processes. You will partner with software, analytics, and product teams to create model‑ready datasets (including features, embeddings, and prompts), implement scalable storage layers (such as a data lakehouseand vector stores), and enable low-latency retrieval for query, inference, and retrieval‑augmented generation (RAG).

MEANINGFUL WORK AND PERSONAL IMPACT

As a Senior Principal AI Data Engineer, you will turn raw, multi-source data into reliable, high-performance inputs that directly power AI models and advanced analytics. Your work will make it faster and easier for teams across engineering, analytics, and products to develop, deploy, and improve AI capabilities by ensuring datasets are ready and accessible.

JOB DUTIES

• Design, develop, and implement scalable data pipelines and ETL processes using Apache Airflow, with a focus on data for AI.


• Build and tune search and retrieval capabilities using ElasticSearch/OpenSearch, including indexing strategies, schema mappings, and relevance/performance optimization.


• Enable low-latency retrieval for AI inference and RAG applications by optimizing data access patterns, caching approaches, and index refresh strategies.


• Collaborate with analytic teams to define requirements, schemas, and interfaces for downstream consumption.


• Use Git for version control, peer code reviews, CI/CD workflows, and reproducible pipeline deployments across environments.


• Operate within Linux environments and perform performance tuning across pipeline components, storage layers, and compute resources.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Experience with Apache Airflow for workflow orchestration.


• Strong programming skills in Python.


• Experience with ElasticSearch/OpenSearch for data indexing and search functionalities.


• Understanding of vector databases, embedding models, and vector search for AI applications.


• Expertise in event‑driven architecture and microservices development.


• Hands‑on experience with cloud services (e.g., MinIO), including data storage and compute resources.


• Strong understanding of data pipeline orchestration and workflow automation.


• Working knowledge of Linux environments and database optimization techniques.


• Strong understanding of version control with Git.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO SUCCEED

• Clearance: Current TS/SCI Clearance with current or willingness to obtain CI polygraph.


• Experience: 10+ years of related experience.


• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).


• Role requirements: Work is onsite in Crystal City, VA with optional CONUS travel.


• Due to US Government Contract Requirements, only US Citizens are eligible for this role.

GDIT IS YOUR PLACE

At GDIT, the mission is our purpose, and our people are at the center of everything we do.

• Growth: AI‑powered career tool that identifies career steps and learning opportunities.


• Support: An internal mobility team focused on helping you achieve your career goals.


• Rewards: Comprehensive benefits and wellness packages, 401K with company match, competitive pay and paid time off.


• Community: Award‑winning culture of innovation and a military‑friendly workplace.

OWN YOUR OPPORTUNITY

Explore a career at GDIT and you’ll find endless opportunities to grow alongside colleagues who share your passion for the mission and delivering results.

#iexjobs #iexpriority

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans