Data Engineer (TS/SCI + CI Poly)
Apply NowCompany: The DarkStar Group, LLC
Location: Herndon, VA 20171
Description:
Description
The DarkStar Group is seeking a Data Engineer with a TS/SCI + CI Poly clearance to join one of our top projects in Herndon, VA. Below is an overview of the project, as well as information on our company, our benefits, and our $25,000 referral program.
THE PROJECT
The DarkStar Group's team solves unique and challenging intelligence problems for a Special Operations customer. This work is as close to the mission as a technologist can get, so the environment is fast-paced: team members face rapidly-changing requirements and priorities as mission needs evolve. If you hate monotony and want to use your skills to have a direct impact on real-world operational success, this is the project for you.
We are a multi-faceted software development and systems administration team working to build and maintain software applications backed by a self-managed cloud infrastructure (OpenStack) with a true big-data footprint (over 10 petabytes). Our diverse background of experience in mission support and software development serves as a catalyst to solve unique and challenging intelligence problems in support of special operations analysts and their on-going activities. Prototyping and frequent, iterative feedback are core to our delivery approach, anchored by a need to work quickly in support of our missions.
The technical stack is quite robust and includes Java, Python, C#, C/C++, Geospatial tools, Big Data and Graph Products (Hadoop, MapReduce, Spark, ElasticSearch, Neo4j), Linux, OpenStack, AWS, Ansible, SQL/NoSQL, Text Processing, Cloud Services, Containerization, Infrastructure as Code (IAC), and more.
Work on this program takes place in the Herndon, VA area (we cannot support remote work) and requires a TS clearance and a willingness to obtain a CI Poly: a current TS/SCI + CI Poly is preferred.
THE ROLE
We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Senior Data Engineering Specialist to join
our growing team. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in designing, building, and
optimizing scalable data pipelines, as well as managing and deploying data infrastructure in
cloud environments. You will work closely with our data science, analytics, and DevOps teams
to ensure seamless data flow and integration across our systems, and you will mentor junior team
members to elevate the overall technical capability of the team.
Key Responsibilities:
Required Skills
Desired Skills (Optional)
About The DarkStar Group
Our Company
The DarkStar Group is a small business that solves BIG problems. We're one of the Inc. 5000 fastest-growing private companies in the US, and our engineers and scientists support the most critical national security missions in Virginia, Maryland, and elsewhere. Data Science, Software Engineering, Cloud/AWS Infrastructure, and Cyber/CNO are our core areas of expertise. We offer interesting and important work, job security, some of the best and most flexible benefits you'll find in the IC, and salaries so strong that they'll likely surprise you.
Our Benefits
The DarkStar Group offers exceptional compensation and benefits:
** We have a huge growth opportunity, so we are offering up to a $25,000 reward for anyone new you refer whom we hire. **
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
The DarkStar Group is seeking a Data Engineer with a TS/SCI + CI Poly clearance to join one of our top projects in Herndon, VA. Below is an overview of the project, as well as information on our company, our benefits, and our $25,000 referral program.
THE PROJECT
The DarkStar Group's team solves unique and challenging intelligence problems for a Special Operations customer. This work is as close to the mission as a technologist can get, so the environment is fast-paced: team members face rapidly-changing requirements and priorities as mission needs evolve. If you hate monotony and want to use your skills to have a direct impact on real-world operational success, this is the project for you.
We are a multi-faceted software development and systems administration team working to build and maintain software applications backed by a self-managed cloud infrastructure (OpenStack) with a true big-data footprint (over 10 petabytes). Our diverse background of experience in mission support and software development serves as a catalyst to solve unique and challenging intelligence problems in support of special operations analysts and their on-going activities. Prototyping and frequent, iterative feedback are core to our delivery approach, anchored by a need to work quickly in support of our missions.
The technical stack is quite robust and includes Java, Python, C#, C/C++, Geospatial tools, Big Data and Graph Products (Hadoop, MapReduce, Spark, ElasticSearch, Neo4j), Linux, OpenStack, AWS, Ansible, SQL/NoSQL, Text Processing, Cloud Services, Containerization, Infrastructure as Code (IAC), and more.
Work on this program takes place in the Herndon, VA area (we cannot support remote work) and requires a TS clearance and a willingness to obtain a CI Poly: a current TS/SCI + CI Poly is preferred.
THE ROLE
We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Senior Data Engineering Specialist to join
our growing team. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in designing, building, and
optimizing scalable data pipelines, as well as managing and deploying data infrastructure in
cloud environments. You will work closely with our data science, analytics, and DevOps teams
to ensure seamless data flow and integration across our systems, and you will mentor junior team
members to elevate the overall technical capability of the team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the design, development, and maintenance of complex, scalable data pipelines.
- Optimize and troubleshoot data pipelines for performance, reliability, and scalability.
- Collaborate with engineers and analysts to understand data requirements and deliver high-quality data solutions.
- Implement and manage ETL processes using advanced tools like Apache Airflow, Spark, or similar.
- Ensure data quality and consistency through rigorous testing, validation, and governance practices.
- Deploy, monitor, and maintain data infrastructure in cloud environments (AWS, GCP, Azure).
- Implement DevOps practices to streamline data workflows, including CI/CD pipelines, Docker, and Kubernetes.
- Mentor and provide guidance to junior data engineers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.
- Stay up-to-date with industry trends and emerging technologies to drive innovation within the data engineering team.
Required Skills
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
- 7+ years of experience in data engineering or related roles.
- Advanced proficiency in SQL and experience with relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL).
- Extensive experience with big data technologies (e.g., Hadoop, Spark).
- Deep understanding of cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) and their data services.
- Strong understanding and practical experience with DevOps practices and tools (CI/CD, Docker, Kubernetes).
- Proven ability to optimize and troubleshoot complex data systems and pipelines.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Strong communication and leadership abilities, with experience mentoring junior engineers.
Desired Skills (Optional)
- Experience with NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB).
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, or Kotlin.
- Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
- Strong understanding of data governance and security practices.
- Experience working in Agile/Scrum environments.
About The DarkStar Group
Our Company
The DarkStar Group is a small business that solves BIG problems. We're one of the Inc. 5000 fastest-growing private companies in the US, and our engineers and scientists support the most critical national security missions in Virginia, Maryland, and elsewhere. Data Science, Software Engineering, Cloud/AWS Infrastructure, and Cyber/CNO are our core areas of expertise. We offer interesting and important work, job security, some of the best and most flexible benefits you'll find in the IC, and salaries so strong that they'll likely surprise you.
Our Benefits
The DarkStar Group offers exceptional compensation and benefits:
- very strong salaries;
- 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision premiums for you and all dependents;
- the ability to get increased salary if you don't need medical/dental/vision;
- 100% company-paid disability and life insurance benefits;
- a generously-funded HSA;
- an 8% 401(k) contribution;
- 31 days of PTO/holidays to start (more with tenure);
- the ability to flex time across pay periods without using your PTO;
- a generous training budget;
- $25,000 employee referral bonuses;
- business development / growth incentives; and
- top notch company swag.
** We have a huge growth opportunity, so we are offering up to a $25,000 reward for anyone new you refer whom we hire. **
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.