Data Engineer, Jr. (5029) (TS/SCI) (Ft. Belvoir, VA)

SMX is seeking a Junior Data Engineer (Training and Exercise Support) to assist in the development, operation, and sustainment of secure data pipelines that support mission-focused training and exercise activities at INSCOM Headquarters. This individual will support distributed data processing workflows, prepare and manage training datasets, and help maintain reliable data connectivity across hybrid on-premise and cloud environments under the guidance of senior engineers. The role involves supporting data integration, automation, documentation, and compliance efforts while collaborating with integrated project teams, exercise planners, and stakeholders to ensure data availability, integrity, and adherence to security and operational standards.

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

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Data Pipeline Development & Maintenance

• Assist in the development and implementation of distributed data processing pipelines, including data connection, parsing, normalization, mapping, and enrichment under the guidance of senior engineers.
• Read, interpret, and modify basic scripts on Windows and UNIX systems to support tasks such as data parsing, process automation, and data fetching.
• Support the operation and maintenance of data processing pipelines to ensure they meet the availability and performance requirements of the platform.
• Perform secure programming practices by following established coding standards and assisting in the identification of potential flaws to mitigate vulnerabilities.

Training & Exercise Data Support

• Prepare and manage test data required to support training events and exercise scenarios, ensuring datasets are properly staged and configured.
• Work with integrated project teams and exercise planners to identify, curate, and manage data from various sources to meet specific training objectives.
• Assist users and stakeholders by serving as a point of contact for data-related issues that arise during training events and exercises.

Hybrid Environment & Customer Connectivity

• Help configure and troubleshoot data connections for a variety of sources across both on-premise and cloud environments, ensuring reliable data flow.
• Respond to stakeholder requests for data access and connectivity, working with them to gather requirements and document technical needs for new data integrations.
• Learn to operate tools and services in a hybrid infrastructure, gaining experience with both traditional systems and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure).

Documentation & Compliance

• Update and maintain technical documentation such as System Design Documents (SDD), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs).
• Implement data management standards by complying with established requirements and specifications for data handling.
• Adhere to all data classification and handling requirements by implementing access controls and following security best practices.
• Follow agile methodologies as part of the system development life cycle (SDLC) and actively participate in team ceremonies.

Desired Professional Attributes

• Decisiveness (Foundational)
  • Demonstrates the ability to make timely, well-reasoned choices within defined guidance, escalating appropriately when uncertainty or risk exceeds their authority.
• Confidence (Foundational)
  • Approaches technical tasks and collaboration with professional self-assurance, communicates clearly about what they know and do not yet know, and remains open to feedback.
• Anticipation, Initiative, and Preparation
  • Shows early awareness of upcoming tasks, dependencies, and potential issues; prepares work products in advance and takes initiative to seek clarification or resources.
• Risk-Centered Mindset
  • Understands that data engineering decisions have downstream impacts; recognizes basic operational, security, and data-quality risks and follows established controls and standards.
• Professional Stewardship
  • Treats data, systems, and access with care and responsibility; adheres to policies, ethical expectations, and best practices for safeguarding organizational assets.
• Learning Orientation and Coachability
  • Actively seeks to understand tools, processes, and context; incorporates feedback, documents lessons learned, and demonstrates steady skill progression.
• Communication and Candor
  • Displays active listening skills; communicates technical information clearly and honestly with peers and supervisors; raises issues early rather than allowing problems to propagate.
• Accountability and Reliability
  • Follows through on assigned tasks, meets commitments, and owns mistakes as learning opportunities rather than deflecting responsibility.
• Collaboration and Team Awareness
  • Works effectively within a team environment, understands their role in the broader data pipeline, and respects handoffs and dependencies.

Required Skills, Experience & Education

• Active TS security clearance and eligibility for SCI and NATO read on prior to starting work
• Bachelor's degree in a discipline covered under Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) with up to 2 years' experience as a software engineer or a data engineer
• Up to 2 year experience with Python, Java, or other programming languages, e.g., in an academic or professional environment.
• Up to 2 year experience with Git repositories and CI/CD pipelines. Examples include but are not limited to GitHub and GitLab, e.g., in an academic or professional environment.
• Up to 2 year experience with distributed parallel streaming and batch data processing pipelines, e.g., in an academic or professional environment.
• Up to 2 year experience integrating with data SDKs / APIs and data analytics SDKs / APIs, e.g., in an academic or professional environment.
• Knowledge of database management systems, query languages, table relationships, and views.
• Skill in communicating in writing.
• Skill in communicating verbally.

Desired Skills/Experience

• Up to 2 years' experience as a data engineer
• Up to 2 years' experience applying agile methodologies to the software development life cycle (SDLC)
• 1 year of experience developing, operating, and maintaining data processing pipelines in a classified environment
• 1 year of experience data mapping, modeling, enriching, and correlating classified data
• 1 year of experience with Python / PySpark
• 1 year of experience with Java / Java interface to Spark
• 1 year of experience with Palantir Foundry • Knowledge of cloud computing deployment models in private, public, and hybrid environment and the difference between on-premises and off-premises environments.
• Knowledge of cloud computing service models Software as Service (SaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), and Platform as a Service (PaaS).
• Knowledge of data security roles and responsibilities.
• Knowledge of database access application programming interfaces (APIs) (e.g., Java Database Connectivity [JDBC]).
• Knowledge of data administration and data standardization policies and standards.
• Knowledge of data operations (DataOps) processes and best practices.
• Skill in analyzing information from multiple sources.
• Skill in creating technical documentation
• Skill in analyzing large data sets.
• Skill in collaborating with stakeholders.
• Certification at the IAM II level, e.g., Security+ CE, GSLC.

Application Deadline: March 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:

$12,000 - $150,000 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).