Data Engineer - SME

Dark Wolf constructs and deploys data management and analytics solutions for the defense and intelligence communities. The company is seeking a Data Engineer – Subject Matter Expert (SME) to architect, lead, and execute enterprise‑wide data platform initiatives, serving as the principal technical authority on data architecture, security, and governance.

Responsibilities

• Architect and lead end‑to‑end implementation of enterprise‑scale, high‑assurance data platforms and data mesh topologies.
• Serve as the principal technical authority on distributed data systems, lakehouse architectures, and real‑time analytical capabilities.
• Mandate enterprise‑wide data security standards, including data‑at‑rest/in‑transit encryption protocols and zero‑trust data governance.
• Set the strategic roadmap for multi‑cloud, hybrid, and air‑gapped data deployment methodologies.
• Interface directly with agency leadership and executive stakeholders to align data capabilities with mission objectives.

Qualifications

• Clearance: U.S. citizen with an active TS/SCI security clearance and Full‑Scope Polygraph.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related technical field (Master’s preferred).
• Experience: 15+ years of data engineering experience.
• Technical Competencies:
  • Data Processing Frameworks – enterprise architecture, framework evaluation, platform strategy across processing systems.
  • Database Systems – architecting petabyte‑scale lakehouse infrastructure, distributed storage optimization, cross‑region replication.
  • Data Modeling – strategic enterprise data domain modeling, ontology design, schema evolution governance.
  • Programming & Scripting – mastery of Python, Scala, C++, Go for low‑level platform extension and memory‑level engine optimization.
  • Containerization – enterprise multi‑cluster Kubernetes strategy, zero‑trust container architecture, data infrastructure scheduling.
  • Agile Frameworks – strategic Agile transformation, scaled program delivery (SAFe), technical governance.
  • Multi‑Cloud Architecture – hybrid, multi‑cloud, and air‑gapped enterprise data strategy and infrastructure execution.
  • Security Scanning Tooling – DevSecOps authority, security compliance posture, risk mitigation strategies.

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect, CISSP, or Kubernetes Certified Administrator (CKA).
• Deep understanding of high‑assurance systems, zero‑trust data governance, and national security data integration challenges.

Pay

Target Salary Range: $185,000 – $240,000+ (commensurate with specialized expertise and technical skillset).

Location: Chantilly/Herndon, VA. This is a direct, full‑time W‑2 position; third‑party staffing agencies, C2C, or 1099 contractors are not considered.