Data Engineer

Job ID: 9660

Date Posted: September 30, 2026

Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking a Data Engineer to join our C4ISR Division.

This position is embedded with a Government customer to support the design and implementation of a data infrastructure for an intelligence weapons system(s). The selected candidate will work closely with the customer and cross-functional teams to deliver scalable, reliable data solutions. This role is ideal for someone with a strong foundation in data engineering who is ready to take ownership of data architectural designs.

This position will be full-time onsite, non-remote in Stafford, VA.

The Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) Systems Division delivers mission-critical solutions, specializing in cyber operations, information architecture, strategic deterrence, and ISR. Our division’s commitment to innovation and security enables us to provide critical solutions across defense, intelligence, and national security. Join our team and contribute to the next generation of defense technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborates with stakeholders to translate business and operations requirements into data models and pipelines
• Assists in evaluating and implementing tools and processes to support data engineering initiatives
• Monitors, troubleshoots, and optimizes existing data workflows and systems
• Documents data models, pipelines, and processes to support data, information, and knowledge sharing
• Designs data strategy for integration of data from multiple sources, ensuring security and compliance
• Creates conceptual, logical, and physical data models

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, data engineering, or related field
• 2+ years of relevant experience
• Advanced SQL skills with experience building complex transformations and data models in a relational database
• Proficiency in Python for data pipeline development, automation, or API integrations
• Proficiency with data architecture and data modeling
• Proficiency with data pipeline design, implementation, and operations
• Familiarity with software configuration management tools and processes
• Ability to establish and maintain effective team relationships
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
• Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Experience working with U.S. Government customers
• Experience with Risk Management Framework
• Experience working in an Agile or DevOps environment
• Experience with data observability, testing, and quality frameworks
• Familiarity with Big Data processing tools (Hadoop, Spark, NiFi, etc.)
• Experience designing, building, and maintaining scalable data pipelines
• Experience implementing and promoting best practices for data governance, data quality, and observability
• Experience designing and implementing data pipelines and data models

Salary Range

• $94,000 - $208,000

This range serves as a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as role, level, location, market conditions, and individual qualifications, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The range displayed in the job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries across all US locations. Specific salary details for a candidate’s preferred location can be provided by the recruiter or HR manager during the hiring process.

Why Join SDL?

SDL offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. Visit our Benefits Page to learn more about what we offer.

SDL supports a variety of missions, including NASA’s vision to reveal the unknown for the benefit of humankind and the Department of Defense’s aim to protect our Nation on the ground, in the air, and in space. Our sensors, satellites, software systems, and science and engineering play an essential role in some important missions you’ve heard of, and others that you haven’t. Join our team in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.

At SDL, we uphold a culture of respect, collaboration, empowerment, and accountability. We listen with open minds, seek to understand diverse perspectives, and engage in thoughtful dialogue. We work together by sharing knowledge, involving others, and offering support. We trust and empower our team members to take ownership, act with integrity, and be accountable. Above all, we deliver on our commitments to each other and to our mission partners.

The application window for this position is expected to remain open for approximately 7 days. However, it may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications promptly.

For questions, assistance, or accommodation with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact employment@sdl.usu.edu.