Software Engineer II - US Department of Defense

McKinsey; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 138,000 - 142,000; Full time

Job summary

McKinsey & Company is seeking a data engineer to work with defense and security teams on high-impact issues. You will collaborate with data scientists, ML engineers, and project managers in cross-functional Agile teams to develop asset-based data frameworks and software capabilities used by clients and internal teams.

The role emphasizes scalable back-end and front-end collaboration, cloud deployment, and robust data pipelines across diverse data types, supporting McKinsey’s SHaPE practice in a

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance or SCI-eligibility.
• Advanced degree in a quantitative field or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of relevant experience with defense data engineering preferred.
• Experience with graph databases and analytics (Neo4j, Gremlin) and query languages (Cypher/Gremlin).
• Strong programming in Python, Java, Node.js, or Go; experience with FastAPI, Pandas, and React + TypeScript.
• Experience building back ends and contributing to front end development when needed.
• Extensive experience with data engineering and pipelines (ETL, data quality) across structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data.
• Knowledge of DevOps, DataOps, MLOps, containerization (Docker), and orchestration.
• Experience with distributed computing and cloud deployment for enterprise apps.
• Strong testing skills (unit/integration) and robust solutions.
• Experience with NoSQL and graph problems; GenAI/ML techniques like GraphRAG.
• Interest or experience running simulations in Python and applying advanced analytics.

Responsibilities

• Work with our defense and security teams on tough issues in a fast-paced, non-hierarchical environment.
• Join cross-functional Agile project teams with data scientists, machine learning engineers, data engineers, project managers, and industry experts.
• Design and develop core data frameworks to enable software capabilities used by data engineers, data scientists, consulting teams, and clients.
• Help shift our model toward asset-based consulting and build a foundation for expanding our entrepreneurial culture.

Skills

TS/SCI clearance

Python programming

Graph data modeling

Data engineering

NoSQL databases

DevOps concepts

Education

Advanced degree in a quantitative field

Tools

Neo4j

Gremlin

Cypher

Docker

FastAPI

Pandas

React

TypeScript

Cloud platforms

Distributed computing

Job description

• Atlanta
• Chicago
• New York City
• Washington DC

Do you want to do work that matters, alongside supportive leaders who will help you grow faster than you ever thought possible? Are you a creative problem-solver who is energized by challenges? You've come to the right place.

YOUR IMPACT

You will work with our defense and security teams on some of their toughest issues, in a fast-paced, non-hierarchical, and caring environment.

You will be part of our global data engineering community and work in cross-functional Agile project teams alongside data scientists, machine learning engineers, other data engineers, project managers, and industry experts to innovate alongside clients and CSTs to develop new or existing assets.

By leveraging engineering frameworks and best practices, you will design and develop core data frameworks to drive meaningful mission outcomes for our clients by enabling software capabilities used by data engineers, data scientists, consulting teams and external clients. You will help to shift our model toward asset-based consulting and build a foundation for the expansion of our investment into our entrepreneurial culture.

Our Social Sector, Healthcare, and Public Sector Entities (SHaPE) practice delivers high-impact services to clients across three major sectors, including federal, state, and local governments. Within SHaPE, the Defense and Security subsector focuses on the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), including the Office of the Secretary of Defense, major defense agencies, and military services, as well as members of the National Security Community.

YOUR GROWTH

Driving lasting impact and building long-term capabilities with our clients is not easy work. You are the kind of person who thrives in a high performance/high reward culture - doing hard things, picking yourself up when you stumble, and having the resilience to try another way forward.

In return for your drive, determination, and curiosity, we’ll provide the resources, mentorship, and opportunities you need to become a stronger leader faster than you ever thought possible. Your colleagues-at all levels-will invest deeply in your development, just as much as they invest in delivering exceptional results for clients. Every day, you’ll receive apprenticeship, coaching, and exposure that will accelerate your growth in ways you won’t find anywhere else.

When you join us, you will have:

• Continuous learning: Our learning and apprenticeship culture, backed by structured programs, is all about helping you grow while creating an environment where feedback is clear, actionable, and focused on your development. The real magic happens when you take the input from others to heart and embrace the fast-paced learning experience, owning your journey.
• A voice that matters: From day one, we value your ideas and contributions. You’ll make a tangible impact by offering innovative ideas and practical solutions, all while upholding our unwavering commitment to ethics and integrity. We not only encourage diverse perspectives, but they are critical in driving us toward the best possible outcomes.
• Global community: With colleagues across 65+ countries and over 100 different nationalities, our firm’s diversity fuels creativity and helps us come up with the best solutions for our clients. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from exceptional colleagues with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• World-class benefits: On top of a competitive salary (based on your location, experience, and skills), we provide a comprehensive benefits package to enable holistic well‑being for you and your family.

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Active TS/SCI clearance (or SCI-eligibility), ideally with past or current DoD SAP/SAR access
• Advanced degree in a quantitative field (e.g., computer science, machine learning, applied statistics, or mathematics) or equivalent experience
• 3+ years of relevant experience. Familiarity with aerospace and defense programs and/or mission data is preferred.
• Proven experience with graph databases and analytics, including Neo4j, Gremlin, or similar tools, and query languages like Cypher or Gremlin. Ability to model complex system relationships, workflows, and time‑dependent processes
• Strong programming skills in modern languages such as Python, Java, Node.js, or Go, with expertise in writing clean, maintainable, and scalable code. Experience with FastAPI, Pandas, and React + TypeScript is a plus
• Experience building and integrating web application back ends and contributing to front-end development when needed
• Extensive experience with data engineering and pipelines, including ETL, data quality, and working across structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data. Familiarity with event streaming, real-time data processing, and high‑velocity sequential data flows
• Practical knowledge of software engineering best practices, including DevOps, DataOps, MLOps, containerization (e.g., Docker), and orchestration
• Experience with distributed computing frameworks and cloud platforms, with a focus on deploying enterprise applications in cloud environments
• Strong testing skills, including unit testing, integration/API testing, and ensuring robust, scalable solutions
• Experience with NoSQL databases and working with graph-related problems, including the use of GenAI/ML techniques like GraphRAG
• Interest or experience in running simulations in Python and applying advanced analytics to solve complex problems

Please review the additional requirements regarding essential job functions of McKinsey colleagues. Our unwavering commitment to integrity drives everything we do, guiding us to always act in the best interests of our clients, our people, and the communities we serve.

Industries

• Aerospace & Defense

Capabilities

• Technology

FOR U.S. APPLICANTS: McKinsey & Company is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Certain US jurisdictions require McKinsey & Company to include a reasonable estimate of the salary for this role. To help you understand what you can expect, the salary range for new joiners in this role in United States, including all office locations where the job may be performed, is $137,500 - $141,700 USD gross per year. This reflects our best estimate of the lowest to highest salary/hourly wages for this role at the time of this posting, ensuring you have a clear picture right from the start, though it's important to remember that actual salaries may vary. Factors like your office location, your unique blend of experience and skills, start date and our current organizational needs all play a part in determining the final figure. Certain roles are also eligible for bonuses, subject to McKinsey's discretion and based on factors such as individual and/or organizational performance.

Additionally, we provide a comprehensive benefits package that reflects our commitment to the wellness of our colleagues and their families. This includes medical, mental health, dental and vision coverage, telemedicine services, life, accident and disability insurance, parental leave and family planning benefits, caregiving resources, a generous retirement contributions program, financial guidance, and paid time off.