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Data Engineer SME (Elasticsearch)

Kforce Federal Solutions

Posted today

Job Requirements

Huntsville, AL
Top Secret Polygraph not specified
Career Level not specified
$140,000 - $180,000

Job Description

Data Engineer (SME) – OpenSearch / Elasticsearch – TS Cleared
Location: Huntsville, AL (Redstone Arsenal – Onsite M–F, Core Hours)
Clearance: Active Top Secret Required
Employment Type: W2 Consultant (Kforce)
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), and more

Contact Recruiter Directly:
Brenton Anderson
Email: banderson3@kforce.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/myitrecruiterbrenton/

Overview
We are seeking a SME-Level Data Engineer specializing in OpenSearch / Elasticsearch to support a mission-critical federal program focused on advanced analytics, operational intelligence, and national security initiatives.
This is a high-impact, hands-on role working with search and analytics platforms to process and analyze sensitive data in secure environments. Your work will directly support decision advantage and operational readiness.
You will play a key role in designing, optimizing, and sustaining search infrastructure and data ingestion pipelines in a highly collaborative, mission-driven setting.

Key Responsibilities

Design, implement, and optimize OpenSearch / Elasticsearch clusters for performance and scalability
Build and maintain data ingestion pipelines using Logstash, Beats, and Kafka
Enhance data indexing, search performance, and query efficiency across large datasets
Support backend data processing and search analytics within AWS environments
Monitor and tune system performance to ensure high availability and reliability
Collaborate with cross-functional teams across engineering, analytics, and infrastructure
Ensure data integrity and consistency across ingestion and indexing pipelines
Support secure data handling and compliance requirements within a cleared environment


Required Qualifications

Active Top Secret clearance
Strong experience with OpenSearch and/or Elasticsearch (cluster design, optimization)
Experience building ingestion pipelines using Logstash, Beats, and Kafka
Experience supporting data processing and search platforms within AWS environments
Experience working with large, complex datasets in secure or regulated environments
Ability to operate at a senior/SME level, owning solutions end-to-end


Work Environment

Fully onsite at Redstone Arsenal (Huntsville, AL)
Monday–Friday within standard core business hours
Secure facility requiring strict adherence to security protocols
Fast-paced, mission-focused environment supporting real-world operational needs
Direct collaboration with highly skilled technical teams


Why Join Kforce?
As a W2 consultant with Kforce, you’ll have access to a strong benefits package and ongoing support:

Aetna Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
401(k) retirement plan with options to invest
Competitive weekly pay
Paid time off (where applicable)
Dedicated recruiter and care team support
Opportunities to work on high-visibility, mission-driven programs


Impact
This role offers the opportunity to directly support national security initiatives by delivering advanced search and analytics capabilities that enable mission-critical decision-making in a secure environment.

Apply Today
Join a team where your expertise in search platforms, data ingestion, and analytics engineering directly contributes to mission success.
group id: kforcecx
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Name HiddenTalent Associate

We offer roles across all three clearance levels: Confidential, Secret and Top Secret. With a Top Secret Facilities clearance, a proven subcontractor track record and a deep understanding of agencies across Defense, Intelligence, Homeland, Justice and Federal Civilian Sectors, Kforce brings more than 20 years of experience to supporting critical missions at federal, state and local levels.

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About Us
Kforce is a solutions firm specializing in technology, finance and accounting, and professional staffing services. Our KNOWLEDGEforce® empowers top companies to achieve their digital transformation goals. We curate teams of technical experts who deliver solutions custom-tailored to each client’s needs. These scalable, flexible outcomes are shaped by deep market knowledge, thought leadership and our multi-industry expertise.
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Job Category
IT - Data Science
Clearance Level
Top Secret