Job Requirements
Austin, TX San Antonio, TX Houston, TX McKinney, TX Plano, TX
Top Secret Polygraph not specified
Career Level not specified
$140,000 - $180,000
Job Description
Note: This role would require relocating if not local to Huntsville, Alabama
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.
The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.
We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.
Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.
This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.
Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.
By clicking “Apply Today” you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages or emails from Kforce and its affiliates, and service providers. Note that if you choose to communicate with Kforce via text messaging the frequency may vary, and message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You will always have the right to cease communicating via text by using key words such as STOP.
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.
The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.
We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.
Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.
This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.
Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.
By clicking “Apply Today” you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages or emails from Kforce and its affiliates, and service providers. Note that if you choose to communicate with Kforce via text messaging the frequency may vary, and message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You will always have the right to cease communicating via text by using key words such as STOP.
group id: kforcecx
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.
