Data Engineer (Senior) (5164) (TS/SCI) (Ft. Belvoir, VA)

SMX is seeking a Data Engineer (Senior) contribute to the development and sustainment of data pipelines and data services that enable AI/ML capabilities within Army Intelligence mission environments. This role focuses on preparing transforming, and delivering reliable data to support model training, inference, and analytic workflows. The Data Engineer (AI) Senior Engineer partners with AI/ML engineers, analysts, platform teams, and mission leadership to align data capabilities with operational outcomes, security, and governance.

This is a full-time onsite position in Ft. Belvoir, VA.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist the Principal Data Engineer with leading a team of 5-8 engineers

• Assist the Principal Data Engineer with the professional development of the data engineering personnel

• Develop and manage distributed parallel data processing pipelines, which includes but is not limited to processes such as establishing data connections, data parsing, data normalization, data mapping and modeling, data enrichment, and integration with data analytics

• Operate and maintain the data processing pipelines in accordance with the availability requirements of the platform

• Apply agile methodologies to the data engineering part of the system development life cycle (SDLC)

• Collaborate cross-functionally with software engineers, data scientists, intel analysts, and customers to ensure data processing pipelines meet military requirements

• Communicate clearly and effectively with teammates, customers, and external partners

• Prepare written and verbal communications on analyses, findings, and project progress

• Update technical documentation such as system design documentation (SDD); standard operating procedures (SOPs); and tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs); and training material

• Supervise two or more other employees.

Required Skills, Experience & Education

• Active TS security clearance and eligible for SCI and NATO read-on prior to starting work

• Master’s degree in a discipline covered under Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) with 8 years’ experience as a data engineer OR a bachelor’s degree in a discipline covered under Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) with 10 years’ experience as a data engineer

• 8 years’ experience with distributed parallel streaming and batch data processing pipelines

• 8 years’ experience with Python, Java, or other programming languages

• 8 years’ experience applying agile methodologies to the data engineering part of a system development life cycle (SDLC)

• 8 years’ experience with developing, operating, and maintaining data processing pipelines in a classified environment

• 8 years’ experience integrating with data SDKs / APIs and data analytics SDKs / APIs

• 8 years’ experience with data mapping, modeling, enriching, and correlating classified data

• 8 years’ experience with the identification and deduplication of data sources and record types to meet military requirements

• 8 years’ experience with Git repositories and CI/CD pipelines. Examples include but are not limited to GitHub and GitLab.

• 5 years’ experience with Python and the Python interface to Spark (PySpark)

• 5 years’ experience with Java and the Java interface to Spark

Desired Skills/Experience

• Meet all requirements to receive a privileged user (PU) account on a TS/SCI information system (e.g. AC2SP) prior to starting work. The requirements are currently defined in DoDD 8140.01.

• 8 years’ experience integrating with Army Intel information systems and record types

• 3 years’ experience with Palantir Foundry

Application Deadline: April 30, 2026

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The SMX salary determination process takes into account a number of factors, including but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories, relevant prior work experience, specific skills, education and certifications. At SMX, one of our Core Values is to Invest in Our People so we offer a competitive mix of compensation, learning & development opportunities, and benefits. Some key components of our robust benefits include health insurance, paid leave, and retirement.

The proposed salary for this position is:
$165,000—$180,000 USD

At SMX®, we are a team of technical and domain experts dedicated to enabling your mission. From priority national security initiatives for the DoD to highly assured and compliant solutions for healthcare, we understand that digital transformation is key to your future success.

We share your vision for the future and strive to accelerate your impact on the world. We bring both cutting edge technology and an expansive view of what’s possible to every engagement. Our delivery model and unique approaches harness our deep technical and domain knowledge, providing forward-looking insights and practical solutions to power secure mission acceleration.

SMX is an Equal Opportunity employer including disabilities and veterans.

Selected applicant may be subject to a background investigation and/or education verification.

SMX does not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization or immigration related support for this position (i.e. H1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, E-2, E-3, L-1 and O-1, or any EADs or other forms of work authorization that require immigration support from an employer).