Data Engineer - SME

About the Role

Dark Wolf is seeking a Data Engineer - Subject Matter Expert (SME) to architect, lead, and execute enterprise-wide data platform initiatives. As the principal technical authority, you will set the enterprise data architecture strategy, design high-assurance data topologies for classified enclaves, govern data mesh architectures, and advise government stakeholders on mission-critical data strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect and lead the 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, 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 customer executive stakeholders to align data capabilities with mission objectives

Qualifications

• Clearance: Must be a US Citizen holding an active TS/SCI security clearance with an active Full-Scope Polygraph
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related technical field (Master's degree preferred)
• Experience: 15+ years of data engineering experience

SME Technical Competencies

• Data Processing Frameworks: Enterprise architecture, framework evaluation, and platform strategy across processing systems
• Database Systems: Architecting petabyte-scale lakehouse infrastructure, distributed storage optimization, and cross-region replication
• Data Modeling: Strategic enterprise data domain modeling, enterprise ontology design, and schema evolution governance
• Programming & Scripting: Multi-language mastery (Python, Scala, C++, Go) for low-level platform extension and memory-level engine optimization
• Containerization: Enterprise multi-cluster Kubernetes strategy, zero-trust container architecture, and data infrastructure scheduling
• Agile Frameworks: Strategic Agile transformation, scaled program delivery (SAFe), and technical governance
• Multi-Cloud Architecture: Hybrid, multi-cloud, and air-gapped enterprise data strategy and infrastructure execution
• Security Scanning Tooling: Enterprise DevSecOps authority, security compliance posture, and risk mitigation strategies

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced Certifications: AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), or Kubernetes Certified Administrator (CKA)
• Deep understanding of high-assurance systems, zero-trust data governance, and national security data integration challenges

Pay & Schedule

• Target Salary Range: $185,000.00 – $240,000.00+ (commensurate with specialized expertise and technical skillset)
• Location: Chantilly/Herndon, VA