Senior Principal AI Data Engineer

General Dynamics IT; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 174,000 - 236,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Growth opportunities

Internal mobility support

Competitive pay and PTO

Military-friendly culture

Job summary

Iron EagleX 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 lakehouse and vector stores), and enable

Qualifications

• Experience with Airflow for workflow orchestration.
• Strong Python programming skills.
• Experience with ElasticSearch/OpenSearch for indexing and search.
• Understanding of vector databases and embeddings for AI apps.
• Expertise in event-driven architecture and microservices.
• Hands-on experience with cloud storage and compute resources (MinIO).
• Strong Linux and database optimization knowledge.
• Version control with Git.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement scalable data pipelines and ETL processes for AI workloads.
• Build and tune search and retrieval capabilities using ElasticSearch/OpenSearch.
• Enable low-latency data access for inference and RAG applications.
• Collaborate with analytics teams to define schemas and interfaces.
• Use Git for version control, CI/CD, and reproducible deployments.
• Operate in Linux environments and optimize pipeline performance.

Skills

Apache Airflow

Python

ElasticSearch/OpenSearch

Vector databases

Event-driven architecture

Cloud services (MinIO)

Linux

Git

Data pipelines

Education

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

Tools

MinIO

Job description

Type of Requisition:

Regular

Clearance Level Must Currently Possess:

Top Secret/SCI

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain:

Top Secret SCI + Polygraph

Public Trust/Other Required:

None

Job Family:

Data Science and Data Engineering

Job Qualifications:

Skills:

Apache Airflow, Database Optimization, Extract Transform Load (ETL), Git, Structured Query Language (SQL)

Certifications:

None

Experience:

10 + years of related experience

US Citizenship Required:

Yes

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

Iron EagleX (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

Iron EagleX 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 lakehouse and vector stores), and enable low-latency retrieval for query, inference, and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG).

M EANINGFUL 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 (INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO)

• 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

• 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

Salary Information

The likely salary range for this position is $174,250 - $235,750. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on